Painting and adding unique decorative features to your house or apartment is one of the quickest and most effective ways to give your home an instant makeover. A trend that’s gaining popularity across Australia involves adding textured wall finishes to some spaces, and in the process, creating stand-out statement walls.
One of the key ways to achieve these stylish walls is to opt for the Venetian plastering Melbourne locals are turning to for a fresh new look in their homes. Despite being a centuries-old decorating technique, Venetian plastering still offers modern aesthetics that are not only stylish but blend into just about every home’s aesthetic.
Understanding Venetian Plastering
Ancient Romans may have been all over the Venetian plastering trend, but it may be a new concept to you. If so, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. It’s a common association with durability and style; it’s super easy to see why this décor choice has survived the test of time.
Traditional Venetian plaster applications were made by mixing powdered lime and crushed marble to create a solution, which was then added to surfaces in thin layers. The mixture is then left to cure, after which it’s polished to create the glossy finish that defines this décor choice.
Today, modern Venetian plaster solutions are still made of a plaster, lime-based mixture, but can also be mixed with a range of other products to create different textures and colours.
The basic steps involved in the application process include the following:
- Surface or wall space is prepared (as if for painting).
- Plaster primer is applied and left to dry.
- Lime-based solution in powder form is mixed and painted in layers.
- Wax and sealant are applied and left to cure.
- Surface is then polished until the famous marbling effect is created.
You’ll be delighted to learn that just because you’re dealing with a lime and marble mixture, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be left with a dull, neutral solution. The mixture can be coloured using colour pigments combined with kaolin or quartz aggregates. This allows you to choose the best colour hue to enhance your space’s décor.
It’s worth pointing out that Venetian plaster can be applied to any space. Rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, where there may be moisture exposure, may require specialised sealant to prevent damp.
An Excellent Choice for Any Space
Venetian plaster is a popular wall décor choice in many Australian homes. Once you see how amazing these design choices look and read about how beneficial they are, you’ll easily understand why. Our design experts have compiled a list of the top reasons why you should consider adding this design feature to your home.
1. Highly Versatile
The number one reason why Venetian plaster is a top go-to choice has to do with its versatility. This age-old application can be applied to just about any surface which including all wall types and ceilings.
This design style allows you to choose between a textured, rustic aesthetic or opt for a smoother, polished finish for a more minimalistic approach. Since the material can be tinted, your new signature walls can easily blend in with any colour palette.
2. Famous for Being Durable
When it comes to paint or other wall décor, you’ll obviously want a solution that’s durable and long-lasting. This is especially the case if you want to decorate a high-traffic area or update older, worn walls.
Venetian plaster is more durable than wallpaper, which means there’s no need for regular touch-ups. There’s no chipping, peeling, or fading that you might find with regular painted surfaces.
This durability is one of the top reasons why this application has been used for centuries in every type of space, from homes to historic buildings. Since this material can easily be patched up in the event of mild scratches and dents, you can easily maintain its seamless appearance.
3. Highly Energy Efficient
Many people admire Venetian plaster for its aesthetic appeal; however, few people realise that this material is also highly energy efficient. This is because the layers of plaster easily provide insulation, keeping your home warmer in the cooler months and doing the opposite in the winter. A more temperature-regulated space means you’ll be using fewer heating and cooling systems.
4. Has Hypoallergenic Properties
Another impressive feature is that Venetian plaster is hypoallergenic as a result of its natural lime base. This wall covering is therefore the ideal choice for a home with people prone to allergies.
Furthermore, this plaster and lime mixture is also highly breathable, which means it prevents moisture from getting trapped. This greatly reduces the possibility of mildew, bacteria or mould from forming, making it a wonderful option for homes in high humidity regions.
Final Thoughts
Venetian plaster has a wide range of benefits. In addition to being durable, this design style is also easy to maintain and is remarkably eco-friendly. With hypoallergenic properties, you’ll easily be able to add it to any space, no matter who lives there. Give your home’s décor an instant and amazing boost!
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.