2024 Trends – Textured Walls

If you’ve been keeping up with social media trends, you might have noticed a significant resurgence in the popularity of textured walls. Beyond the realms of traditional wallpapers or simple painting techniques, incorporating texture through various methods, such as paneling or utilizing a mix of plasters and other materials, can result in stunning, multi-dimensional walls teeming with character and depth.

Many of these techniques, experiencing a revival today, carry a rich history spanning centuries, and are still prevalent in regions known for their dedication to artisanal craftsmanship in design and architecture. One such method involves the application of Venetian plaster and lime wash, originating in ancient Rome and reaching its peak during the Renaissance era, particularly in Venice, hence its name. This classical approach is experiencing a renaissance of its own, loved for its enduring elegance and robustness, while also offering a wide array of design possibilities.

With a variety of methods and designs at your disposal for adorning your walls, you can create your own balance between simplicity and intricacy, resulting in surface designs that are uniquely yours. By skillfully layering Venetian plaster’s opacity with the luminosity of limewash, you can craft varying degrees of dimensional allure. For further insights into this captivating design trend, continue reading below.

Why Venetian plaster and limewash?

Plaster introduces depth, fluidity, warmth and a unique softness to any room, enriching its ambiance with a sense of liveliness. Moreover, it offers a practical advantage over wallpaper, especially in expansive commercial spaces, as its application is comparatively simpler. The innate textures of plaster exude a natural, organic essence imparting an earthy softness that surpasses the starkness of plain walls or the uniformity of wallpapered surfaces. Each stroke of plaster is applied with thoughtful deliberation, resulting in a graceful cloud-like aesthetic, which can visibly elevate the level of intentionality and mood in any interior space.

Moreover, lime plaster offers added advantages beyond its visual allure. Not only is it non-toxic, eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the equation, but its permeability also enables moisture to evaporate easily, inherently increasing its resistance to mold and mildew. While the initial investment and application process may seem more substantial compared to simpler alternatives like painting, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment, particularly for those who prioritize the quality and sophistication of their interiors.

Create a Unique Carved Look That Stands Out

Plaster can also be used on its own to create intricate designs on both walls and ceilings, transforming them into captivating canvases for artistic expression. These molds can be carved into an array of designs, ranging from delicate leaves or abstract motifs to precise geometric designs. You can even engrave letters to commemorate a beautiful poem or inspiring mantra, for example, upon the walls of your space. Such elaborations can elevate the walls of a room into works of art.

By capitalizing on this material, you can minimize the need for additional decor items and furnishings to make a statement, as these mesmerizing walls alone can captivate all the attention. This approach is particularly well-suited for commercial interiors seeking to craft immersive customer experiences, such as cafes, restaurants, and galleries, where the versatility of plaster can be tailored to meet specific aesthetic and thematic requirements.

For instance, a restaurant emphasizing its organic spirit could feature floral or foliage patterns reminiscent of nature, fostering a seamless connection between the cuisine and the ambient atmosphere. Similarly, larger corporations can utilize plaster to etch their logos onto prominent walls, further reinforcing brand identity. These innovative applications effectively transform entire walls into blank canvases, serving as platforms to convey messages or themes with impactful clarity.

Venetian Plaster

When it comes to applying Venetian Plaster, starting small before expanding into other spaces is a prudent approach, as this technique inherently has the ability to make a significant impact in any space. This feature can work on a smaller scale as a singular focal point, much like a large painting or mural. It may be best to choose walls that are isolated or have defined parameters in order to keep the design confined. On the other hand, this technique could also be integrated to complement, or create the ambiance of an entire space as well. The application and dimension of this detail will depend on the specific overarching design intent of each space.

Moreover, plaster can enrich a space with an antique aesthetic, making it advisable to opt for colors that are neutral or earthy, yet warm in tone. Experimenting with color in conjunction with this technique can evoke a subtle, smokey, or misty allure. To achieve this effect, begin by applying a solid base color to the wall, followed by a thin coat of paint, executing long, sweeping strokes with a paintbrush, finishing with a lime wash.

Create an Extravagant Look with Ragging and Stencils

Transitioning out of the minimalist design phase, we’re witnessing a shift towards embracing a more maximalist approach in interior spaces. There’s a palpable new energy infusing our designed environments through vibrant hues, abstract imagery, and dynamic shapes. We’re yearning for deeper, more immersive experiences in the places we inhabit and frequent, which underscores the significance of textured walls as a striking and practical design element.

Ragging and stenciling present alternative methods of applying paint that are simpler compared to the use of plasters, molds, or wallpapers. Achieving this effect is straightforward: it involves blending paint with glaze in alternating layers and then manipulating the texture using rags to press or roll it onto the wall, employing whichever technique suits your desired outcome. The resulting creases and folds from the scrunched-up rag impart a layer of dimension and depth to the painted surface.

This technique finds particular relevance in settings like lobbies, reception areas, or other high-end commercial spaces, where it can make a bold visual statement while maintaining an air of sophistication.

Mixtures of Textures on Your Surfaces

Going a step further, the fusion of texturing techniques with intricate patterning can result in boundless creative possibilities, infusing a sense of boldness and sophistication into otherwise mundane walls. These transformed walls evolve into captivating focal points that enliven the ambiance of a space. By skillfully combining different texturizing methods with an array of patterning techniques, simultaneously using a mix of materials, walls are elevated to the status of immersive, three-dimensional works of art. This interplay between texture and pattern creates a visual harmony that engages the senses, evoking curiosity and inspiration. Each brushstroke and meticulous detail soaked into the walls adds to the narrative of the space, inviting admiration and sparking conversations.