Woven Coastal Artistry with Noosa Rugs & Mats
Nicole May uncovers the art of the barefoot-friendly alfresco, where artisanal textures and UV-stable fibres defy the humidity to elevate sophisticated, all-weather alfresco living.
Let’s be honest – in Noosa, our outdoor spaces aren’t just occasional seating spaces; we inhabit them. But while we’ve mastered the art of the alfresco, some of us are yet to keep up with the floor coverings, struggling to find something to last in the damp reality of a sub-tropical summer.
I’ve been diving into the science of the weave, discovering that the secret to a functional outdoor space isn’t just about style – it’s about finding a material that actually knows how to breathe. From surprisingly soft rugs spun out of recycled plastic bottles that mimic the tactile luxury of wool, to high-quality handmade weaves from India, there’s a world of high-performance fibres designed to defy the humidity.
Enter Noosa Mats & Rugs, run by Felicity and Adrian Lemke. Having taken over the iconic store nearly one year ago, the couple have a beautifully friendly manner and deliver good old-fashioned service. Walking into their showroom, you aren’t met with a mere showcase of samples; instead, you find a treasure trove of over 1,000 rugs ready to be rolled up and taken home the same day.
“Many people mistakenly assume we are just a showroom where items must be ordered,” Felicity says while navigating the sea of textures. “They’re often surprised to find we have such a large variety of rugs in our showroom and how reasonable the pricing is.”
The outdoor range defies everything you thought you knew about synthetic materials and scratchy, plastic-feeling mats or buying online and hoping for the best, the modern outdoor rug is a master of disguise. The beauty of shopping in-store is that you can feel it for yourself to see if it’ll work in your home.
“These are the unsung hereos of the Noosa home,” Felicity explains, pointing to a range of rugs that look remarkably like high-end wool. “They are UV stabilised, meaning they won’t fade in our harsh sun, and they can literally be hosed off if the kids spill their lunch or the dog brings in the garden.”
The secret to their success in the Noosa climate is breathability. In a region where mould is a constant adversary, the construction of these rugs is key. Most of the outdoor range stocked by Noosa Mats & Rugs is designed to be thin and porous.
“As soon as a bit of sun hits them, they dry right out,” Felicity says. “We always tell people to move them occasionally, especially after heavy rain, just to let the floor underneath catch some light and air.”
For those seeking a touch of sustainable luxury, Felicity reveals a range made entirely from recycled plastic bottles (PET). It is a tactile revelation – soft, dense, and visually indistinguishable from natural wool.
Plus, it’s the perfect solution for high-traffic areas, built to withstand the rigours of wear and tear. Then they’ve got the high-quality choice: the handmade collection from India. Felicity speaks with passion about the craftsmanship behind these pieces.
“These aren’t machine-made; they are unique, handmade works of art,” she says. “Because they are heavier and more densely woven, they sit perfectly flat on the ground – no curling at the edges, even in a stiff coastal breeze.”
Styling these spaces, however, is where many locals feel stuck but Felicity’s advice is simple: bring photos and measurements.
“The larger the rug, the larger the space looks,” she insists. “It’s a trick of the eye. A small rug in a big space actually makes the whole room feel imbalanced.
“We look at the textures already in the room. If you have a bouclé couch, you don’t want a bouclé rug – it’s too much of the same. Instead, we’d recommend flat weaves or short piles to create that visual balance.
“Whether you’re drawing on the earthy tones or coastal blues, the goal is to complement, not compete.”
As summer approaches and we all venture back outside, it’s clear that a rug is no longer just an indoor luxury. And if you’re truly unsure, Noosa Mats & Rugs offers you the opportunity for an in-home trial so that you can see how the rug looks in your space. It is the finishing touch that elevates a deck. And with the right material – one that breathes with the humidity and stands up to the sun – you can enjoy the outdoors with the entire family.
HUMDITY HACKS
Living in Noosa means embracing the moisture, but your rugs don’t have to. Felicity Lemke shares her top tips for keeping outdoor spaces fresh:
Keep it Breathable: opt for thinner, UV-stabilised weaves that dry rapidly.
The Floor Check: Every so often, move your rug to let the floor underneath breathe and dry out – it’s usually the floor that traps the moisture, not the rug.
Suction Only: Skip the bristle head on your vacuum. To protect the integrity of the fibres and intricate plaits, use a simple suction vacuum.
For more advice and to shop the range visit www.noosarugs.com.au
