IN FOCUS | SEAGRASS RUGS
At the end of last year, we added some earthy seagrass rugs to our collection. These pieces have been handwoven exclusively for Imprint House by artisans in Vietnam.
HISTORY + HOW IT'S MADE
Seagrass matting was originally created by Vietnamese communities who used it as a natural insulation to battle cold temperatures during the winter months.
During harvest season, in small villages in Vietnam, artisans and farmers begin the many stages of seagrass rug production, a tradition that dates back centuries.
Farmers work closely with the land and soil to maintain the healthy growth of the seagrass reeds. It is then harvested and dried in the field before being transferred to machine that dries it further. This makes the grass durable and sturdy enough to weave. Artisans then use a time-honoured technique to weave the mats together - the end result being a natural, textural and timeless piece.
Seagrass mats were increasingly popular during 1960’s due to their organic, earthy feel and because of this, they echo the relaxed, retro atmosphere of a 'time gone by'. They were most often used as flooring in the entire room rather than as moveable rugs.
Now we are beginning to see stylists and designers use seagrass rugs more frequently to elevate their interiors and introduce a rustic warmth. The diversity of the product allows designers to use it for many interiors styles.
WHY CHOOSE SEAGRASS
Seagrass is a strong natural fibre that is renewable and fast growing, making it both sustainable with a cradle-to-grave lifecycle. The growth of seagrass in its natural environment improves water quality and reduces carbon levels, and once harvested, grows back quickly making a renewable fibre. The quality of the fibres and construction mean that the rugs are durable and lightweight. They are also timeless due to the artisanal and age-old weaving traditions.
HOW TO STYLE
From their humble beginnings in traditional Vietnamese homes, seagrass rugs have been more recently adapted and elevated to suit contemporary homes.
A beautiful addition to your living room, dining room or bedroom and suiting a range of interiors and adding a textual warmth to your home. A seagrass rug in itself can be an organic focal point of a room due to its timeless charm, but it can also be a blank canvas for you to build upon. Seagrass works well as a base layer for your interior as it doesn't overwhelm the space or look too busy with other mats or rugs on top.
Seagrass rugs featured in the cottage of George & Angela Hensler located on the coast of Maui, Hawaii. Designed by Area Studios via Remodelista.
Villa Maria built 1939 in Noormarkuum Finland. The home of Harry & Marie Gullichsen, designed by Finnish modernist architect Alva Aalto.
Image via Arch Daily.
'Angler's Shack' by interior designer Simone Haag on Philip's Island, Victoria. Image via Bed Threads.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SEAGRASS RUG
To keep your rug clean and fresh vacuum regularly or shake outside to dislodge any dust or dirt. This is a great option for you if you don't have a vacuum machine within your home.
Keep your rug away from water and if stains occur, spot clean with a damp cloth. If does it gets wet, allow too dry in sunlight. Long exposure to sunlight can cause rug to become brittle, affecting the durability of the product.