When our client in Etobicoke reached out to us to finish the fireplace TV wall in her newly built home, she was looking for more than just a surface treatment—she envisioned an artistic focal point that radiated calm, elegance, and intention. The goal was a fireplace wall finish that felt timeless, tactile, and soothing, with subtle depth and a refined glow. Were Venetian plaster patterns part of her saved Pinterest inspirations? Was she drawn to a velvety texture or perhaps a pearlescent Venetian plaster?

You never truly know until you step into the aesthetic story of the home being built.

We began with a colour and texture consultation, bringing a curated selection of limewash and Venetian plaster samples to her home. Inspired by images from the Bauwerk Colour website, the client gravitated toward soft, natural tones like Tranquil, Intention, and Bone. These hues spoke to a serene, minimalist aesthetic she was drawn to.

We explored several finishes from leading brands including Spiver, Romabio, and Pure & Original, with comparisons between limewash, microcement, and Venetian plaster textures. Going through different limewash samples: Clay limewash, Tuscan Limewash, Merrakesh Limewash, and many more.  While limewash offered a beautifully matte, organic wash, the client was captivated by the polish and soft reflectivity of Venetian plaster patterns —particularly in pearl and velvet finishes.

As we moved through samples, we introduced the client to a range of Venetian plaster styles:

• Velvet Finish: A suede-like surface with subtle richness.
• Marmorino with Metallics: Iridescent flecks in a traditional lime base.
• Classic Marmorino: With layered movement and soft sheen.
• Pearl Finish: Smooth and luminous, with a gentle, pearlescent glow.

The pearl finish quickly emerged as the favourite. It offered the perfect blend of elegance and restraint—delivering a soft sheen without overpowering the space. The subtle light play across the wall brought out its artisanal character and created a calming rhythm throughout the living room.

The completed Venetian plaster fireplace wall now anchors the room with understated grandeur. Set against Farrow & Ball’s Vert de Terre on the surrounding walls, the soft pearl plaster finish brings harmony and contrast in equal measure.

Its tactile quality invites a closer look, while the tranquil colour palette echoes natural stone, bringing warmth and balance to the modern interior. It’s a surface that looks different throughout the day—sometimes glowing, sometimes matte, always elegant.

More than just a design feature, this Venetian plaster fireplace became a point of artistic expression—adding soul and identity to a brand-new build in Etobicoke. The soft pearl finish doesn’t shout; it whispers elegance.

For homeowners looking to move beyond ordinary drywall or paint, Venetian plaster walls—especially when finished in hand-applied, artisanal techniques—offer a lasting sense of depth, craftsmanship, and beauty.

In Toronto and across Canada, plaster painting is replacing basic drywall paint and wallpaper in designer-forward homes. Here’s why:

• Aged, natural beauty that evolves with time
• Eco-friendly materials—all-natural, VOC-free, and mold-resistant
• Custom colour matching from earthy neutrals to rich tones
• Movement and depth from even a single hue
• Versatility across styles—Tuscan, Mediterranean, Scandinavian, Japandi, or minimalist
• Handcrafted authenticity that can’t be faked by mass production

At Chromatist Decorative Finishes, we specialize in hand-crafted wall and floor applications using microcement, Venetian plaster, limewash, and Tadelakt.

Living rooms & bedrooms: Add subtle softness and elegance

Bathrooms & showers: Use Tadelakt for a waterproof stone effect

Dining spaces & entryways: Create a stunning first impression

Ceilings & feature walls: Draw the eye upward with texture

Retail spaces & studios: Craft a unique, artisan atmosphere

Staircases & curved walls: Highlight architectural form with depth

Whether you’re an interior designer, developer, or architect working on a commercial build or renovation, our team offers tailored finishes that align with your vision and brand identity.

As interiors shift toward sustainability, texture, and timelessness, plaster painting offers a grounded, soulful alternative to synthetic finishes. Whether you want to warm up a new build or give your home that “lived-in luxury” feel, choosing materials like limewash, Tadelakt, and Venetian plaster ensures that every wall tells a story.