Homes & Estates

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 com- positions, it’s possible to create a textural mosaic that brings a distinctive touch to an upscale room. “Discerning clients demand their interior de- signers 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 high- ly sophisticated clients, Lapèlle has created unique leather tiles that offer unprecedented quality and flex- ibility, 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.”

Lapèlle’s leather tiles absorb sound and can be adapted to flat or curved surfaces.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMAESTRI

The panoramic “Albemarle” offers vibrant color on a non-woven background.

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 dec- orations, 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 tech- niques that allow many of them to be hand-painted in the studio and finished onsite, is also a factor.”

Paul Montgomery’s “Passiflora” features passion flower vines painted on cream- colored tea paper in coral and lively greens.

MURAL PHOTOS ©PAUL MONTGOMERY

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