The fireplace was nestled on a high wall in the living room. The room had beautiful lightning, with a simple but airy, elegant feel; however, it was too simple. The white walls, white furniture, and white ceiling were almost monochromatic. The mantlepiece saved the room from over simplicity with its gray brick look, but the effect was limited and, honestly, boring.

Starting with the fireplace, I removed the mantelpiece and the surrounding brickwork. Resurfaced the area with new sheetrock. I taped up the fireplace’s edges, set down plastic to protect the home, and then got to work.

Marmorino Fine

For the wall, I went with a type of Venetian plaster called Marmorino Fine. If you have not heard of Venetian plaster, it is a type of stucco or plaster that mixes lime and water. It is applied to the walls with a trowel, which can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, but leaves a breathtaking result when completed and polished.

This technique has a history reaching back to ancient times but can create strikingly modern looks. The Romans originally used it in the first and second centuries A.D. It was lost, then rediscovered by the Venetians in the 15th century, which they used extensively due to its water-resistant qualities. It is used today in indoor and outdoor applications, from bedrooms and bathrooms to columns and public buildings.

Venetian plasters, in general, are made to resemble marble and granite and create the illusion of movement, gleaned from the way the plaster was applied when the wall was built. When used correctly, it results in a smooth limestone-like surface that is hard to the touch and has a gentle shine. There are various Marmorino techniques, but each leaves the wall with soft colors and light shadings.

Another benefit is that Marmorino Fine (and Venetian plasters generally) are resistant to stains and fingerprints and are easily cleaned without affecting the wall. The sealing on the surface also makes your wall water-resistant.

This type of wall finishing is also durable. Venetian plasters don’t just last a few years or even twenty years. They endure the lifetime of a home without needing replacement.

This elegant look is more expensive than it costs simply to paint your wall. But the durability and beautiful finish make using this technique worth the cost. And rather than a painted wall, it transforms a plain wall into a beautiful work of art.

Working on the Project

I began the transformation, applying the plaster onto the wall from top to bottom. Marmorino is done in three coats, so completing the job took some time.

I needed to create a sky-type of effect with the wall. Marmorino is usually a single color, so as part of my last step, I used a light color Marmorino and a sponge to add ‘clouds’ to the final product. I let the plaster dry and finished the wall, removing all the painter’s tape from the edges and surfaces.

The final result was a blue-gray sky wall with the fireplace flush to its edge. A free-hanging solid wood mantlepiece was placed above the fireplace, bringing more color to the room that had not been there before. This added a beautiful accent to the room that the previous mantlepiece had only hinted at.

Final Thoughts

While adding an accent wall to your house can make it look nicer, using Ventian Plaster can transform that look into elegance. This is important for your enjoyment and comfort, but it can also significantly add to your home’s value.

Consider that using Venetian plaster creates a beautiful look on your wall that is durable and waterproof. These can become selling points when you put your home on the market.
While it is difficult to place an exact value on upgrading the looks of your home, buyers will be more willing to pay higher prices for an elegant look, and your home will sell faster. It also replicates the look that marble offers while offering greater versatility at a lower cost.

For your upcoming home improvement project, consider using Venetian plaster and Marmornio to transform the look of your home. Reach out for a consultation, and I will gladly walk you through your options.