Loving Leather
Photography: Timothy Thimmes
You know it when you see it. When you feel the luxurious, supple texture of leather, it is simply irresistible. Like a bottle of fine wine, premium leather is a product of its environment, processing and age. The natural beauty of leather is sophisticated, timeless and hip, all at once.
The influence of one of the world’s foremost architects, Ludwig Miles van der Rohe, began the 20th century’s love affair with leather furnishings. Originally commissioned in 1929 to design the German pavilion for the Barcelona Fair—still considered one of the most elegant buildings ever created—he also designed furniture to complement the structure’s importance. The Barcelona chair, now famous for its sleek stainless steel frame, sculptural lines and top-grain natural leather, was van der Rohe’s response to elegance. “This was not a private affair; this was a government building. The chair had to seem elegant and costly; it had to be monumental,” said van der Rohe. His interpretive use of leather in the Barcelona chair set the standard for leather furnishings for the rest of the modern world. Today, the Barcelona chair, which is manufactured by Knoll, Inc. using the designer’s original specifications, is stamped with von der Rohe’s signature and costs around $3,300.
Butterscotch leather couches may be the rage in downtown lofts across Los Angeles, but how will leather look in your Deer Valley mansion or turn-of-the-century Old Town Victorian? The versatile qualities of leather blend with both contemporary and traditional furnishings and can be considered for any type of home. When looking for the ideal leather sectional, think first about what is truly suitable for your home and your lifestyle. Kelly Wallman, owner of San Francisco Design in Park City and Salt Lake City, enthusiastically claims that leather “is just perfect for the mountains.”
Premium leather is always referred to as top grain. Its suppleness and uniformity is determined by the animal’s origin and the finishing process. According to Wallman, cows raised on fertile soil and in the cooler climates of Germany and Sweden make the best hides. Hides tanned in Italy provide the final stamp of excellence.
She believes Italy’s “Elmo” label is the finest leather money can buy.
A cow has its own natural pigmentation and markings in its skin. These are the characteristics that vary from hide to hide as well as within each hide. As many as five cowhides may be used in covering a sofa, which is why cow hides are typically used rather than the hides of smaller animals like goats. (Although goat leather was the preferred choice for Chippendale designers.)
It is unlikely two hides will ever be identical. Grain pattern variations are standard in any cowhide and unique to each hide. The life of a cow, its encounters with barbed wire, bug bites and healed scratches are what give leather unique qualities. These naturally occurring imperfections do not affect the strength of the leather and are an inherent aspect of leather’s beauty.
The manner in which leather is tanned and finished affects its appearance and durability. “Corrected” leather is sanded to remove blemishes, giving the hide a uniform look with better color consistency. However, sanding obliterates the grain and natural markings. Another method uses heat or high pressure rollers. With these methods, markings can be smoothed, or the leather exterior can be patterned with printing and embossing. Usually, a protective coating is applied for stain resistance.
By contrast, “uncorrected” leather has a more natural appearance. The characteristics of the hide, such as scars, wrinkles and shading variations are revealed. These hides are softer to the touch, and as the leather ages, a subtle patina emerges on its surface. This type of leather is not as stain resistant as “corrected” leather.
Because leather is a natural material, it breathes, remaining cool in the summer and retaining its heat in winter. It is also fire resistant, but does not emit toxic fumes. Leather furniture is durable, outlasting fabric four to one. The average lifespan of a good quality leather chair is 15 to 20 years compared to five years for most fabrics.
JoAnn Krajeski, interior designer at Design Coalition, likes to use leather in mountain west homes because it’s natural and contemporary. Leather furniture can be mixed with other design elements, like sheepskin. The trend this season is embossed leathers and color. “People are doing leather in colors,” she says, “like bright green, for instance, and often mixing two or three colors in one piece.”
Amazingly, techniques for innovative interior designs don’t stop with raised, woven and dyed leathers. Cowhide is showing up on floors and walls in 10- and 12- inch square tiles. When it comes to the intoxicating choices of leather and its variety of uses in home furnishings, however, Krajeski’s motto sounds like sage advice: “Less is more.” Choose your favorite leather furnishings or accents and make room to show them off. They’ll be the centerpiece of any room and offer years of comfortable, beautiful enjoyment.
Leslie Miller has been writing stories about the marvelous places and people of Park City since 1973, when she accidentally stumbled into the Wasatch mountains with her dog Gypsy and a pair of used skis. Her articles have appeared in the The Park Record, Wasatch Mountain Times, Salt Lake City Weekly and Park City Magazine.
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