New York, NY, September 21, 2006--Leather has now been applied to a versatile and durable new idea in floor and wall covering--magnetism.
The Pampa Leather Collection consists of chic, sleek, large-format tiles, cleverly magnetized so that they may be snugly installed over ordinary sheet metal without mortar, grout or adhesives. Artistic Tile, a leading importer of luxury tile, has introduced the line, available in showrooms nationwide.
"We change our clothing, handbags and shoes with the season, why not our tile?" posits Nancy Epstein, Founder and CEO of Artistic Tile, and its head of new product development. "Rather than old-fashioned summer slipcovers, why not change the look of the entire room by switching the floor or wall from the warmth of naturally fur-covered cowhide tile to a smooth leather tile for the warmer months," she adds.
Epstein found the new tile concept in Argentina, working with the expert tanners and craftspeople there to create a distinctive line of 18" x 18" tiles for Artistic Tile that will be stocked in America for quick shipping. Limitless custom sizes, finishes and colors will also be available by special order. All will be crafted with the ingenious magnetized backing and treated for stain resistance.
The tiles are so durable that Epstein recommends them even for commercial installations such as hotel suites. "Leather is a soft, warm surface without many of the issues of carpets such as allergens. If you have a problem with a given tile, within thirty seconds you can pick it up and replace it rather than replacing an entire carpet," she says.
The quality and rich provenance of the leather itself was another reason Epstein chose it for her line. The tile has a rich history that began in Italy, birthplace of Italian master tanners, in the 19th century. A descendent of these master tanners has revived the family tradition, adding new technologies to old-world craftsmanship, and utilizing the fine cowhides available in Argentina.
