Ghia House’s Fresco-Like, Hand-Painted Mural Only Looks Like Plaster

The ancient building technique of plasterwork is experiencing a modern resurgence, transforming walls and ceilings into elevated aesthetic elements within homes. Jimmy Sanfilippo, through his company Sparrow Plaster and Tile, has been a central figure in bringing specialized plasterwork to Vineyard homes for nearly three decades. His work blurs the lines between trade and art, emphasizing functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing outcomes. Sanfilippo's approach is distinguished by his willingness to undertake complex, creative, and physically demanding projects, continuously learning and imparting his extensive knowledge to his team. He works with plaster, a delicate mixture of lime, gypsum, sand, and water, which is highly sensitive to environmental factors such as humidity, heat, and air circulation, as well as the concentration of aggregates and water temperature. These variables become even more critical when working with curved surfaces, domes, barrel vaults, or cast moldings, or when incorporating integral color pigments or marble-like Venetian finishes. Sanfilippo prioritizes high-quality, time-intensive jobs using superior and often rare materials. He transitioned from drywall in the mid-eighties as he found it becoming too generic. His specialization lies in the esoteric aspects of artisanal wall surfaces, particularly plastering over wirework for complex shapes like barrel vaults and domes, which cannot be achieved with Sheetrock. This process involves multiple layers, each requiring precise and consistent curing to prevent future cracks, making meticulous preparation essential before mixing the plaster. Teamwork is fundamental to Sanfilippo's plastering projects. He divides areas into sections, assigning each to a worker, and the crew collaboratively determines the exact amount and consistency of plaster needed for each section, accounting for individual working styles and area specifics. This collaborative approach ensures a cohesive and beautiful final product, fostering a sense of shared accomplishment rather than competition. Plasterwork offers significant longevity due to its material durability and its ability to expand and contract with environmental changes, making it resistant to seasonal shifts and humidity. Aesthetically, a hand-tooled plaster ceiling or wall imparts a distinct, handcrafted quality that integrates seamlessly with other artisanal elements like handmade floors and custom woodworking, creating a unified sense of craftsmanship within a home. While much of his work is on Martha's Vineyard, Sanfilippo also undertakes projects in New York City, drawn by innovative architectural designs that challenge his skills. He has collaborated with restaurateur Keith McNally on several projects, including Pravda and Pastis, and McNally's Vineyard home. A notable project for McNally involved creating a unique layered plaster surface that was smooth yet revealed rougher inner layers, designed to absorb color washes differentially, resulting in a distinct visual and tactile effect. Sanfilippo stresses the importance of clients articulating their aesthetic preferences, often asking them to provide examples from magazines or descriptions of their existing decor to ensure the plasterwork complements the room's overall character, considering factors like rugs, furnishings, and room temperature. Historically, plastering is an ancient practice dating back nearly ten thousand years, used for protection, insulation, and sanitation. Early civilizations, including those in India, China, Jordan, and ancient Egypt (the pyramids were plastered), utilized it. Limestone in plaster acts as a mold inhibitor, a property leveraged by early Europeans to protect their walls. Even the indigenous people of Martha's Vineyard used a form of clay-concentrate mud plaster for their wetus, demonstrating the timeless principle of building with earth materials. Sanfilippo's journey into plastering began in his father's drywall business, where he developed a foundational understanding of construction. He later advanced his skills through an industrial arts program and eventually transitioned from drywall to plastering, taking a pay cut to learn and refine his craft, ultimately achieving mastery. His philosophy, as encapsulated by a shared quote, emphasizes that true artistry in his trade emerges when one works not only with hands and head but also with the heart. #Plasterwork #ArtisanalCraft #HomeDesign #InteriorFinishes #ArchitecturalDesign #BuildingMaterials #HistoricTechniques #CustomHomes #Craftsmanship

Creating a stunning gallery wall is an effective way to personalize and enhance a living space, though the process can seem daunting due to various decisions regarding artwork selection, arrangement, and placement. Susan Tynan, founder and CEO of Framebridge, offers expert advice to simplify this home decor venture. She emphasizes that gallery walls should be seen as evolving collections rather than static displays, encouraging individuals to build them gradually and incorporate a variety of pieces, including sentimental items like framed scarves or antique plates, to tell a unique story. The founder suggests thinking of the gallery wall as a narrative of personal experiences and memories, referencing an example where a two-story gallery wall was created for Cary Sherman, CEO of the Recording Industry Association, filled with framed photos, records, and magazine features chronicling his career. A common mistake Tynan highlights is hanging art too high. She advises treating the gallery as a single large piece of art. If placed above furniture, the bottom of the lowest piece should be eight to ten inches above the furniture's top. For empty walls, the center of the arrangement should ideally be about 57 inches from the floor. Establishing a color palette is crucial for a cohesive look. If starting from scratch, a unifying element such as a specific color scheme or art medium can be chosen. For existing collections, consistency can be achieved through framing choices, opting for similar colors and tones in frames, such as a mix of white and silver or natural wood, even if textures and widths vary. Tynan notes that silver and gold, or silver and rose gold, can be mixed effectively, but gold and rose gold should be avoided together. To simplify the layout process, Tynan suggests using Framebridge’s gallery wall kits, which include life-sized hanging guides. Alternatively, a DIY method involves cutting newspaper shapes matching frame sizes and arranging them on the wall to visualize the final display. For an organic look, which allows for easier expansion, laying out pieces on the floor beforehand is recommended. It's important to maintain a consistent spacing of two inches between each piece to ensure the arrangement appears intentional and cohesive, regardless of its size or future additions. This approach helps demystify the creation of gallery walls, making it an enjoyable and less stressful home decoration project. #GalleryWall #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ArtArrangement #FramingTips #PersonalizedSpace #SusanTynan #Framebridge

Once confined to children's bedrooms, home murals are making a significant comeback, evolving from whimsical themes to sophisticated artistic statements that transform both indoor and outdoor spaces. This resurgence reflects a broader cultural shift, moving expansive wall art from public streetscapes back into private residences, echoing its ancient origins in cave dwellings. The trend is driven by a desire for personalized decor, artistic expression, and the transformative power of visual storytelling within one's living environment. The historical trajectory of murals reveals their enduring appeal as a form of visual communication, dating back tens of thousands of years to prehistoric cave paintings in places like Lascaux and Patagonia. Throughout history, murals have served diverse purposes, from religious narratives in the Renaissance to political commentary by artists like Diego Rivera and the contemporary street art of Banksy. In recent decades, cities have embraced murals to revitalize urban landscapes and create attractions, such as Richmond's RVA Street Art Festival and Miami's Wynwood Walls. The current wave of home murals is significantly influenced by social media platforms, particularly Instagram, which have popularized and recontextualized murals as aspirational, contemporary art forms. Interior designers are increasingly integrating these site-specific works to introduce unique narratives and spatial complexity into homes, seeing them as true representations of the homeowner's individuality. The versatility of murals allows them to be incorporated into virtually any room, offering a level of customization that mass-produced decor cannot match. Beyond traditional hand-painted murals, advancements in digital printing have led to high-quality digital mural wall coverings from companies like Phillip Jeffries. These options provide customization opportunities, allowing homeowners to select and adapt designs, such as blending motifs or adjusting scale, to perfectly suit their aesthetic preferences and existing decor. When incorporating murals, designers advise integrating colors from the surrounding environment to ensure a cohesive and harmonious space, avoiding designs that feel out of place. Many homeowners view hand-painted murals as a distinctive alternative to wallpaper, which can be more challenging to install and less unique. Some muralists even specialize in designs that mimic wallpaper, featuring retro hues, geometric patterns, or terrazzo-inspired motifs. Murals are not limited to prominent walls; artists are also transforming overlooked areas like stairwells into whimsical and engaging spaces. The trend extends beyond flat surfaces, with some artists creating hybrid installations that combine mural painting with canvases, offering homeowners the flexibility to take their art with them if they move. Modern murals continue to tell stories, often personal ones. Artists are incorporating intimate details into their work, such as silhouettes of homeowners' children within elaborate floral designs on dining room ceilings, transforming everyday spaces into deeply meaningful environments. This personalized approach ensures that murals are not just decorative elements but integral parts of a home's identity, reflecting the lives and stories of its inhabitants. #HomeMurals #InteriorDesign #WallArt #HomeDecor #ArtHistory #CustomDesign #ResidentialArt #ArtisticExpression #HomePersonalization

The article explores seven unconventional alternatives to traditional canvas art for home decoration, aiming to inspire readers to think outside the box when styling their walls. It highlights that art doesn't always have to be a painting on a canvas and can come in various forms, adding texture, interest, and personality to a space. One suggestion is using macramé, which has seen a resurgence in interior trends. Macramé wall hangings are presented as a beautiful way to introduce a boho aesthetic, along with texture and visual interest. The article cites examples of intricate macramé creations that serve as artistic focal points in a room. Another innovative idea is repurposing throws as wall hangings. Beyond their traditional use, throws can function as art pieces, contributing to both the aesthetic appeal and potentially the thermal and noise insulation of a home. The article mentions specific brands and styles that elevate throws to artistic elements. Hat walls are introduced as a visually appealing and personal way to decorate. This concept allows individuals to display hats collected from various travels, turning them into a decorative feature that tells a story and adds a unique charm to the interior. Framed tea towels are surprisingly proposed as a creative and budget-friendly art option. The article points out the existence of intricately designed tea towels that, when framed or creatively displayed, can rival traditional art pieces, offering a unique and cost-effective solution for wall decor. Baskets are suggested for wall art beyond their typical storage function. The idea is to arrange a collection of baskets of different shapes, sizes, and materials to create a cohesive and impactful wall feature. Emphasizing the use of a single tone for cohesion is a key recommendation. Decorative plates are also highlighted as a charming art alternative. Whether they are vintage family heirlooms or newly sourced pieces, plates can be hung on walls to add an artistic and often nostalgic element. The article also encourages a DIY approach, suggesting painting old plates to create personalized artworks. Finally, surfboards are presented as a distinctive art choice, particularly suitable for homes with a coastal living aesthetic. A much-loved surfboard can be given a prominent display spot, or one can acquire a surfboard that is a work of art in itself, serving as a significant statement piece. The article underlines how these alternatives can transform a space, offering both aesthetic and often functional benefits while allowing for personal expression in home decor. #WallArt #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CreativeDecor #DIYHomeDecor #BohemianStyle #TexturalArt