On the first two floors of Chicago’s Merchandise Mart you will find the automatic entrants of #NeoCon09—the 30+ kitchen and bath boutiques that make up the family of LuxeHome. Amongst that menagerie of K+B showrooms, you’ll find Hastings Tile & Bath, “one of the nation’s leading suppliers of trend-setting products.” Hastings represents Italy’s top manufacturers, as well as Denmark’s—including the Vola line, which features fixtures designed by Arne Jacobsen.

Croco Series tile collection. Designed by MaTouche for Hastings Tile and Bath.

Within the covey of the Hasting’s showroom, you’ll find the Croco Series, a deceptive line of porcelain tiles by MaTouche. The Croco Series mimics animal hides, specifically the crocodile. And the effect is rather convincing—it may cause you to revisit the optometrist. MaTouche has perfected this visual game: they also make the Cuir (skin), Peau (Ostrich), and Eleph Series. As an animal lover, I’m keen to participate in MaTouche’s optical illusion. The Croco Series is a real tribute to the aquatic reptiles of the Crocodilia Order, since the 24″ x 24″ tiles resemble their signature hide—organic squares with rounded edges. Miraculously, this inimitable pattern is simulated beautifully by the Croco tiles. These newest additions to MaTouche’s nature-inspired series is available in Ivoire (Ivory), Tabac (Brown), Charbon (Black), and Mou (Gold).

Cover your study’s walls in Tabac Croco Series for a masculine retreat worthy of Hemingway. Use the Charbon tiles in your shower for a luxurious, exotic escape—the black gleams like onyx; add some Ivoire tiles for a look as striking as a dazzle of zebras. In a dressing room, the Mou series gives a sexy sheen that remains subtle—it’s the gold of lions, not lamé. These exotic tiles are just one of Hasting’s unique products–they have something attractive for just about every animal.