A vehicle interior trim element has at least one substrate layer covered with a skin having an outer surface containing a plurality of asperities, regularly distributed on the outer surface. The outer surface of the skin defines an outer surface of the trim element that is visible within the vehicle interior. The trim element may be processed by applying a heat source on part of the outer surface forming a decorative area, the application of the heat source being arranged to at least reduce the height of the asperities in the decorative areas such that the decorative area has a different appearance from the rest of the outer surface.