Relaxed choices

As more of us seek to create healthy homes that minimize impact on the environment, the popularity of natural fibers, such as sisal, is fast increasing. And you don't need to live in a log cabin to enjoy the benefits of these natural materials: aesthetic considerations are important, too, says Eric Scharff of Natural Elements.

"If you're looking for a more casual ambiance than formal carpets normally provide sisal is ideal, as it imparts a soft sheen and a subtle texture," he says. "Natural Elements has a wide assortment of patterns and colors, so you can be as creative as you like in your choice."

Larger patterns are popular at the moment, says Scharff, as are darker color choices, such as brown and heather.

"Sisal offers a cost-effective way of introducing patterned flooring into your home, as it's less expensive than traditional Wilton or tufted patterns in carpeting," he says.

It is also an environmentally friendly option for the home, as the sisal plant is a rapidly renewable resource, and only a very small amount of very low-VOC latex is used in production.

Sisal does not build up static or trap dust, and regular vacuuming will keep the flooring in good condition. Its durability means that sisal is suitable for any room in the home.

As well as wall-to-wall sisal flooring, Natural Elements produces custom-made sisal rugs. The rugs can be made in any size, with around 300 border options in a range of natural materials, including linen, cotton, leather and jute.

Natural Elements sources its sisal fibers from agave sislana plants grown in East Africa, considered by industry experts to be the best sisal growing area in the world. The company also produces natural flooring and rugs using a mix of sisal and abaca, coir, seagrass, mountaingrass and New Zealand wool.

For more information, contact Natural Elements, 430 Union Grove Road, Calhoun, GA 30701, phone (800) 834 1728, fax (706) 629 4551. Email: info@glen-eden.com, or visit the website: www.glen-eden.com.

Story by: Trendsideas