Looking to add something special to your home that’s actually worth it?
Decorative plastering is the secret ingredient in contemporary interiors that is on the rise. And there’s a few key details that all home owners need to know.
Smooth walls are one thing. But a stunning plaster or render finish can transform the look and feel of any room in your house. Textured feature walls, polished Venetian plaster, or coloured lime renders are just a few of the options available.
The best part? These decorative techniques have been used for centuries. Now plasterers and renderers services are bringing them into modern homes right across the UK.
In this blog, we’re covering:
Why decorative plastering is the rising star of contemporary interiors
There’s some pretty impressive data around the size of the UK home improvement market.
In 2024, 51% of homeowners renovated their homes in 2024. Interior decoration works featured prominently in these projects.
The big thing many home owners fail to realise…
Paint on smooth walls is simply not enough anymore. Homeowners want something a bit special. Something that has a little more texture, depth and character. Decorative plastering and rendering is a perfect way to create just that.
Whether adding interest to a living room, bedroom or hallway, the right plaster finish can transform the space. Not only is it visually interesting, but these textured surfaces can add depth and a quality look to any room.
Of course, if you want to get the best results, it’s worth understanding what decorative plastering techniques are on offer. Then you can find a professional plasterer to bring your vision to life.
Decorative plastering – The different types of decorative plaster finishes
Not all plaster is created equal. In fact, there are several decorative finishes and techniques that plasterers and renderers services use to create stunning results.
Venetian plaster is the benchmark. This technique creates a polished surface with a marble-like appearance that reflects light beautifully. It works especially well in high-traffic areas like living rooms and entryways.
Lime plaster on the other hand offers a more natural and breathable finish. Ideal for period homes or for anyone looking for an eco-friendly option, lime plaster has a soft, matte texture that adds warmth.
Marmorino is a happy middle ground. It has a smooth, stone-like surface with incredible durability. Plaster walls high-traffic areas like hallways especially benefit from this option.
The rise of textured over smooth walls
Smooth walls are fine. But add in a bit of texture? It makes a big difference.
The fact is, textured plaster and render creates visual interest and depth. The light is reflected differently as the day goes on. Shadows form on the surface, making the room feel more alive and less flat.
The proof is in the pudding. With 94% of homeowners choosing to work with professionals for home renovations and improvements, quality finishes clearly require skilled hands.
The most popular textured plaster options include:
Each of these techniques requires a degree of skill and experience that only professional plasterers have.
Trendy techniques – Top decorative plastering methods for 2024
Feature walls are the hottest trend of the moment. Rather than plastering and rendering entire rooms, many people are opting for one statement wall. This keeps costs down while still creating impact.
Metallic finishes are also getting a lot of love right now. Mixing plaster with metallic pigments creates a subtle shimmer that looks brilliant in modern homes. Copper in the kitchen and silver in the bathroom work especially well.
Concrete effects are also still very much in fashion. The industrial feel just won’t die down. And polished plaster can mimic the concrete look perfectly while being far warmer and cosier.
Natural earth tones dominate colour choices, too. Creams, warm greys and terracotta shades work especially well with contemporary furniture and decor.
Matching plaster finishes to different spaces
When it comes to choosing the right decorative plaster for your home, a few factors come into play.
Room function is huge. You need waterproof finishes like Tadelakt in bathrooms and kitchens. Living areas are more tolerant of delicate finishes like Venetian plaster. High-traffic areas like hallways need robust options like Marmorino.
Lighting conditions also have a big impact. Rooms with lots of natural light look amazing with polished finishes. Darker rooms might benefit from a lighter and more reflective plaster that bounces light around.
Existing furniture and decor should also play a part in the decision-making process. Smooth, polished plaster works really well with contemporary furniture. Traditional pieces might look better with a textured or rough-cast plaster.
Budget is also a consideration, of course. Some finishes take more material and more skilled labour to apply. Others are quicker and easier to complete. Be sure to discuss your budget and needs openly with any plasterer.
Professional decorative plastering – The importance of professional application
Decorative plastering is not a DIY project. All of these techniques take years to master.
Doing it yourself is not recommended. You’ll end up with a subpar result that you will just have to pay the professionals to fix.
Professional plasterers and renderers services have the expertise that you simply can’t get anywhere else. They understand how these plasters react under different conditions. They have years of experience knowing exactly how much material to use, and when.
It’s not just the application that matters, either. Walls and surfaces need to be properly primed and prepped. Any time that is cut here will show in the quality of the finished plaster.
Finding the right professional can be as simple as looking at a portfolio of their previous work. Take a look to see if they have worked on projects similar to your own. Ask questions about their experience with certain techniques. Get references from previous clients that have had decorative plastering completed.
Maintenance and longevity of decorative plaster
Decorative plastering is one of the most durable types of wall and ceiling finishes available.
Quality plastering and rendering lasts for decades. With proper care and maintenance, these walls will only get better with age. Unlike wallpaper that peels and paint that chips, decorative plaster and render actually ages beautifully.
Cleaning requirements for different decorative plaster and render finishes do vary. Polished surfaces can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Textured finishes might need a gentle brushing to remove dust from crevices.
Repairing minor damage is not a problem. Small cracks and chips can be touched up and blended into the surrounding plaster. This makes decorative plastering and rendering a true long-term investment for your home.
Conclusion
Decorative plastering gives you something that you can never get with paint. Texture, depth, and character. Something with a bit of quality about it.
Let’s quickly recap:
Investing in professional decorative plastering and rendering pays dividends for years to come. Unlike paint, that chips and fades, quality plaster and render just gets better with age.
For anyone serious about creating a contemporary interior, decorative plastering is well worth looking into.
