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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

Empire Decorating

Admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:04:40 +0000

Period Empire Decorating - Picture Credit Charles Spada

This lovely picture by Charles Spada shows the beauty of laying with white. Here you see pecan stained hardwood floors, which coordinate perfectly with the ornate gilt picture frames with white mountings. You see a simple bench with animal print upholstery fabric which nicely brings in an Empire look. The simple hand drawn portraits give a primitive yet simplistic look that is easy on the eye. The gilt wall mount with a greek key design really makes this room look prestigous.

Period Style Decorating - Regency Empire By Tom Hayes

Tom Hayes also shows us the beauty of white and gold next to each other. Here we have gilt frames on the wall next to a Gilt Eagle Convex Sconce Mirror. This look is very sophisticated.

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

A Profile of Classical Expert Melanie Kershner – Owner of Beaux-Artes

Admin — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:18:32 +0000

I stumbled across Classical Addiction, a blog which talks about the decadence of classical architecture and interior design, and I found myself pleasantly surprised, so I saved a link to it on my desktop for my one day off. Like a new book that you flip though quickly and find that ALL of it's contents are interesting, you hide it away for a special day that you can spend some time and really enjoy the newfound information, or in this case old secrets to the trade. Neoclassicism flourished during the mid-18th to the end of the 19th century and Baroque which proceeded it began during the beginning of the 18th century. If you truly love this period of furniture history, then you will likely enjoy reading Melanie Kershner's blog Classical Addiction as much as I did.

It is not too often that I find a blog so narrowed in on a focused time period and yet also tells you the secrets of how to create the look for yourself. I emailed Classical Addiction not knowing that I would come to know Melanie Kershner, who is extremely nice, and is the face behind the blog and owner of Beaux-Artes, a classic design company which specializes in decorative ornamentation. They also supply unique wall panels which can be used on walls and ceilings. All of their products are cast from historic ornamentation and contain decorative elements that you can use to really dress up your home. The wall panels are available in over 30 different faux finishes, so you don't even have to worry about spending hours struggling with delicate painting techniques.

Faux Painting - Melanie Kershner - Owner of Beaux-Artes

I had a chance to ask Melanie a Few Questions:

Q- Meranda- Melanie, Tell me a little bit about your design background:

A- Melanie- I have always been in the arts. I attended the International Institute of Interior Design in Washington, D.C. and started my own design firm, Exclusively Yours. Design projects requiring specific art led to the development of my fine art skills through independent study and targeted classes at the Corcoran School of Art for airbrush and fine art. These two 10 foot murals (below) were done for Prudential Securities to provide a solution to wall space above the cubicles for brokers.

Today I am able to utilize all my skills with the company my husband, and our son and I began in 2002, Beaux-Artes. We design and manufacture classical solutions for modern intrusions such as HVAC vents, recessed lighting and classical wall panels using historical ornament for our masters. I am designing a collection of hand-painted canvas panels which can be used with our wall panels.In addition to our products we also continue to offer design, decorative and fine art painting and carpentry services. There is nothing we love more than creating classical interiors showcasing the best in art and design.

Faux Painting and Murals- Melanie Kershner - Beaux-Artes

( At first glance, I thought Melanie attached some pictures which were taken by the camera, only until later that I realized that she PAINTED these murals! )

Faux Painting and Murals- Melanie Kershner - Beaux-Artes

Q- Meranda What inspired you to use ornamentation in your architectural design?

A- Melanie-I love the combination of designing an interior as well as providing art when appropriate. In another project a client restored a claw foot tub and needed new claw feet so I undertook sculpting a new master out of wax. That led to my sculpting phase and the beginning of my respect for ornamentation and classical design. I even got into making jewelry sculpting with polymer clay settings for semi precious stones which I sold to Nordstroms' for awhile. That would eventually lead to incorporating gemstones with ornament such as I did on this fireplace and in this ceiling corner. The rose quartz gemstones are actually strategically placed to cover the screws used to attach it to the ceiling. One of my favorite things is a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Having studied the airbrush for my fine art, I began working with HVLP equipment to incorporate nature's ultimate light show into murals and on ceilings along with classical ornamentation.

Q: Meranda- Tell me how you got into ornamentation for architectural decoration:

Q: Meranda- Melanie, you are certainly a woman to be admired. I am asounded with your talent to paint of being able to create faux marble, and some of the century-old faux paint effects which take years of practice. Could you tell me more about the picture with the coral and peach faux marble? (above) How did you achieve that overall look? Also, could you expand on the custom molding? Do you have any general tips from your experience in this area?

A- Melanie- About the picture that showed the faux marble panels below our architectural wall panels. The molding was all purchased from either Home Depot or Lowe's. We try to keep that simple and inexpensive. I do not do any of the carpentry work since my husband and son do all that work. They used MDF to create the raised stiles around the panels and then framed the boxes they cut into the MDF with a decorative molding. The molding on the ceiling is plaster which we ordered from Decorators Supply. We install our plaster with Dap adhesive caulk. We use Dap to install our wall panels as well. The nice thing about the wall panels is you don't have to deal with mitering the corners because the molding fits behind the decorative corner. So they are very easy to install. I have a lot of my work posted on my Heavenly Homes Design Website.

Q: Meranda- From your experience, what are some of the tools of the trade that you could not live without?

Marbling Tools

A- Melanie-

When I marblelize I can't live without a rubber squeegee. I use it to remove paint to reveal the undercolor for creating veins. Very quick way to get lots of great veins. And, Miracle Sponges. Just a compressed cellulose sponge that I use for all kinds of faux finishes.

The blue tool is my favorite. I bought it from another artist who created it to apply venetian plaster to columns. Flexible so it conforms to the column. I use the corner to pull my veins. She has a patent pending on it, and calls it the "Blue Tool" which can be found at Buon Fresco. The other tool works as well, it has a hard rubber tip much finer than the blue tool so you are pretty much limited to creating very fine veins whereas with the blue tool I can vary the width of the vein as you find them in real marble. Sorry .......I don't remember where I got it.

I also cannot live without my Badger airbrush. This is a craft airbrush but I love it. Much easier to clean and use with heavier paints than a finer more expensive air brush.

Q: Meranda-What do you find particularly inspiring?

A- Melanie- People are so inspiring. Love to hear about everything people are capable of whether it is overcoming great adversity or figuring out how to create a bigger telescope than the Hubble. Amazing people.

Q: Meranda-Anything you want to accomplish this next year?

A- Melanie- Want this to be my best year yet. Happier, healthier and wealthier. I also want to go on a vacation with my husband. We are talking about a trip to London to see some famous homes. One night in the fabulous Cliveden. That would be fantastic.

Q: Meranda-Working with your husband, how do you keep your family in balance.... Any tips?

A- Melanie- Family businesses can be tricky. My husband is easy going, and consistently optimistic. We have been together 31 years now and we know each other very well. Paying attention to the best in each other and ignoring the rest has been what makes it work for us. The same is true with our son. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and I do my best when I focus on what I like. Sounds easy but when you have stuff go wrong it is a challenge to ignore what is. That is the best advice I give myself. Forget about what you don't like and eventually it goes away. What you pay attention to persists.

Q-Meranda-Every person wants to skip through the millions of books of copycat books on design to find one manual that includes the best of everything. Every once in a while we each stumble upon one or two of these reference guides. Which ones are on your permanent shelf?

A- Melanie- For faux finishing "The Art of Faux - The Complete Sourcebook of Decorative Painted Finishes by Pierre Finkelstein and Professional Painted Finishes by Ina Brosseau Marx. Another great source of instruction is the organization, International Decorative Artisans League. They have chapters all over the country and have an annual convention which is all about decorative painting classes. This year my son and I have applied to teach a class on using ornament. However, they usually focus on painting ornament. So we shall see if there is any interest in using the real thing. My most recent new book that I love is Historic Houses of Paris.

Q- Meranda- We both have The Art of Faux listed our must have books!! What are you enjoying right now?

A- Melanie- What I am enjoying right now: I have just started a new painting. Since I am so busy during the week with our company, I am only working on it on the weekend. I am very interested in metaphysics, quantum physics and thoughts about the universe. Currently reading Stephen Hawkings book "Grand Design". Love Hubble images, so I am combining all of the above as my subject. Title "Pillars of Creation" which actually is the name of the image from the Eagle nebulae. We shall see how it turns out!

Q- Meranda- What are some things you would like to learn someday:

A- Melanie- 1. Anything related to technology. There is so much going on and I want to understand how to use it. Like how to create fabulous Fractals. If I can do that then create fabric out of it.

2. Make a catalogue for our company on a DVD.

3. Be able to guild and paint on mirror - Verre Eglomise

Q- Meranda- What are some things you are working on this week:

1. Sending out a brochure to ASID members

2. Redesigning several website pages to add new products

3. Learning how to use a new video camera to make a how-to video and edit the movie.

I had so much fun getting to know Melanie. As you can see she is tremendously talented. Do check out her websites for your next up and coming architectural projects!

Empire Egyptian Curule X Frame Chairs

Admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:42:40 +0000

The Curule chair came about in Etruria (referred to in Greek texts as Tyrrhenia , now known as Tuscany) and was found on surviving Etruscan monuments to identify magistrates. Much earlier stools that were supported on a cross-frame are known from the New Kingdom of Egypt. Curule chairs were designed for the officials of the highest government dignitaries. It was originally made of ivory, without arms and it was usually inlaid with ivory and precious metals. It served a seat for the positioned in power, and later the emperor himself.

Interior Design by Scott Snyder Neoclassical Egyptian Roman Curule Chair Bench Stool

Cleopatra chair Red Fabric upholestry Ebay Seller louisxv2006

Cleopatra Vivien Leigh

CURULE BENCHES Seller Sydelle&Jay Livingston

Curule chairs

Austrian Biedermeier Curule Mahogany Bench. Circa 1820 Seller Florian Papp

Empire Egyptian Curule X Frame Chairs

Curule Bench Stool Chairs- Interior Design by Juan Pablo Molyneux

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.

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Photography by David O. Marlow

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Empire Decorating Interior Design by Juan Pablo Molyneux

Interior Design by Juan Pablo Molyneux

Roman Greek Empire Style Interior Design by Juan Pablo Molyneux

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

Architectural Design by Peter Napolitano Interior Design by Thomas Britt