Money Talk How to get high style for less
HOT LOOKS AND HOW TO GET THEM FOR LESS.
PLASTER WALLS
Turn your walls into tactile canvases with a Venetian plaster finish. This centuries-old technique can be topped with wax for a polished effect. Here are three ways to bring the look home.
HIRE A PRO
Venetian plaster walls enhance this kitchen’s stone counters and warm wood accents. Professionals like Darrell Morrison of Decorative Painting & Plastering Concepts in Surrey, B.C., create a Venetian plaster finish by artfully applying thin layers of lime plaster topped with wax in a labour-intensive process.
COST: Approx. $9,000–$14,000 for a typical 10-foot-square room, depending on the style of finish and complexity of the work.
THREE-STEP DIY
You can get a plaster effect by layering any brand of paint in two or three shades, and texturizing the lighter top shades by rubbing them with crumpled paper and damp rags. Unlike lime paint, the finish stays relatively flat so it can be easily repainted. This wall (shown, right) was created using three colours of Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan.
1. A base coat of Scandinavian Pink (the darkest colour) was rolled onto the wall and left to dry.
2. A 50-50 mix of Henrietta (the medium shade) and water was brushed on in random patches, then rubbed with crumpled paper while the paint was still wet. This process was repeated until the whole wall was done. Allow the paint to dry.
3. A wash of Paloma (the lightest colour) was brushed on, then dabbed off with a damp rag to create a powdery look.
EXPERT TIP: Before beginning, try a practise patch with paint samples until you get the effect you like.
COST: Approx. $47 per 1-litre can of Chalk Paint, which covers 140 square feet.
ONE-STEP DIY
Lime Fresco paint in Skin Powder from Pure & Original gives this farmhouse bathroom a cloudy appearance that’s similar to plaster treatments. The combination of lime, pigment and water creates the effect in one application using a lime paint brush with extra-long, firm bristles (or try a masonry brush). Lime paint can be sealed, so it’s moisture- and bacteria-resistant, making it suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.
COST: $167 for a 2.5 litre can of paint, which covers 86 to 129 square feet in a single layer + $10 for a specialty brush.
Lime Fresco paint by Pure & Original, Mjölk; Marshalltown Masonry brush, The Home Depot.