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In 2026, Italian decorative plaster remains a premier choice for luxury interiors, offering a range of textures and emphasizing material integrity and craftsmanship over flashy pieces. according to Architectural Digest.
So what is Venetian plaster, exactly?
Venetian plaster is a broad term for a material made by combining fired limestone with water to create a lime-based putty. This mixture becomes what we call lime plaster—so, in essence, Venetian plaster and lime plaster are the same thing. When applied to walls, the lime plaster reacts with carbon dioxide in the air and slowly transforms back into limestone. It begins as limestone and ends as limestone—a truly remarkable cycle. This ancient material, used as far back as Greece and Egypt, has stood the test of time both in strength and beauty
The look is earthy and soft. The application in thin translucent layers creates an iridescent finish, giving the appearance of depth and movement. On top of this, the material can be tinted to achieve just about any color that is desired, with the depth and movement of the lime plaster elevating any room beyond mere painted walls.
The way natural light interacts with lime plaster is genuinely beautiful. It’s as if a soft, warm glow shines from within the surface, while another gentle shimmer seems to dance just above it. Together, they create a sense of both lightness and calm that fills the whole space. Lime plaster is nontoxic and emits zero VOC's. From a sanitary standpoint, it's also breathable, allowing moisture to escape from the substrate, and is naturally mold- and mildew-resistant.
These finishes give a space a feeling of more without adding more, the space feels more solid and grounded. From a structural standpoint, the addition of the lime plaster adds integrity to a wall, whether applied over an older plaster and lath wall or over modern gypsum board (drywall). The "feel" both visually and physically is substantial.
As a professional decorative finisher, I have applied many versions of Venetian plasters in many different design schemes. In my own historic Chicago home, I have applied a Marmorino plaster tinted to Benjamin Moore moonlight white with a hand waxed finish throughout the hallways and up the staircase and into the second floor. The effect is just what I’ve been describing. The waxed plaster adds extra light and movement and a soft, smooth feel that glows. These spaces feel important to the home and elevate them from mere "transition spaces." Venetian Plaster finishes bring a level of intentional design without adding "stuff."
Turn your home into a timeless masterpeice of interior design. Book a consultation with me to discuss the possibilities.
Michael Langlois
MLangloisStudio@gmail.com
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