A Nod to Nature: Why the Organic Minimalist Look is Taking Over in 2025

The world of interior design is in a constant state of evolution, and 2025 is all about embracing the organic minimalist look. This trend moves away from stark, cold spaces and instead celebrates a deep connection to nature through subtle, earthy colours and rich textures. Think beyond the standard beige—we’re seeing a rise in warm, inviting palettes featuring soft sage greens, sandy beiges, muted terracottas, warm greys, and creamy whites. These colours create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere, making a home feel like a tranquil sanctuary.

This shift in aesthetic is about creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also tactile. It’s about bringing the outside in, and we’re seeing it manifest in everything from furniture to wall finishes. For a true organic minimalist design, the choice of materials is paramount. When it came to our latest Mississauga project, inspired by the coveted Studio McGee style, our clients wanted a custom kitchen hood and a matching fireplace that would embody this trend perfectly.

A finished kitchen hood with a smooth, off-white Marmorino Venetian plaster surface and a subtle sheen.
Completed Marmorino Venetian Plaster Kitchen Hood, Modern Minimalist

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The Right Finish: Why We Chose Venetian Plaster

For a project this special, a simple painted surface wouldn’t suffice. The key was to introduce texture and depth while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. The two most popular choices for this type of finish are Venetian plaster and microcement, each with its own unique characteristics.

Microcement: This cement-based coating is known for its seamless, industrial appeal and incredible durability. It’s a fantastic choice for high-traffic areas and has superior resistance to moisture and cracking. For a sleek, modern, and almost concrete-like look, microcement is an excellent option.

Venetian Plaster: We ultimately chose Venetian plaster for this project, specifically a Marmorino finish, and here’s why. Unlike microcement, which can feel more modern and industrial, Venetian plaster has a rich history and a softer, more natural feel. Marmorino plaster, made with slaked lime and crushed marble dust, offers a nuanced, stone-like texture that feels authentic and luxurious. By choosing a finish with minimal burnishing, we were able to create a subtle, velvety sheen that perfectly captured the quiet elegance of the organic minimalist style our clients were after. The breathability and timeless character of Marmorino were the perfect fit for a space meant to be a natural, serene retreat

Microcement Installation for Kitchen Hood

For a project this special, a simple painted surface wouldn’t suffice. The key was to introduce texture and depth while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. The two most popular choices for this type of finish are Venetian plaster and microcement, each with its own unique characteristics.

Microcement: This cement-based coating is known for its seamless, industrial appeal and incredible durability. It’s a fantastic choice for high-traffic areas and has superior resistance to moisture and cracking. For a sleek, modern, and almost concrete-like look, microcement is an excellent option.

Venetian Plaster: We ultimately chose Venetian plaster for this project, specifically a Marmorino finish, and here’s why. Unlike microcement, which can feel more modern and industrial, Venetian plaster has a rich history and a softer, more natural feel. Marmorino plaster, made with slaked lime and crushed marble dust, offers a nuanced, stone-like texture that feels authentic and luxurious. By choosing a finish with minimal burnishing, we were able to create a subtle, velvety sheen that perfectly captured the quiet elegance of the organic minimalist style our clients were after. The breathability and timeless character of Marmorino were the perfect fit for a space meant to be a natural, serene retreat

Venetian Plaster Installation for Kitchen Hood

For a project this special, a simple painted surface wouldn’t suffice. The key was to introduce texture and depth while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. The two most popular choices for this type of finish are Venetian plaster and microcement, each with its own unique characteristics.

Microcement: This cement-based coating is known for its seamless, industrial appeal and incredible durability. It’s a fantastic choice for high-traffic areas and has superior resistance to moisture and cracking. For a sleek, modern, and almost concrete-like look, microcement is an excellent option.

Venetian Plaster: We ultimately chose Venetian plaster for this project, specifically a Marmorino finish, and here’s why. Unlike microcement, which can feel more modern and industrial, Venetian plaster has a rich history and a softer, more natural feel. Marmorino plaster, made with slaked lime and crushed marble dust, offers a nuanced, stone-like texture that feels authentic and luxurious. By choosing a finish with minimal burnishing, we were able to create a subtle, velvety sheen that perfectly captured the quiet elegance of the organic minimalist style our clients were after. The breathability and timeless character of Marmorino were the perfect fit for a space meant to be a natural, serene retreat

After photo showing white Venetian plaster resurfacing over fireplace in Etobicoke, completed by Chromatist.
A close-up shot of the textured surface of a kitchen hood finished with Marmorino Venetian plaster, showing the natural, subtle sheen.
Kitchen Hood and Fireplace Surfaced with Venetian Plaster, Marmorino in Mississauga Residence

From MDF to Masterpiece: A Custom Kitchen Hood Transformed

The journey of the kitchen hood began as a simple MDF structure. To ensure a flawless and lasting finish, our artisans meticulously prepped the surface. This crucial first step involved installing corner beads and plastering over them to create a perfectly smooth canvas. This painstaking process not only guarantees crisp, clean lines but also provides a strong foundation that prevents future cracking, a common issue when plastering over seams or joints. With the smooth canvas prepared, the magic happened as our artisans meticulously applied multiple thin coats of the Marmorino Venetian plaster. This wasn’t just a simple application; it was a process that built a rich, textural finish from the ground up, with each layer adding depth and character. The final minimal burnishing created that “just right” amount of luster, highlighting the natural beauty of the marble-infused plaster without making the surface appear overly polished or reflective.

Venetian Plaster Kitchen Hood Application: From Start to Finish (Toronto, Woodbridge, Miami)

A plain, unfinished MDF kitchen hood in a new kitchen construction, waiting for a final surface finish.
A finished kitchen hood with a smooth, off-white Marmorino Venetian plaster surface and a subtle sheen.
From MDF to Venetian Plaster, Marmorino: A Toronto Kitchen Hood Transformation

Venetian Plaster vs. Microcement: A Guide to Modern Minimalist Kitchen Finishes

The organic minimalist look is dominating kitchen design, and a key element of this trend is the use of textured, natural-looking finishes on focal points like range hoods and fireplaces. Two of the most popular choices for this are Venetian plaster and microcement. While they can achieve a similar aesthetic, their properties and applications are quite different. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the best choice for your Toronto, Etobicoke, Woodbridge, or Florida-area home.

We understand that choosing the right texture and color for your project is a crucial decision. That’s why we provide a complementary design consultation to walk you through our extensive portfolio and help you explore the perfect finish for your space. We’ll bring samples and discuss your vision in detail to ensure the final result is exactly what you’ve imagined.

FAQ: Venetian Plaster or Microcement for Modern Minimalist Design

  • Q: What is the main difference between Venetian plaster and microcement?

    A: The fundamental difference lies in their composition. Venetian plaster is a traditional, natural product made from slaked lime and marble dust. It’s an ancient technique that creates a finish with incredible depth, movement, and a soft, stone-like texture. Microcement, on the other hand, is a more modern material. It’s a cement-based coating with added polymers and resins, designed for a seamless, industrial-style finish with exceptional durability

  • Q: Which material is better for an organic, natural minimalist look?

    A: Both can work, but Venetian plaster is often the preferred choice for this specific aesthetic. Its natural, lime-based composition and subtle variations in texture perfectly align with the organic trend. The ability to control the sheen with techniques like minimal burnishing allows for a warm, velvety look that feels authentic and luxurious. Microcement, while available in earthy tones, tends to have a more uniform, industrial feel, which may be better suited for a sleek, contemporary style

  • Q: Is Microcement more durable or resistant to cracking than Venetian Plaster?

    A: Microcement is generally considered to be more durable and resistant to cracking than Venetian plaster, thanks to its polymer-enhanced composition. It’s incredibly strong and is often used for high-traffic areas like floors and countertops. However, Venetian plaster, when properly applied by a skilled artisan on a meticulously prepped surface (like a newly plastered MDF hood with corner beads), is also very durable and can last for many years without issue.

  • Q: Can I get a seamless, joint-free look with both materials?

    A: Yes. Both Venetian plaster and microcement are applied in layers to create a monolithic, seamless surface without grout lines. This is a key reason they are so popular for achieving a clean, modern minimalist look on a kitchen hood.

  • Q: What about customization? Can I choose my own colour? 

    A: Absolutely. Both Venetian plaster and microcement are highly customizable. They can be tinted with pigments to create a wide array of colours, from the creamy whites and sandy beiges of the organic minimalist palette to more dramatic moody tones perhaps Kendal Charcoal! With Venetian plaster, you can further customizeate the finish to be matte, satin, or polished, offering an even greater degree of control over the final look and feel of your custom piece.

  • Q: Do I need a professional to apply these finishes?

    A: Yes, both Venetian plaster and microcement are specialized finishes that require a high level of skill and experience to apply correctly. Improper application can lead to a less-than-perfect aesthetic and potential issues like cracking. Investing in a professional who understands the specific material and the meticulous preparation required is crucial for a beautiful and long-lasting result.

  • Q: How does the pricing for Venetian plaster compare to microcement?

    A: Pricing for both materials is a reflection of the specialized skill and time required for application, rather than just the cost of the product itself. Microcement product costs are often slightly more expensive than Venetian plaster. However, the total project cost for either finish can vary significantly depending on the project’s size, complexity, and the condition of the existing surface. For this reason, we provide detailed, transparent quotes tailored to your specific project needs.

Whether you choose the timeless elegance of Venetian plaster or the modern durability of microcement, both options can transform your kitchen into a sophisticated, minimalist sanctuary. The best choice ultimately comes down to the specific aesthetic you want to achieve and the unique needs of your space.

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