US-based luxury tile company Artistic Tile has introduced The Pampa Leather Collection, large-format leather tiles that are magnetised so that they can be installed over ordinary sheet metal without mortar, grout or adhesives.

Various custom sizes, finishes and colours will be available in addition to the standard 18” by 18” tile. All will feature the magnetised backing and will be treated for stain resistance.

The tiles are also recommended for commercial installations such as hotel suites as leather offers a soft, warm surface without many of the problems caused by carpets, such as allergens. A damaged tile can be replaced much more easily than an entire carpet, Ms Epstein pointed out.

The tiles are made by Italian tanners using Argentinean cowhides.