Under the Tuscan… tinted plaster

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/05/2004 (7905 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR Debbie — My dream is to have my home done as a present for me for my fiftieth birthday, and I need some help. I’ve already purchased oak laminate flooring for the living room and new furniture which is primarily different hues of red with beige. The dining room furniture is Italian-style with green and beige patterned fabric on the chair seats. I love the classic look, and am not sure what to do with the walls. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

— Lyna H.

DEAR Lyna — Since this is a special birthday for you, it calls for a thoughtful and long-lasting gift, and I think you’ve picked a wonderful way to celebrate. Your rooms should be all about you, decorated in such a way that you feel at ease and at home whether you are entertaining or spending quiet time on your own. Although I don’t have a full picture of what your favourite colours are, or the mood you wish to create, two words did stick out in your letter, “Italian” and “classic”. With this in mind, I suggest you do a little research into Tuscan style, as I think you’ll fall in love with its timeless grace and beauty.

Tuscany is a region in Italy that vibrates with centuries of historically fine art and architecture. As overwhelming as the grandeur of palaces, cathedrals and villas can be, it is the overall sense of colour that remains with you. Stone and plaster facades have been aged by the sun and time. Originally coloured by natural shades from rusty reds and sand pinks to loamy browns, grape greens and purples, they have faded into a chalky blend of hues.

Although stone is described as cold, the opposite is often true. Well, yes, stone is cool to the touch, but the depth and intricate patterns of granite, marble and limestone make them appear remarkably alive. Plaster finishes are also inscrutable; depending on how they are applied, light will play with the sheen and colours. I don’t suggest you replace your new wood floors with stone, but you can transform the walls with a plaster finish.

Venetian plaster is a special type of plaster that contains marble dust. It goes on finer than regular plaster, and can be polished to a silky sheen by rubbing over the surface with a metal spatula. To produce the effect of walls that have been patched, re-plastered and weathered over the years, choose three or four colours to apply, such as rose, aqua and green, plus an overall colour of sand or taupe. Tint small amounts of plaster with each accent colour. (Use universal tints; this can be done at the paint store for you). Tinted plaster dries 50 per cent lighter, so take this into consideration when you are picking the colours, and don’t panic when it first goes on — it will lighten when it dries. Apply random patches of the accent-coloured plasters to a primed wall with a spatula. Next, cover the entire surface with a skim coat of the main plaster colour, letting small glimpses of the other colours peek through. Let the plaster dry for one to three hours. Burnish the surface with the flattened blade of the spatula to smooth out the peaks and bring up the shine.

This effect is not supposed to look perfect or new — remember that time-battered ambience you are imitating. As such, these plastered walls are incredibly forgiving, and can cover up cracks and bumps that may be present in older homes. If the walls are new and plain, the plaster finish will add instant character.

The furniture you have purchased should fit in well. Complete the Tuscan mood with wrought iron accessories, sconces with real candles, a stone coffee table, and some decadent cushions. Look for an old chandelier for the dining room, with velvet lampshades, and you’ll have your own authentic-looking piece of Tuscany. Happy Birthday.

Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.