Photo by Wing Ho
The world of interior design is seeing a rise in the popularity of brushed wall treatments. From French Wash and limewash to Venetian plaster, these types of textured finishes add complexity and movement to any space. “Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, wall treatments are a win for all,” says Gladys Tay, who boasts her own distinct, eclectic style. “[These treatments] give rooms character by creating soft and cozy environments.”
Since certain techniques require skills when applying, Tay recommends hiring a professional to achieve the best results. However, she has been experimenting with this method in her own home and has found that Underlayment Patch and Skimcoat, a cement-based product, is simple to use and requires little to no specialized skills. As a fast-drying product, it allows for projects to move along quickly. “The finishing of the product is suede-like, with a combination of light and dark tones that adds so much warmth to a space,” she explains. “All you need is a trowel and some patience.”
But if dark colors aren’t your style, “try adding two different shades of a similar paint color to the cement wall,” she suggests. “Painting over the cement will give a similar limewashed effect with patina. The fun part of this entire wall treatment is that there isn’t a right or wrong way of doing it—it’s about experimenting until you get the effect you’re looking for.”
