If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram’s interior design feeds lately, you’ve probably noticed that wall textures are all the rage. From soft sculptured curves to organic tactile finishes, textured walls are no longer exclusive to Mediterranean retreats and rustic coastal villas. Here in Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, we’re embracing microcement, natural walls, and organic materials to create stunning, contemporary spaces.
Whether you’re planning a major renovation with grand archways, neutral hues, and curved walls, or a quick makeover using textured paints, there’s a variety of finish options to help you craft the perfect earthy sanctuary. Microcement, in particular, is gaining popularity for its versatility and modern aesthetic. Textured walls offer a depth of warmth and a unique experience that standard plastered and painted walls simply can’t match. They bring a significant emotional impact to any space.
Why are textured walls so desirable?In recent years, our desire to feel connected to our surroundings and create more organic, textural homes has influenced our interior choices. From layered linens to natural stones and timbers, our homes are becoming more in tune with nature. The trend toward using materials like microcement and other organic materials in the Byron Bay and Gold Coast area reflects this need to connect with our natural environment. Textured walls can create a harmonious and nature-inspired atmosphere that feels perfectly at home here.
What surfaces are suitable for texture?
Textured finishes aren’t just for walls; they can be applied to in-built vanities, shelves, and even beds. Many plastering techniques can be adapted to various surfaces. For instance, a build substrate framed by timber and sheeted with plaster or timber sheet can be finished with microcement. This approach can give a space a more architectural feel. In bathrooms, for example, microcement can be used to wrap floors, walls, and sink units, providing a seamless finish with no grout lines or joins. While this material may develop a patina over time, it only adds to its beauty and character.
What is tadelakt render?
Stepping into a home with tadelakt render feels like entering a luxurious Turkish bathhouse. Ideal for wet areas like showers, basins, and kitchen feature surfaces, tadelakt has a soft, textural appearance similar to limewash. Originating from the ancient riads and hammams of Marrakech, tadelakt is one of the oldest forms of render still used today. The application involves mixing lime plaster and applying it to walls, then polishing the finish with a stone and rubbing in black olive oils, which react with the lime to create a hard, durable, and waterproof surface. The seamless, grout-free finish is perfect for creating smooth, elegant curves.
What about Venetian plaster?
Embrace a timeless look with Venetian plaster, a centuries-old technique that adds a subtle texture and lustrous finish to walls. This method involves adding pigment to aged slaked lime plaster, which is then applied in thin translucent layers. The result is a uniquely textured, soft yet polished finish that gives the appearance of depth and movement, thanks to the marble dust combined with lime. Venetian plaster celebrates the organic beauty of polished natural stone and is available in a range of finishes, each offering a different tactile and visual result.
How do I make textured walls modern?
If the mention of textured walls evokes memories of interior faux pas like ’90s sponge painting and popcorn ceilings, it’s important to note that today’s textured walls are all about embracing neutral tones. Limewash, for example, suits the current trend toward natural colors such as earth tones or dirty beiges better than conventional paints. Look to warmer colors that lean toward brown or yellow, such as beige, cream, and cashmere, to create a calm ambiance.
Is limewash paint a good option?
If transforming your home into a rustic Italian villa sounds like a bit of an over-commitment, a limewash paint finish offers a less permanent alternative while still capturing the warmth and authenticity of a grainy wall finish. Essentially, limewash is limestone ground into powder form, which comes alive when mixed with water and solidifies once dried on your walls. It’s a magical option to let your walls breathe and make the space feel amazing. Limewash lends a depth and luminosity to flat walls and is easy to apply, making it a practical DIY project that typically takes only half a day for a room.
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