Rush, Rush

[Yep, that's a Paula Abdul reference; you're welcome.]

For Christmas, I received Ben Pentreath's book English Decoration and promptly began studying it. What appealed to me about the book was the English approach to interior design that Pentreath presents: imperfect, collected, aged, loved, layered. 

Aren't those adjectives we'd all like to use about our own homes?

Examining the pictures inside, I noticed a running theme, a recurrent element appearing in many of the homes featured in the book: the use of rush matting as a rug or rug underpinning. Traditional rush matting or baskets, like grasscloth or linen, is a staple in decorating with texture (and a decorating staple in England, in particular). So why not learn a little more about it?

The rush used for matting and woven baskets is sourced using the same traditional methods that have been used for centuries. Bulrush grows at riversides across England and the leaves are collected mid-summer, when they are left to dry. Once dry, the leaves can range in color from buff to gray to green, which makes for an interesting strie of color when a rug or basket is plaited. Because the bulrush plant regrows quickly, this product is sustainable.

Unlike other woven natural materials, like jute or seagrass, rush matting is soft and durable. It is so popular in Britain, in fact, that matting is also constructed to be wall-to-wall carpeting. 

(via Pinterest)

There is a lot to like about rush. Rush matting is subtle. If you search for it, you find it quietly occupying the floor space of some very chic rooms. It's comprised of a subdued pattern that won't clash with other prints, but rather provides a nice backdrop for a wool rug, new or worn.

(via House to Home UK)

(via Conran Shop)

(via Cote de Texas)

(via Ben Pentreath)
Bulrush is also used to construct those traditional woven baskets that we all love and admire at the hearth side of many English homes. Their large plaits make for a chunky, sizable container that holds large logs with grace and ease.

(via Pinterest)
Because the baskets are woven by hand by a craftsman, their prices aren't for the faint of heart; but someday, I hope to have a genuine, traditional English rush basket. In the meantime, maybe I can settle for the Williams-Sonoma version...what do you think?

(via Williams-Sonoma)

Do you have any rush matting or woven rush baskets in your home?
If money were no object, would you consider adding some rush matting to your space?
I hope you loved discovering a bit more about this material like I did.