Plastered In Style

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

Plaster, a classic building material, is experiencing a significant resurgence in home decorating, moving beyond its traditional role to become a versatile design element for walls, kitchen range hoods, fireplace surrounds, and even light fixtures in various rooms. This trend highlights plaster's depth, luminescence, and durability, offering a dramatic effect even in minimalist spaces. Understanding the different types of plaster and their applications is crucial for anyone considering this material for a renovation project. Plaster is generally made from lime, gypsum, or cement, mixed with water, and applied to surfaces to create a smooth or subtly textured yet durable finish. It is thicker than drywall, providing superior air and sound insulation, and can also be molded for decorative trims and elements. The primary distinction lies between lime plaster and gypsum plaster. Lime plaster, a traditional material used for centuries, is composed of lime (crushed limestone or chalk), water, and sand. Its key advantages include exceptional durability, breathability—which prevents moisture buildup and supports healthy indoor air quality—and flexibility, allowing it to adapt to structural settling without cracking. Several lime plaster finishes are popular, each offering distinct visual and textural qualities. Venetian plaster, made from slaked lime and marble dust or chips, offers a polished, luminous finish with visual depth created by layered application. Installers can burnish layers to customize the sheen. Marmorino, while also a lime and marble dust mixture, provides a matte, natural stone-like finish, customizable in texture through application strokes. Tadelakt, originating from Morocco, is renowned for its smooth, shiny, and completely waterproof properties, making it ideal for bathrooms, pools, and architectural details due to its resistance to bacteria and mold. Lime wash, though technically a paint, is a budget-friendly, DIY-able option that mimics plaster's appearance. Made from crushed burned limestone, natural pigments, and water, it is zero-VOC and creates a mottled, color-shifting effect. It's applied in quick, overlapping 'X' strokes and can be used on various surfaces, often requiring a special prep coat or sealer for durability in high-traffic areas. Gypsum plaster, while lacking the breathability of lime plaster, offers affordability and faster application and drying times. It is best suited for dry spaces and provides a smooth, modern finish. Roman clay is a notable gypsum-based finish, providing a soft, organic, and stone-like texture with a mottled appearance. This ultralow-VOC paste is applied in layers with a putty knife, allowing for variations in smoothness or a stucco-like finish. Plastic joint knives are recommended for lighter colors to avoid marks. A final coat can be left as is for a slight sheen or sealed for additional shine and protection in high-traffic areas. Walls should generally be prepared with a stain-blocking primer, although Roman clay can be applied directly over flat matte paint if the surface is in good condition and not a contrasting color. The renewed interest in plaster underscores a desire for natural, textured, and durable finishes in contemporary home design. #Plaster #HomeDecorating #InteriorDesign #LimePlaster #GypsumPlaster #VenetianPlaster #Marmorino #Tadelakt #RomanClay #LimeWash #WallFinishes

The selection of backsplashes and countertops represents a pivotal aspect of kitchen design, blending aesthetic appeal with functional necessity. While backsplashes offer extensive creative freedom to establish a kitchen's mood or reflect a client's persona, countertops, despite their practical role, contribute significantly to the overall beauty of the space. When these two elements are harmonized, they elevate the kitchen's design to an exceptional level. This article compiles insights from various designers who share their projects, demonstrating how backsplashes and countertops collaboratively create visually pleasing and highly functional kitchens. Genevieve Trousdale, principal designer at Circa Genevieve, emphasizes integrating nature into kitchen designs. She often uses natural stone, such as Elegant Brown Leather quartzite countertops, and stained oak cabinetry. The quartzite, with its brown, taupe, and deep-sea green hues, provides a grounding yet seductive horizontal surface. Custom oak cabinetry, featuring mullions designed to resemble a mountain range, complements the natural theme. Frosted glass in the upper cabinets mimics the sky, enhancing the outdoor ambiance. The backsplash, hand-painted with an olive tree on glossy white ceramic tiles, further extends the nature theme, symbolizing the client's desire for a unique kitchen that brings the outdoors in. An adjacent wall showcases a single olive branch with a bird, along with a metal pot rack for copper pots, adding both storage and display. The versatility of the white tile also allows for varied design treatments, as seen in another project where metal accents are used with the same tile. Lauren DeBello of Lauren DeBello Interiors notes the rising popularity of zellige tile for backsplashes due to its handmade, unique texture and timeless appeal. While white and ivory are common requests, DeBello successfully incorporated blush-colored zellige tile for a client seeking a 'wow' kitchen with a touch of pink. The tile is extended from countertop to ceiling on the focal wall, with floating shelves accentuating the height. White cabinetry and Vadara's Carrara quartz countertops, featuring subtle gray veining, ensure the backsplash remains the central design element. DeBello highlights quartz's durability and ease of maintenance as key reasons for its popularity among her clients. She also advocates for extending countertop material to the backsplash for a sophisticated, easy-to-clean look, and finds pleasure in assisting clients with these crucial selections. Rebekah Zaveloff, design director and co-founder of KitchenLab Interiors, employs a holistic approach to material selection, considering the overall vibe of the kitchen. She evaluates light and dark tones, colors, and the 'language' of each material, ensuring a balanced design where statement pieces are complemented by quieter elements. Zaveloff observes current trends such as zellige and hand-painted terracotta tiles, as well as marble with brass inlays and multi-stone mosaics. Antiqued mirror is also used in butler's pantries for light reflection. Full-height quartzite or marble backsplashes remain popular for modern projects. She prioritizes honest conversations with clients about material characteristics and maintenance to guide them toward informed decisions, especially concerning materials like marble. In older homes, Zaveloff often creates layered looks by mixing materials like natural stone, ceramic tile, and beadboard. An example includes a renovated 1890s home with Carrara marble countertops, a butcher block island, and a painted brick wall with subway tile, aiming for vintage authenticity. Mel McDaniel, founder of Mel McDaniel Design, encourages clients to prioritize personal happiness over trends in finish selections. In one project, she designed an eclectic French kitchen with vibrant colors and patterns, including black painted cabinets, a black and white checkered floor, and a rich blue True refrigerator. A New Ravenna Kelp Forest Alexandrite mosaic tile backsplash in blues and greens served as a unique focal point. McDaniel emphasizes that backsplashes can be a canvas for special design elements. For bold backsplashes, she recommends quieter countertop materials like quartz or natural stone, ensuring durability and easy maintenance. In this instance, Cambria Portrush quartz, with its soft white foundation and navy veins, was chosen to complement the striking backsplash. McDaniel sometimes starts with the backsplash to fully explore its design potential, recognizing its significant role in defining the kitchen's vibe. Erin Judge, studio director and senior designer at Kelle Contine Interior Design, focused on authenticity and raw materials for a new-construction home. In the kitchen, visible steel beams, wood accents, and concrete floors set the tone. A blackened steel ventilation hood, flanked by hidden cabinets, is contrasted by a small stack mosaic tile backsplash from Ann Sack’s Savoy Collection. The metallic glaze and Graphite colorway of the tile provide shimmer and texture, while its smaller scale balances the hood's heft. Caesarstone’s Organic White quartz countertops, with a waterfall edge on an 11-foot island, offer a soft white, consistent surface without excessive veining, meeting the client's preference for understated finishes. Judge notes the popularity of durable, low-maintenance quartz and quartzite. She often extends countertop material to the backsplash for a clean, contemporary look, especially with bold veining or texture. Porcelain slabs are also gaining traction for their varied textural patterns beyond natural stone, offering design flexibility and durability. #Backsplashes #Countertops #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #NaturalStone #Quartzite #ZelligeTile #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends

This article highlights the transformation of a high-rise galley kitchen in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, owned by Ivee and Sam Fromkin. Perched on the 18th floor, the apartment offers panoramic views of the Shrewsbury River, the Atlantic Ocean, and the New York skyline. After 25 years, the existing kitchen, which had become worn from daily use and frequent entertaining, underwent a significant renovation to maximize space and modernize its aesthetic and functionality. Ivee Fromkin, an interior designer herself, spearheaded the renovation. The initial galley kitchen was constrained, prompting her to raise the ceiling to create a more open feel. A wall separating the kitchen from the dining room was removed, allowing for a more fluid connection between the spaces. To further enhance the kitchen's footprint and functionality, 4 feet were incorporated from the adjacent dining room. This reclaimed space allowed for the installation of a counter with seating for four, strategically angled to provide diners with optimal views. Despite retaining a galley layout, the redesigned kitchen feels considerably more spacious. Ivee emphasized the importance of accessibility and efficiency in her design, noting that during cooking, everything is within easy reach. The renovation also included significant appliance upgrades, such as replacing a single wall oven with a double oven. A notable addition is a refrigerator featuring French-style glass doors, which Ivee describes as a "gem" for its aesthetic appeal. Material selection was a crucial aspect of the renovation, balancing beauty with practicality. The countertops were chosen in hammered black granite with a dull finish, contrasting with the shiny black granite floors that were original to the apartment. This choice was deliberate, as the dull finish helps conceal fingerprints and dust, making maintenance easier. The rough edges of the countertops also add a textural element and visual interest to the space. Glass-front cabinets were installed, offering both a decorative element and practical visibility, allowing the Fromkins to easily locate items. The backsplash features white Carerra marble, cut in two different sizes to add visual depth and interest. The walls were painted white, with a subtle touch of pale lilac used inside the tray ceilings, providing a "tiny pop of color." The reconfigured layout also created space for a dedicated bar area on the dining room side, where the Fromkins proudly display their collection of cocktail shakers. The article mentions that bar stools, purchased in 1990, were revitalized with crisp white slipcovers, chosen for their easy washability. This choice inspired Ivee to use the same pure-white cotton fabric for slipcovers on all the living room furniture, ensuring durability and ease of cleaning, especially with grandchildren actively using the space. Completed in 2008, the kitchen continues to maintain a chic and contemporary appearance. For the Fromkins, it has become the central hub of their home, where they enjoy dinner at the counter each night, savoring the sunset views. The breathtaking views from their apartment are cited by Sam Fromkin as a primary reason for their continued enjoyment of the residence. #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #HighRiseLiving #SpaceMaximization #LuxuryKitchen #MonmouthBeach #HomeDecor #ApplianceUpgrades