Venetian plaster is a technique that has been used for centuries to create hardwearing and beautiful interior surfaces. Its popularity has waxed and waned over the years, but it has enjoyed a welcome resurgence over the past decade.
The product is sometimes referred to as lime plaster, because it’s essentially made of fired limestone combined with water.
This simple formula has a natural light-reflecting beauty that brings depth and lustre to interior walls. It requires a specialist plastering technique involving the application of thin layers, which helps to create the special iridescent finish. This means that although the plaster itself tends to have soft earthy tones, it has an enchanting translucent quality.
Venetian plaster walls can be highly polished to create a smooth surface, or deliberately textured to achieve a more rustic or industrial effect. It can also be mixed with other substances to create a metallic finish. Even in the most minimal aesthetics, the plaster can bring warmth and charm to walls, ceilings, and focal points such as fireplace surrounds.
The timeless beauty of Venetian plaster means that it is effective for both traditional and contemporary interior design schemes. Here are some suggestions.
Art Deco revival
The superior craftsmanship of the Art Deco period led to a rediscovery of lime plaster techniques, and the interior style is once again fashionable. The sophistication of polished plaster lends itself to the glamour of Art Deco inspired design. Opt for metallic finishes and bold jewel colours for a modern twist.
The rustic bohemian style
Venetian plaster has an effortless rustic charm that will lend character and style to a bohemian inspired home. it presents a perfect opportunity to play with textures and colours to create that off-beat and quirky feel without appearing to try too hard.
Mediterranean and Tuscan styles
The Italian roots of the lime plaster technique make it an obvious choice for creating a home with an authentic Mediterranean or Tuscan charm. When used on walls and ceilings in natural earthy tones of grey, beige, brown, and white, and combined with a textured finish, it can create that special welcoming southern European ambience.
Industrial chic
The industrial look has become an interior design staple since it first emerged during the latter half of the twentieth century. It grew out of the trend for converting disused inner city spaces such as factories and warehouses into apartments.
Rather than disguise existing features such as exposed brickwork and concrete floors, designers worked with these features to create modernist living spaces. The look has since been adapted to create deliberately distressed surfaces to bring an edgy urbanity to offices, apartments, and homes.
Microcement plaster, a form of lime plaster, is often used to bring a textured and aged appearance to interior walls and other surfaces. It’s particularly popular for kitchens and bathrooms, although it can work well in any room in the house.
