Sisal carpets are now appearing in more than just neutral colors.

While looking for carpeting at one of my trade resources, I was amazed at all the new color directions that sisal carpeting is available in. These options are so refreshing after past years of sisals being limited to neutral tones.

While we use it regularly in carpet, rarely do we think about where sisal comes from. Sisal has been with us for some time. Its beginnings are at the start of civilization, with the early Egyptians. Then in the 19th century, sisal cultivation spread to the Caribbean islands, Florida, Asia, the African countries of Tanzania and Kenya, and Brazil, which is now the world’s major producer.

Sisal comes from the agave plant, meaning it is a natural fiber not animal or synthetic. Agave is actually the same plant we get tequila from, making it a very versatile plant. It is very durable and soft, which allows the fibers to be used in making area rugs and broadlooms. It is sound-absorbing, fire-retardant and anti-static, so does not need any topical treatments for as other type of rugs do. Of all the natural fibers, such as hemp, jute and flax, it is the strongest. Combined with that it is well-priced. But, sisals do have a negative side to them, which is that any spills are difficult to remove.

Concepts International has introduced new colors previously unknown in sisals. Pictured above are their soft apple green and sky blue sisals, and they also have ones in rose colored and olive green. While these new pastel colors are bright, fun and eye catching, they are not as bold as a new one by Knob Hill. It is a black and white checkerboard pattern, which reminds me of the effect of using a mix of black and white marble floor tiles.

Herringbone patterns have also expanded in color selections as is seen with this emerald green rug by Prestige Mills. An overlapping loop pattern has had a long history of being used. Now the overlapping loops have grown to a very large loop and have color options such as blacks, deep browns and greys. Pictured is a large loop sisal by Prestige Mill in a shade called Cocoa. And the traditional patterns in mini squares, diamonds and latticework are still with us.

I have used sisal rugs, when I want a rug to define a seating arrangement and tie it together without introducing a lot of color or pattern. They are good rug choices that will allow your furniture and furnishings to stand out and be the focal points of interest in a room. Inside or outside, do not overlook sisals for what they bring to a space.

Teal Michel ASID, is a licensed full-service interior design firm specializing in residential interior design and renovation-remodeling design throughout the Carolinas. Teal has won awards from ASID for interior spaces and furniture design and from the Home Builder’s Association of Charlotte Excellence in Remodeling for remodel design and interior renovation. She has participated in HGTV’s “Designer’s Challenge” and her work has been featured in several books. www.tealmichelasid.com. Read her past columns on DavidsonNews.net.