Shagreen & Fish Skins

From the refined, pebbled elegance of shagreen to the natural scale patterns of tilapia, salmon, and trout, this category explores skin surfaces that bring tactile depth and quiet luxury to interiors. Available in both real and faux interpretations, these materials offer the same visual richness - from soft matte grain to subtle sheen - with options suited to different budgets, applications, and project requirements.

Shagreen is prized for its distinctive micro-pearled texture and sophisticated, light-catching surface - a classic choice for furniture, cabinetry, and detailed joinery. Alongside it, fish skins introduce a different kind of natural pattern: directional scales, gentle tonal shifts, and organic variation that feels textural without being loud. Tilapia tends to read more uniform and architectural, while salmon and trout bring more nuanced movement and character, often with a slightly more expressive grain.

To make specification simple, these skins are offered as pre-assembled panels rather than loose hides. Formats include herringbone for rhythm and directionality, parquet de Versailles for a more decorative, heritage-led statement, and larger panel layouts designed for uninterrupted runs across walls and furniture. Depending on the construction and finish, certain systems can also be used for low-traffic internal flooring where a softer, tactile surface is desired.

Typical Applications
Wall panels and feature cladding, cabinet doors, drawer fronts, bar fronts, headboards, furniture accents, and in select constructions, low-traffic internal flooring.

Straw marquetry, bamboo marquetry, mica, vellum, shagreen, selenite use was pioneered by Jean-Michel Frank for interiors, architectural finishes and furniture. He was ahead of his time.