Objects of Design #364: Leather Wall Tiles

Earlier in the week, I ran a post on the return of Anaglypta wallpaper which proved as polarising as I expected. But then I was sent details of these leather tiles, which I’m happy to predict will not provoke such a strong reaction (well not until you see the price anyway).

So it got me thinking (cue Carrie Bradshaw style voiceover) can textured walls ever be cool?

There’s no doubt that Anaglypta, and its heavier cousin Lincrusta, have a bad reputation; conjuring up images of dank student accommodation, dodgy rented flats and fusty old apartments belonging to Miss Havisham types.

But I think it’s a question of packaging. After all, some of the patterns are unquestionably beautiful. And paint them in strong matt colours or give them a shiny metallic finish and a textured wall becomes a thing of beauty.

I’m willing to bet that the thought of these leather wall tiles doesn’t send you screaming for the hills does it? Instead you’re thinking luxury, warmth, tactile. But would you like them less if they were made from paper?

Now there’s no question that most of us can’t afford a leather wall but we can enjoy the pictures, perhaps even pinning them to the fantasy house board that we all have these days.

If anyone is reading who would like details they are as follows. Made by Studioart, an Italian brand run by Nadia and Gianfranco Dalle Mese in the family tannery in the leather district of Vicenza.