Adam Hills and Maria Speake, the creative team behind interior design and architectural salvage practise Retrouvius, have a reputation for transforming ‘one man’s trash into another man’s treasure’, reusing cast-off materials in unexpected ways. Their Harrow Road warehouse is a repository or all types of original reclamation. Leather is one of the materials available: from handkerchief -size scraps to full hides, in a range of textures, colours and weights. When a commercial upholsterer approached Retrouvius to offer up a mountain of surplus leather, they couldn’t wait to work their magic.

Leather Upholstery

Retrouvius salvaged hundreds of surplus hides from the luxury bag makers Dunhill, which were re-used as upholstery in domestic interiors, including the stunning red banquette featured in the chalet pictured below.

Image by Tom Fallon

This mid-century inspired dining room spotlights a banquette in reclaimed navy blue leather. Reclaimed leather is also ideal as a material for upholstered headboards and benches.

Image by Debi Treloar

Wall Panelling

A recent project featured salvaged panels from the former Westminster Town Hall. The leather was reversed to reveal its suede side and used as panelling on fitted wardrobes, adding texture to the bedroom pictured.

Image by Tom Fallon

Leather Flooring

The floor in this striking hallway is covered in dark brown leather panels cut and laid horizontally from wall to wall. The varied tone of the aged leather adds special character to this home.

Leatherwork by Bill Amberg

Interior Architecture

Reclaimed leather is an ideal design element for architectural details such as wall and cabinet cladding; in furniture as desk skivers, or for example, overlaid on the handrail pictured, where the tactile, sensuous quality of the material can be appreciated daily.

Image by Tom Fallon

Salvaged from dismantled museums, churches, universities, cinemas, libraries, airports, factories and shops, there’s a treasure trove of reclaimed materials in the warehouse: from bathtubs to lighting, floorboards to furniture, architectural features to vintage tiles. The creative transformation of reclaimed materials is at the heart of sustainable design. Visit Retrouvius.

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