Leather Tiles
Leather . It ’ s sensual when worn , and that goes for both clothing and walls . That may account for the demand for fine leather tiles in lieu of other luxury wallcoverings . With different shapes , sizes and compositions , it ’ s possible to create a textural mosaic that brings a distinctive touch to an upscale room .
“ Discerning clients demand their interior designers create unique spaces that reflect their lifestyle and personality , and that applies to wallcoverings ,” says Paolo Timoni of IMAESTRI , who exclusively handles U . S . sales for leather wall tile leader Lapèlle . “ To help interior designers meet the demand of highly sophisticated clients , Lapèlle has created unique leather tiles that offer unprecedented quality and flexibility , with 14 collections , each with different textures and finishes and available in a range of at least 15 to 20 colors and in 14 different shapes and sizes .”
PHOTO COURTESY OF IMAESTRI
Lapèlle ’ s leather tiles absorb sound and can be adapted to flat or curved surfaces .
The panoramic “ Albemarle ” offers vibrant color on a non-woven background .
MURAL PHOTOS © PAUL MONTGOMERY
Paul Montgomery ’ s “ Passiflora ” features passion flower vines painted on creamcolored tea paper in coral and lively greens .
Murals
Scientists believe that paintings depicting seals on Spain ’ s Costa del Sol are the world ’ s oldest works of art . Forty-two thousand years later , murals remain a popular artistic expression — albeit with exceedingly more sophisticated techniques .
“ Murals were among the very first interior decorations , as seen in prehistoric cave paintings ,” says renowned custom artist Paul Montgomery , whose work is showcased worldwide in luxury residences and hotels . “ We have always been tuned into nature , history , architecture and landscapes .”
While custom murals and larger-scale design have experienced a recent resurgence among luxury clientele , Montgomery says it ’ s not about chasing trends . “ Classic designs cannot be improved upon , just reinterpreted in thoughtful and exciting ways . The fact that these pieces are less intimidating than they once were , partially thanks to advanced techniques that allow many of them to be hand-painted in the studio and finished onsite , is also a factor .”
50 | HOMES & ESTATES