Modern Finishes: Elevate your space with Microcement, Roman Clay, Venetian Plaster, & Limewash

Wall finishes are no longer just about paint or drywall. Today’s homeowners and designers are looking for texture, depth, and character—and that’s exactly what these four finishes deliver: Microcement, Roman Clay, Venetian Plaster, and Limewash. If you want a modern, organic home, these will be ideal options for your space!

Let’s break down the difference between these popular styles, how they’re applied, and what makes each one unique for your space.

Microcement

Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, floors, fireplaces, and modern minimalist designs.

Look: Sleek, seamless, industrial, spa-like. Matte or gloss.

Feel: Smooth, cool, and polished (but not glossy unless sealed).

Benefits:

• Durable & waterproof – ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.

• Creates a seamless surface (no grout lines).

• Can be applied over existing tile or other surfaces. (No demo needed)

• Modern, minimalist aesthetic.

Application: Applied in thin layers over primed surfaces and sealed for moisture resistance. Great for accent showers, walls, vanities, fireplaces, and even flooring.

Spa-like bathroom - walls & vanity coated with a durable micro-concrete finish

Roman Clay

Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, feature walls, fireplaces, and calm, earthy interiors.

Look: Soft, matte, earthy with natural movement and variation.

Feel: Velvety and breathable.

Benefits:

• Eco-friendly and made from natural ingredients. Low VOC

• Gives walls a high-end plaster look

• Available in rich, earthy tones.

• Adds depth and warmth to any space.

Application: Hand-applied using a trowel. Multiple coats create soft movement and texture. Often finished with a wax or sealer for durability.

Venetian Plaster

Best for: Luxury interiors, formal spaces, statement ceilings or walls.

Look: High-gloss, matte or satin with depth and movement.

Feel: Smooth and polished with a subtle shimmer.

Benefits:

• Elegant and timeless – mimics the look of real stone.

• Can be buffed to a shine or left more matte.

• Naturally mold- and mildew-resistant.

• Made with lime and marble dust – breathable and eco-friendly.

• Wide variety of finishes varying from sand, stone, smooth & high gloss

Application: Applied in several thin layers using a trowel, then polished (burnished) for sheen. It requires a skilled hand but the results are stunning.

Limewash

Best for: Modern organic interiors, minimalist spaces, soft and serene aesthetics.

Look: Matte, chalky, and full of natural movement with subtle variation in tone.Feel: Velvety and breathable with a beautifully imperfect, lived-in look.

Benefits:

• Non-toxic and eco-friendly.

• Achieves that “effortless luxury” look seen in modern organic homes.

• Softens spaces with its natural texture and color layering.

• Works beautifully with neutral palettes, natural wood, and layered textures.

Application: Brushed on in multiple coats, allowing for layered texture and depth. It reacts with the surface beneath it, creating variation that gives walls a custom, artisan feel.