5 wall finishing mistakes you should never make

Decorative wall plasters can transform any interior, but getting it right requires skill, style and stucco-smarts.

They may (unfairly) be the forgotten element of design, but walls are the secret behind some of the world's most exquisite interiors.

Whether it’s polished Venetian plaster, clay coatings or earthy tadelakt, luxury wall finishes remain the hottest interior design trend for 2021 and create mood in a space long before the furnishings add character.

Knowing which contemporary wall plasters to use in a living room, bathroom or kitchen is a study in itself and can make all the difference between an award-winning interior and one that eats up your money, time and reputation. Walls can't talk, but quality workmanship speaks volumes.

Here, founder of Creative Wall Solutions and wall plastering visionary Ronny Helou shares five of the biggest mistakes to avoid when choosing luxury wall finishings.

Mistake 1: Choosing the product first

Ronny’s advice is that before 'the what', comes 'the where'. He believes it’s more important to understand the environment and recommends choosing where you'd like a wall finish to be applied first. “Materials function differently and aesthetically in different areas and lighting plays a big role in achieving the overall look and feel. For example, natural materials reflect the colours that surround them and light showcases the texture in its rawest form.”

Mistake 2: Underestimating the role of plaster in a bathroom

There's a reason why lime plasters have been used for centuries in wet areas around the world, from Roman baths to Turkish hammams. It’s not uncommon to see finishes in wet areas that look nothing like they did originally. Ronny explains that “Lime plasters have natural mould inhibitors. The protection coat applied either on top or during the curing process makes them waterproof.” 

Mistake 3: Playing it too safe

Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Ronny has some advice when it comes to speciality finishes. “Step away from greys and whites and don't be afraid to explore the world of natural pigment, vibrant colours and earthy textures.” “Your choice of finish can create a strong sense of place and send you on a journey to Spain, Morocco, Italy and France without ever having to leave the country (or perhaps even your bedroom),” he adds.

Mistake 4: Applying plaster to timber

There's no hard and fast rule, but when it comes to trying something innovative it does take an experienced applicator to avoid costly do-overs. For example, applying plaster to furniture can be a very effective way to give it a revamp. “We came up with an innovative way to create customised furniture and home features that can be coated to ensure the products don't fail. Our method is more stable than timber and we're able to achieve better results,” says Ronny who has been working with a number of design studios to execute some remarkable custom pieces.

Mistake 5: Choosing an inexperienced applicator

Plastering jobs require a high level of understanding and skill. Yet, with a number of whizz-bang training courses flooding the market with inexperienced applicators, finding the right person for the job can be challenging. “There are two types of trades that enter the polished plaster world: those with a painter's background and those with a cement rendering/plastering background. Both have pros and cons,” Ronny explains. “Plasterers have limited experience with colour and decorative finishes, but they are good with the use of a trowel, whereas painters are generally not so good with a trowel and limited in their ability to carry out certain finishes. We're unique in that we offer an end-to-end service that comprises both high quality wall finishes and colour.”

Do you have an interiors project that requires a high level of expertise and understanding? Contact Creative Wall Solutions to organise a comprehensive briefing and site inspection and find out how a remarkable surface finish can enhance your space.