The right plasterwork can transform the energy of any room. With roots traced to the Roman Empire or even earlier, decorative plaster has evolved as a technique used to enhance a room with intricate patterns and designs. If done correctly, this lightweight material can completely reform the space, turning mundane walls into statement points and breathing new life into ceilings and archways. If you’re considering redecorating your home but don’t know where to start, plaster is one of the best materials you can choose. From adding creativity to a modern style or reviving a more traditional look, decorative plasterwork is your gateway to a detailed home refurbishment.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to start redecorating your home using plaster, where to start when redecorating your home, and the various plaster elements that will give your rooms that much-needed facelift. Let’s take a look!
Where to Start When Redecorating Your Home
Starting a home redecorating project is exciting! The key to achieving a successful transformation lies in knowing where to begin. When redecorating your home, start by establishing a clear vision for the space, looking on Pinterest and other similar websites for inspiration. Consider your current style and the atmosphere you wish to create. Do you want to elevate your living room or add more shape to your bathroom?
Once you’ve identified the overall look you want, it’s time to think about key focal points. For example, the walls and ceiling are prime candidates for decorative plaster designs that will make an impact. From ornate cornices and bold ceiling roses to smooth, textured wall finishes, plasterwork can be used to draw attention to specific areas of the room.
From here, decide which plaster styles will best match your home’s theme. Once you’ve pinpointed these elements, it’s time to plan the installation. This is where an expert like Keaneys, London’s leading plasterwork specialists, can help. With our knowledge and expertise, you’ll achieve a high-quality finish that perfectly reflects your taste.
Ideas to Redecorate Your Home with Plaster
One of the most easy and elegant ways to redecorate your home is by adding ceiling roses. These ornate features were originally used to protect the ceiling from discolouration, but now play a decorative role in transforming a plain ceiling into a focus point, perfect if you have a chandelier, you’d like to draw attention to. Available in a variety of styles – from classic Victorian designs to more modern interpretations - ceiling roses are compatible with many home styles.
Plaster ceiling roses look particularly good in living rooms, dining rooms, and even grand entryways. Their intricate designs add depth to the ceiling, creating a sense of height for the room and reinventing architectural features. For a more understated look, consider choosing a minimalist design that will still draw the eye upward without overwhelming the space.
The term ‘cornice’ stems from the Italian word for ‘ledge,’ describing any detailed, horizontal mouldings along a wall. They offer another fantastic way to redecorate your home and hide any imperfections along your walls. These decorative mouldings run along the junction where the walls meet the ceiling, adding structure and finishing the room’s design. Just like ceiling roses, cornices come in a range of styles to match the mood you want to create.
For traditional-style homes, ornate and highly detailed cornices made from plaster can provide a grand look, while simpler, more contemporary cornices will illustrate your home’s sleek appearance. With plaster cornices, your home will boast a polished look that draws the eye to the architectural details.
- Textured Wall Finishes
Plaster is not only great for ceilings and mouldings, it’s also a great choice for textured wall finishes. If you’re looking for ideas to redecorate your home, textured plaster can be used to create stunning accent walls, adding dimension and depth to the room. From Venetian plaster, known for its smooth, marble-like finish, to rougher textures like stucco or Lime plaster, the possibilities to create a rustic look are endless.
These textured finishes are perfect for bringing interest to large, flat surfaces. For example, in a living room, you can apply textured plaster to one wall to serve as the room’s centrepiece. In bathrooms or kitchens, the moisture-resistant properties of plaster finishes make them ideal for creating durable, long-lasting feature walls. They are also great at disguising flaws such as cracks or dents in the wall.
- Plaster Fireplace Surrounds
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, consider cladding the surround with plaster to create a bespoke inscription. Because plaster is a durable material, it can withstand the heat and wear that typically affects fireplace surrounds. Adding a plaster fireplace surround will not only elevate the room's ambience but also become a conversation starter for guests.
- Plaster Archways
Looking to bring a cost-effective renovation to your hallway or doorways? Plaster cartouche archways are a fantastic way to reimagine your home’s interior design. Whether you choose a grand, curved project or a more modern rectangular arch, plaster archways can dramatically alter the flow of a room, creating a smooth transition between different areas of your home.
An archway can be especially effective in smaller spaces, as it helps define and open areas without making them feel cramped. When combined with other plaster elements like cornices and ceiling roses, it creates a cohesive look that is artistic with minimal upkeep.
Why Choose Decorative Plasterwork for Your Home?
Now that you’ve got some exciting ideas on how to redecorate your home, you might be wondering what makes plaster such a great choice. The answer lies in the flexibility of this material.
Versatility Across Styles
Plaster can be applied in numerous ways, allowing it to complement all home styles. It can be smooth, polished, or textured – matching a wide range of tastes. For example, a modern living room could benefit from sleek, minimal plaster finishes, while a more traditional home could embrace detailed cornices and ceiling roses.
Durability That Lasts a Lifetime
Unlike paint and wallpaper, decorative plaster is extremely durable. It’s highly resistant to damage from moisture and cracking, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. With proper care and a protective wax coating, plaster can last decades or even centuries without degrading, earning the title of ‘lifetime finish.’ They require less frequent touch-ups compared to other materials, making them a cost-effective choice for homeowners in the long run.
Eco-Friendly and Low Maintenance
Another great reason to choose plaster when redecorating your home is its eco-friendliness. Many plaster types are made from natural materials like marble dust and lime, which have minimal environmental impact. Unlike synthetic materials, plaster has lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contributing to better indoor air quality and a healthier living environment. The use of biopolymers and reprocessed materials is being explored as alternatives to traditional plastics.
Plaster is also incredibly easy to maintain. A simple wipe-down or light dusting will keep plastered surfaces looking like new. With minimal upkeep, your decorative plasterwork can retain its look for years to come.
The Keaneys Difference: Expert Plaster Installation
In conclusion, decorative plasterwork offers endless possibilities to redecorate your home in a stylish way. From enhancing your ceilings with elegant roses and cornices to applying textured finishes on your walls, plaster can improve your living spaces. When it comes to installing high-quality plasterwork in your home, Keaneys is the go-to name in London. With years of experience and a reputation for excellence, Keaneys specialises in creating bespoke plaster designs that will enhance the layout of your home.
From detailed cornices to beautifully sculpted ceiling roses, we ensure that every plaster product is crafted and installed to perfection. Our team of experts can help you design and implement the perfect plaster details that align with your vision, providing a high-end finish that will last a lifetime.
So, if you’re wondering where to start when redecorating your home, look no further than plaster from Keaneys – your partners in home redesign.
