Hand Made
AVO honors the hand made. We study the history of our craft, expanding on traditional techniques and innovating in new ways. We use natural materials that wear in, not out. Each piece is made to order with exceptional care and focus.
One of the main materials we innovate with is leather. It is incredibly versatile being both durable and luxurious. We embrace the natural beauty of it, meaning that no two pieces are exactly alike. Humans have been using leather as a material even before we had looms to weave textiles. All the leather we use is a by-product of the meat industry. Our patterns are created with water based dyes for our safety and yours. Additionally, our rugs, pillows and upholstery are easy to dust and clean, making them a good choice for people with allergies.
Durability of Leather
Leather is a natural product that can last generations with proper care. Renowned for its unparalleled durability, it has been used for upholstery purposes dating back as far as 3100 BCE.
Full grain and top grain leathers are made from the top layer of the hide where the fibers are the densest and most complex. This naturally occurring phenomenon provides leather hides with extraordinary tensile strength that cannot be easily replicated by synthetic materials.
Leather is known to last five times longer or more than their synthetic counterparts which greatly reduces replacement costs as well as unnecessary landfill contributions.
Sustainability of Leather
All the leather we use at AVO is a by-product of the meat industry. By utilizing a portion of the cow which would otherwise be thrown out, leather tanneries turn significant amounts of potential waste into beautiful, resilient material for use in the furniture, fashion, aircraft and automotive industries. It is estimated that through upcycling, leather production helps reduce global landfill waste by 7.3 million tons each year.
By-product of meat industry
Leather is a by-product of the meat industry, helping reduce global landfill waste by 7.3 million tons each year.
The value of leather
Upholstery leathers are known to last five times longer or more than their synthetic counterparts
Hand-made in every process
We add color and pattern by hand embracing the natural integrity of the material in the process.
Welcome to a New world of Leather Decor
Painted Edges & Custom Rug Pad
For a seamless design and anti-slip
Leather vs Synthetics
Whereas leathers wear in, becoming more beautiful with time and use, synthetics like vinyl and polyurethane fabrics wear out and have to be disposed of frequently.
When using water based dyes, leather’s final environmental impact is minimal as it will completely biodegrade in 50 years or less. Petrochemical-based synthetic materials do not decompose at nearly as rapid a rate, if at all. Polyurethane products like most “vegan leather" will not decompose in a landfill for 500 years or more.
Leather Tanning
Vegetable tanning refers to the type of tannin used in the leather-making process. The two main methods of tanning are chrome-tan and veg-tan. Veg-tanning is the oldest recorded tanning method, using plant derivatives as an all-natural tannin.
These tannins are commonly found in tree bark or leaves. The primary tannins used in veg-tanning are sumac, oak, quebracho, hemlock, mimosa, and chestnut.
Chrome-tanned leathers are lighter, softer, water resistant, and more uniform. Because of the difference in tanning processes, undyed chrome tan leather is a light blueish grey color, lighter than the cream/khaki color of our undyed veg-tan. This means chrome-tanned leather can be made in bright, vibrant colors.
Materials
Leather Applications
Our leather is suitable for residential and commercial interiors. They can be used in low to high traffic areas. Our leather is designed to be used in the following applications: Cowhide Rugs, Woven Rugs, Upholstery, Tapestries and Wall Tiles. All of our products can be made to meet flame retardancy specifications upon request.
Our collection of products are available to the Trade with special pricing. Register for a Trade Account with us to be eligible for trade pricing and more.
Additional Materials
At our design studio, we artfully blend various materials to create captivating spaces. Wool adds warmth and comfort, brass infuses elegance, wood brings nature's touch, acrylic adds a modern twist, and linen exudes understated refinement. Together, they form a unique tapestry that elevates every project, crafting environments that inspire and enrich lives.
