Crucial Trading’s Scott Hosie walks you through the different looks and feels of natural flooring materials for each part of your home, to achieve a mix of healthy as well as characterful spaces

When determining the interior design scheme for your home-building project, one of the most influential decisions is what flooring you choose. Whether you are looking at a single room or an open plan space, how you bring in and layer different materials, textures and colours on the floor can help to not only define your aesthetic – contemporary or traditional, minimalist or maximalist – but how well your spaces stand up to the wear and tear of everyday life. 

THE BENEFITS OF NATURAL MATERIALS 

Natural materials have become a popular choice for all kinds of floor coverings, from rugs and runners to full carpets. Of course, this is nothing new. People have been drawing on the robust beauty of both animal and plant fibres to add warmth and personality to their homes for centuries. However, with trends towards organic, nature-inspired decor and a desire for durable finishes that will last, many homeowners are looking at ways they can use these beautiful materials.

So which natural materials should I use, and where? Ultimately, it all comes down to taste, preference and budget. However, there are some materials which are better suited for certain environments.

WOOL

It is often the go-to natural floorcovering material, and for good reason. Available in a myriad of colours and weaves, it is often used as a full carpet treatment, but can add a sense of warmth and luxury when used as a layering material over a wooden floor or highly textured materials like seagrass or coir. Its fluffy fibres help to better insulate spaces, keeping spaces cosy and reducing noise transmission from room to room – making it especially ideal for spaces in upper levels. 

Despite this plush finish, wool isn’t reserved for bedrooms or other low-traffic rooms. The crimped structure and natural oil content of wool fibres means it has stain-resistant qualities and bounces back after being walked on, reducing the risk of tracking marks and keeping your carpet or rug looking good for years to come. This makes wool ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms. 

Wool also carries some natural air purification qualities, trapping allergens until vacuuming and balancing humidity by absorbing moisture and releasing it during dry spells. 

PLANT FIBRES – SISAL, SEAGRASS, COIR & JUTE 

For designs that really want to lean into the natural feel, floorcoverings made from plant fibres can be the ideal option. These can be woven to create different structures – like boucle, herringbone, basket weave – and some even subtly dyed to create a variety of finishes, making them ideal for all kinds of homes and aesthetic visions from country
house chic to boho elegance. Whilst they don’t offer the same softness as wool, their hardwearing properties often see them used in high-traffic areas such as runners or carpets in hallways, or as rugs overlayed on wood or carpet for added interest and protection in places where people congregate like living and dining rooms. 

To narrow down your material choices, it is important to be aware of the inherent differences between natural fibres. For example, sisal is a hugely popular sustainable material choice that offers a rich palette of natural shades – from soft creams to deep browns. Made from tough agave plant fibres, it is naturally very dense, making it resistant to compression from constant foot traffic or heavy furniture. However, sisal fibres are absorbent, meaning it is not ideal in spaces where moisture could be present. 

Alternatively, seagrass is non-porous, with a durable waxy coating. This makes it ideal for areas which may experience some moisture such as entryways or homes with children or animals. What’s more, its natural green shade also mellows over time, giving you a floor covering that will evolve, becoming warmer and richer over time. It is also softer than other plant fibres, making it a tactile choice for areas where you’ll be able to fully appreciate the fibres under your feet. 

Another soft yet durable choice is jute. Typically used in rugs or runners, it can endure high levels of footfall while still offering an attractive, calming addition
to spaces such as living rooms, snugs, or bedrooms. 

For an even more robust finish, you can look to Coir. Crafted from the fibrous husks of a coconut, this is a low-maintenance and exceedingly tough choice perfect for transitional spaces where the interior meets the exterior, such as hallways, porches, or boot rooms – making the most of both its natural dirt and water-resistant properties and its welcoming, golden brown hues.

HYBRID MATERIALS – SISOOL

Debating between the warmth of wool and the robustness of plant fibre materials? Sisool offers the best of both worlds. Soft pockets of warm wool are interlaced with strong, resilient sisal fibres for a comfortable yet robust finish. Available in a range of weave patterns, offering everything from a flat to a bobbled finish, this distinctive blend of organic materials offers a unique option for carpets and rugs for places where you want a soft underfoot but need something a bit more robust, such as living rooms or playrooms. 

NATURAL HARMONY 

Whatever your style, using natural floorcoverings can not only add texture and tactility to your spaces, but also offer a multitude of benefits to your home. From improving air quality to managing dirt and moisture, embracing what nature has to offer can ensure your floors remain attractive, functional and loved for many years to come.

Scott Hosie is head of product at Crucial Trading