Coincidental timing that with so many taking their family beach vacations that there would be so many accounts of a shark bite. One even happened on Ocracoke Island where we take an annual vacation.
Swimmers are not the only ones being ‘attacked’ by sharks lately, interior designers have also been shark bitten. We saw several examples at the most recent DC Design Show house, like this set of nesting tables covered in shagreen (shark skin) used below by Samantha Friedman.

Lynne Byrne of Decor Arts Now, states that shagreen as well as other rich, natural finishes have been used in interior design primarily since the 1930’s when Jean-Michel Frank’s influence was seen with his furniture designs. Iconic designer Mark Hampton picked up on this influence as seen in one of his interior design illustrations.

Here’s a closeup of what shagreen looks like in its natural dark gray color.

You can find shagreen used on mostly furniture as well as accessories, such as this exquisite tray by Aerin.

You’ll also find it in many other colors but aqua and cream are particularly appealing and this multicolored table by Yannick Chastang is pretty exceptional.



A neutral palette also works well with shagreen, as seen in these examples from Andrea Maudlen’s Nest Interior Design.


And, you’ll find it in fashion…

Although, we don’t have a shagreen design for Casart wallcovering — yet, we do have a similar ocean relative, Faux Tortoiseshell.
Just like shagreen, it can be used to cover furniture, accessories and walls.



Interior designer Kathryn Ivey was asked by House Beautiful in one of their features about what makes an inviting glam room? She cited this tortoise patterned parsons cocktail table below as an example.
Any similar table for that matter can be easily covered in Casart Faux Tortoiseshell, temporary wallpaper, in natural, green or yellow or red or even with a customized color. It’s also great for bookcase backings, backplashes and even stair risers, as well as full wall coverage or just panels.

Using a tortoiseshell design on molding as Kevin Isbell cleverly does, makes a distinguishing difference. Just a little bit can play up all the rest of the decor’s colors and make a big impact!

After you eagerly sink your teeth into these designs swarming with shark and tortoiseshell, you can always sit back and take a safe and educational break with the Discovery Channel’s popular Shark Week shows, even after the week of its annual airing.



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