Gone are the days of predictable wallpaper. The latest trend to move the interior design industry is artificially treated leather wallpaper. There has been an increase in the use of leather as wall coverings, desktops, drawer fronts and other case goods. Tim Beckett, director of international sales, Townsend Leather says, "The trend to use leather as wall covering is international. We have worked on global projects where leather was applied to the wall. From high-end hospitality, casinos, and restaurant applications to private residences, both large and small projects use leather wallpaper nowadays."

Girish Chatpar, architect and interior designer says, "In India, a lot of artificial leather is also used as panelling or is embossed on the wallpaper. This gives it a very different look and feel to the wall. In terms of design, there are a lot of different textures such as the butch-stitch, given to the wallpaper." Yusuf Merchant, regional manager Stanley Lifestyle says, "Using leather as a wallpaper is a tedious process. Leather has to be clad on a ply and then cut and pasted on the wallpaper. Then it has to be cut and sewed on the wallpaper, depending on the sort of design you want."

Beckett points out that where residential applications are concerned, the trend is towards the "safer", more traditional colors, looks, and textures. The color palette is neutral, browns, tans, and honeys, and the preferred look is a more natural or simple. But, hotels and casinos prefer to have more of an edge to the colors and textures used.

Of course, the key or deciding factor is your budget. Beckett says, "Leather for wall coverings is definitely a premium product, appropriate for high-end applications and not suitable for every project. The cost of each project varies as each project requires customization."the luxurious feel: Faux leather wallpaper