Anyone who wants to make their house stand out has probably considered getting their home updated with Venetian plastering, but why is this finish creating such a buzz in the interior design world at the moment?
Reasons for its popularity
One of the main reasons why homeowners are choosing Venetian plaster over other options is due to its versatility.
It can be used on a number of surfaces, including the wall, floor and cupboards, and can create different textures and looks.
You can have bespoke finishes, feature really decorative elements on your plaster, and include beautiful masterpieces directly on to your wall, without needing a great piece of art to achieve the same effect.
It certainly has a luxurious look and feel to it, which is why many people choose it if they want to elevate their interior design.
In addition to this, they are incredibly durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain. It is moisture-resistant, and less prone to chipping or falling away from the wall compared with cheaper plaster. All you need to keep it clean is a cloth and water.
According to a report from the National Association of Realtors, venetian plaster could even increase your home’s value. In fact, 64 per cent of realtors in the US said homeowners have it put in to boost the asking price of their property.
Venetian plaster also scores points for those looking for more environmentally friendly interior choices. This is because it is natural, made with limestone, marble dust and water.
Therefore, it does not contain toxic ingredients, and does not emit volatile organic compounds, unlike paint. It can also be recycled, so nothing goes to waste.
Venetian plastering is not new
While Venetian plastering sounds like a great modern-day choice, it, in fact, has been around for thousands of years.
For instance, tombs in Egypt were covered in a version of Venetian plaster, while there have been monuments and buildings discovered in China, India and Italy over the centuries that were made with this form of plaster.
When archeologists excavated Pompeii thousands of years after Mount Vesuvius exploded, leaving the city covered with ash and lava, they discovered walls with Venetian plaster were still completely intact.
While its popularity faded during the Middle Ages, Venetian architects brought it back to life.
Andrea Palladio revived Venetian plaster in the 16th Century and discovered that using it on buildings in the city could protect them from the humidity and damp that comes from being built on water. These structures also needed a material that was not too heavy and would cause them to sink like marble.
Another architect, Carlo Scarpa, enhanced the plaster in the 20th Century by adding resins to make it more durable and flexible.
Although the material periodically goes out of fashion, it is one of the oldest products that is still used in modern-day architecture. This shows just how timeless and long-lasting it really is.
Whether being applied on external or internal walls, on ceilings or the floor, under great works of art or on its own, Venetian plastering will always be valued as a luxurious finish to a residential or commercial property.
