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How To Achieve A Venetian Plaster Finish

Admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:10:54 +0000

Empire Furniture Classical Interiors - Venetian Plaster Designer Brian McCarthy

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A detail of the Dining Room of Brian J. McCarthy showing a Georges Jacob chair against a Venetian plaster wall- Picture Featured on The Devoted Classicist Blog Originally Seen in the January-February, 2012 issue of VERANDA magazine.

Venetian plaster is a plastering technique which uses a fine delicate layer of of lime plaster, which is then polished to give a glossy appearance. This type of finish is known as Venetian Plaster, Marmorino, and Stucco Lustro Veneziano and has been used throughout history starting in Egyptian times. Venetian Plastering was used by the Romans, and during the renaissance for decorating palaces and villas.

The composition of Venetian polished plaster is that of Marble dust & lime, and occasionally quartz dust is added.

The industrial process of making Venetian polished plaster involves heating limestone in kilns, which is then emulsified with water. The mixture is then left to age for some years. The result is a lime putty which requires exposure to air to cure.

After aging is complete the putty is mixed with a variety of materials to add decorative effects, commonly marble dust or quartz is used, and pigments are added to produce plasters of different colors. Exposure to the air will cure the plaster over a number of months and a durable finish is the result. The durable nature of the venetian plaster finish makes it very versatile. It can be used externally or internally, and in spaces where a less durable finish would quickly wear out. Essentially limestone is turned into a putty which when exposed to air will harden back into a stone like finish

Recently polished plaster finishes have become popular and seen in particularly wealthy homes and office buildings. The finish has been used increasingly by leading architects & interior designers. Venetian Plaster can be suitable in almost all the rooms in the home: bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, lobbies, swimming pool walls & ceilings, wet rooms & columns.

Applications

Venetian plaster is applied with a trowel or spatula and then polished to produce a smooth surface which has an illusion of depth and translucence.

Professional decorative plasterers will charge a great deal to apply the finish for you, however its with effort & patience, you can apply this beautiful finish yourself.

What you will need

1 large trowel,1 medium trowel, and 1 small polishing trowel , spatula, primer, brush/roller, polished plaster mix. sealer, cloth, wax.

Preparing the surface for plastering

A primer needs to have a slight grit to ensure the plaster adheres to the surface. Apply your primer with a roller, and allow it to dry for about 8 hours. The primer must be dry before plaster application.

Plaster application & Polishing

1st coat: Apply first coat using the large trowel so that it covers the surface, do not apply too thickly, and leave a slight patterning in the plaster. Leave overnight to dry.

2nd coat: Using the medium trowel lightly sand 1st coat to smooth any really textured areas and then apply the 2nd coat by using small rotating motions with the trowel, working from one corner to the other, in a methodical fashion.

Use as little plaster as possible, just enough to create an even smooth finish. Leave 8 hours to dry.

3rd coat: apply as for 2nd coat, Use even less plaster than before as you will be working on a smoother surface, work your way evenly and methodically across the surface with the small trowel, applying the thinnest possible coat consistent with covering the surface completely.

As the plaster dries, using an acute angle with your trowel smooth and compress the plaster using a cutting motion, this will give it a polished even glassy shine. Leave 24 hours to dry.

Sealing

The plaster effect can left in its natural state if desired. It can however be sealed, if the application is in an area subject to humidity, such as a bathroom. Sealing is achieved by applying 2 thin coats of sealer , the 2nd coat can be applied 1 hour after the 1st. Leave for 24hours at which point its possible to also apply wax to give the plaster added shine and protection.

Additional Rooms By Brian J. McCarthy

Classical Interiors By Brian J. McCarthy Seen In Elle Decor

Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti’s Empire Decorated Home

Admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:23:42 +0000

Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti's Empire Decorated Home

Eva Jeanbart Lorenzotti founder of Vivre.com travels the world in search of artists that create beautiful home furnishings, clothing, jewelry, and gift items. Native of Switzerland, Lorenzotti set out 17 years ago for America, and since she has built a mini-empire, generating about $50 million a year by retailing luxury goods in catalogs and online. Lorenzotti started Vivre in 1996 as a thin mailer featuring just three brands. Just like any business, success comes with hard work and determination. She connects one of a kind treasures with unique buyers interested in rare objects. Today, Vivre's pages are filled with unique exotic wares from around globe. Lorenzotti is quite accomplished, but she isn't an over night success. Lorenzotti is a graduate of Columbia University and began her career as an investment banker at Lazard Freres, and is fluent in five languages.

Eva Jeanbart's home is as polished as the gems she finds, although it still remains hidden for the most part. Her closet has been featured in Domino magazine but the rest of her home hasn't been photographed. Habitually Chic Blog posted some wonderful pictures of her home which showcased her beautiful polished geometrical patterned floor. She was also photographed in Gotham's March 2008 issue, standing against an exquisite table. Jeanbart-Lorenzotti lives in Manhattan with her husband and their two children. For more reading check out Lonny Sept 2011's Interivew with Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti.

Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti's Empire Decorated Home Gotham Magazine

Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti's Empire Decorated Home

Directoire Style Furniture

Admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:43:55 +0000

French Directoire style executive Desk Sultane Antiques

Stunning Directoire Style Furniture

The Directoire Style took place during 1789-1804. The simplification of furniture begun under Louis XVI along with a taste for more streamlined pieces that had less ornamentation became more prevalent. Most of the furniture through this time was inspired by the Greek and Pompeian models. Lines are straight with crisp geometric forms. Surfaces are flat and corners are clean. Motifs were in the forms of squares, rectangles and palmettes. Common Directoire period furniture from this period were crafted out of elm, walnut, fruitwood or beech. Painted pieces were often found in gray, white, sea green and lime green, and the carved ornament was often painted in a contrasting color or different shades of the same color.

ANSEN EBONIZED MARBLETOP COMMODE Seller Sarlo

EBONIZED FRENCH EMPIRE MARBLE TOP CONSOLE MARBLE J5483 Ebay Seller urbanartifacts99

Antique French Directoire Style Canopy Bed From Old Plank

Antique French Directoire Style Settee By Old Pank

Look how beautiful the paint color is on this Settee sold by Old Plank

Empire and Classical Decorating Architectural Model Sculptures

Admin — Mon, 30 May 2011 04:41:49 +0000

A stunning picture was posted on Greet's Belgain Pearl Blog of an empire desk with coordinating empire chairs. Below in the picture you can see how lovely empire desks are. This particular desk was accented with gilt laurel ormolu like most empire desks are. Both the desk and the coordinating chairs are empire, although the picture doesn't show the chairs. What makes this picture quite interesting are the accessories. Period style accessories are sometimes as hard to find as the furniture themselves. The right dignified accessories can complete a classic looking home. The picture to the left is a model to which I do not know who the credit belongs to. As you can see the architectural model is very grand in scale and would make a prestigious statement in any room. The look itself is sort of impossible to find on a larger scale unless you turn to a grand birdhouse. Though if you do like that look, consider turning to the Arc de Triomphe Sculptural Table, sold by Design Toscano. The table is an architectural model of the Arc De Triomphe which sits 20 High, by 20 wide, and is 12.5" deep. It could make an excellent architectural model inside your front entry way or off by its own in your grand living room with a coordinating pedestal. Decorating with classic models is a way to incorporate the regal looks of the Empire Style.

Palladio Architectu ral Model, Wood Building Models

One of the nicer larger scale architectural models is the Palladio Architectural Model, inspired by Roman and Greek architecture Andrea Palladio. You would think it is as big as a toy box, because it has handles on the side of the box. The model measures 15.7 in long, x 11.2 inches wide x 12.4 inches tall. It is a lovely size and the detail is wonderful. Store your cigars or jewelry or important coins in it. Another wonderful choice is the Leaning Tower of Piza sold by Authentic Models. The model featured Bisque porcelain, unglazed in a pure white. The model is fired under extremely high temperatures, and the rough white texture on the model is loved by collectors worldwide. If you are interested in some decorative primitive decor, consider the running wood horse sculpture model, or the primitive wood mannequin. You can also get the same look of Authentic Model's wood Mannequin from Darice, who sells their model for 10 dollars. They also sell a magnetic one for $6 dollars, which can be stain it a color that matches your desk. Another fantastic choice is Noah's Ark. The measurements are 14" L x 5" W x 6" H. This is a handcrafted wooden accurate replica model. Take it out of the box and display it beside your desk, or on a bookshelf on it's own. You cannot beat the price, only $30 dollars!!! Handcrafted Model Ships have a number of model boats if you want to go in that direction.

Empire Furniture - Empire Desk

Lighthouse Model Steps Replica Model is the perfect choice for a desk ornament, as it hardly takes up any room. 4.2 x 7 x 24 inches

Arc de Triomphe Sculptural Model

Instead of using this model as a table, it would look just fantastic on a round table with books stacked amongst it. Showcase this model as a highlight in a library or on a small wall where it can get individual attention. To me, having it on the floor would almost be like dismissing it altogether. What a fantastic piece! You have to love how big it is!

Leaning Tower of Piza sold by Authentic Models

Empire Furniture: Powerful Empire Sofas

Admin — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:22:21 +0000

Mike Bell featured this lovely Empire style canape in an unusual dazzling pink fabric. Mike Bell Antiques are known for their period furniture, reproductions and prestigious antiques. What is a canape anyway? Its shape is distinct from other sofas of the period, including the chaise longue, and is a variation on the "sofa". Frequently matching chairs were made to go with it. A canapé is a piece of furniture much the same as a couch or a settee. What is a settee exactly? A Settee has been described as a long wooden bench with a back, and other dictionaries describe it as a small to medium sized couch. Are you confused yet? You should be. Have you ever heard any one describe a couch using the term "chesterfield"? If you are a Canadian, you might. A chesterfield is basically a sofa. I grew up with my grandparents referring to the sofa as a "chesterfield". Today the term is rarely used, and has gone out of style in Canada. In the UK, they use the generic term 'sofa' or 'settee' for living room furniture. They once used the term 'couch' for seating that was often seen in a psychiatrist's office. In some sense, they would describe a couch as being a piece of furniture used for lying down, while a settee is used for formal settings and sitting upright. In the old French language, they also describe a 'couch' as a place to sleep or lie down. Like other terms, ..........settee, canape, and longue, they all come out of different countries to describe a type of sofa to some degree or another.

Empire Style Swan Canape

The traditional meaning of couch is a type of sofa that features a half back and one end that appears to be raised. If you were to visualize this type of couch, you might think of a bed that looks much like a day-bed or chaise longue. As early as 2000 B.C., the Egyptians used sofas much like these. The ancient Romans took design principles from the the Greeks, and used their wood longue frames in their kitchen. The coverings would be composed of animal hair or plant fiber that was often wrapped snugly in some sort of material which sat on the sofa than being nailed down like we see today. It wasn't until the late sixteenth century during the Renaissance that soft cushions were attached to the frames of benches and chairs. The Roman sofas usually had an armrest to one side, which a person could recline back on, having back support, and a longer styled bench which the legs could rest straight. I am sure they would be fans of the modern day recliner that extends the legs with a flip of a handle, but unfortunately those modern days comforts weren't seen until our modern day. The Romans created a number of couches and beds which we today associate with lounge chairs, much like you would see at the pool except with exceptionally beautiful craftsmanship. (Picture to the left from J. Clayton Spears & Co)

Medieval furniture was highly uncomfortable. Forget about the lush padding that we sit on today, as only the richest people had sofas and chairs through the medieval time periods. The poor had to make due with wooden benches and stools. The floor might have been more comfortable! Furniture was made entirely made from wood and BUT was functional. Animal skins were used to cover chairs with, and the basic design was sturdy. Baroque sofas took the simplistic design of the medieval furniture and added decorative carvings and seat coverings. Rich Baroque styles originated in Italy very quickly spread throughout Europe.

Then came Thomas Chippendale who was one of the first to feature patterns for furniture that had padded arm rests and backs and comfortable cushioned seats with the beautiful frames still being visible. In 1828, springs were introduced into furniture, where they were originated for the seats in carriages to minimize the bumpy rides. Empire furniture combined the functionality but were highly decorative. Empire furniture often features rich motifs and carved details. They are some of the nicest furniture in history. The heavy masculine frames looked wealthy and were accented with lavish carved details. But it wasn't until the early twentieth century that upholstered furniture became common to every household. The modern day couch evolved from the settee. Fully upholstered settees made for middle-class families only were brought to the market not that long ago in the early 1920s.

Today upholstery is common. Chairs, sofas, ottomans and footrests are seen everywhere. Many new lines come out with unique fabrics every season but nothing that compares to Empire period furniture. Not only do we see supreme quality with Empire furniture, but the overall size was robust, wealthy and glamorous. Upholstered furniture was once a symbol of wealth and affluence. We don't see the decoration on furniture as it was once was made for show. Having Empire furniture in ones home is still an indulgence in the best that luxury has to offer.

Empire Cane Back Sofa Daybed

Museum Empire Furniture

Unique Portugese Empire Sofa Daybed

Unique Portugese Empire Sofa Daybed From RITTER ANTIK

Roman Greek Empire Style

Admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:40:53 +0000

Roman Greek Empire Style Photocredit TinyPic

For more than a thousand years, the ancient Romans, Greeks had an eye for highly sophisticated architectural and decorative art forms that are widely admired today. Amazing frescoes, and stunning mosaics have been found in the ruins at Pompeii, Herculaneum, and in Rome itself. The excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the 1800s had a huge impact on the decoration of various palaces in Naples, Venice and Milan. The ancient styles of stone, and marble, and outstanding art is often the key elements to these ancient styles.

The key to this decorating style is layering ornate details. Any person would be daunted with where to begin such a complex style, and where you want to begin is with one element that you love. Possibly you have a floor tile you are working in your design or it may be a particular vase you have been holding on to. Begin with one element and draw inspiration from that element with supportive colors and design in other pieces. You want to begin designing the bare room without the furnishings. Consider a pattern on the floors, and possibly some faux work on the walls. A stone, or venetian plaster would be fabulous. If you have a complex mural in mind, consider purchasing a overhead projector for a complex pattern you can trace and paint on the walls. The second stage of decorating your room is adding the furnishings, the vases, the throw pillows and the overall furniture to the room. Adding patterns in your fabrics will pull together your entire room. The key is to work in your favorite colors, and it is guaranteed to work.

Marble Floors at Medina Jumeirah

Photography by David O. Marlow

Empire Style Neoclassical, Roman Greek Inspiration Photography by Mary E. Nichols

Neoclassical Style Mary McDonald

Orloff's farmhouse Country Living

Empire Styling Mudricks Photostream

Empire Desk - Photography by David O. Marlow

Interior Design by Juan Pablo Molyneux

Empire Decorating Ideas- Interior Design by Laura Hunt Prints

Empire Decorating Ideas - Neoclassical Roman Empire Inspiration Interior Design by Sandra Nunnerley

Empire Table - Photography by David O. Marlow

Empire Table Interior Design by Sandra Nunnerley

Neoclassical Style - Mary McDonald

Empire Bed - Photography by Mary E. Nichols

New York Social Diary Empire Chairs

Neoclassical Decorating Mary McDonald

Empire Decorating Interior Design by Juan Pablo Molyneux

Interior Design by Juan Pablo Molyneux

Roman Greek Empire Style Interior Design by Juan Pablo Molyneux

Neoclassical Decorating by William Hodgins

Empire Style Architectural Design by Peter Napolitano Interior Design by Thomas Britt

Architectural Design by Peter Napolitano Interior Design by Thomas Britt

Empire Furniture: Klismos Chair

Admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:54:13 +0000

Klismos Chair

The Klismos Chair is a luxuriourous chair developed by the ancient Greeks. The chair gained popularity by 500 BC as we often see illustrated on Greek pottery, and throughout the art at that time. The Klismos chair became popular again during the French Directoire, English Regency periods and throughout the American Empire styles.

Rare Klismos chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Seller Antiques Du Monde

Klismos Dining Chairs Seller Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Antiques

Klismos Chair Seller Stephen Miller Siegel

Klismos Chairs by Johan Tapp Seller Antiques Du Monde

Pair of 1940's American Klismos Chair Seller B4 20th Century Design