Lime-Plaster Transformation: A Slideshow
The hand-sculpted textures of lime plaster bring warmth and depth to a midcentury ranch.
The owners of this mid-century ranch house were really into the idea of transformation, and the use of lime plaster throughout the interior was a fitting choice.
The lime in lime plaster starts out as limestone, and returns to limestone on the walls, creating a durable, beautiful finish. The high refractive index of lime creates a soft glow that changes color and tone as the light shifts throughout the day.
Lime plaster can be sculpted and troweled into various shapes and textures, the corners left sharp or rounded, the tool marks obliterated or left to show the artisan’s hand.
For more on plastering:
- A Hybrid Approach to Lime Plaster
- VIDEO: Lime-Plaster Installation
- A Short Guide to Lime-Plaster Trowels
- Add Color to Lime-Plaster Walls
- From Rock to Dust to Rock Again: An In-Depth Look at Hydrated Lime
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
A Field Guide to American Houses
Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid
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Old and new. The texture of the plaster, eased corners of the central fireplace, and reclaimed barn timbers lend an old-world look to a modern space.
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Maker’s mark. The plasterer’s hand is evident in the walls, which were left raw. This lime plaster is a mix of Type-S mason’s lime and white limestone sand, which creates a bright plaster that doesn’t need additional decoration.
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Stark beauty. The texture of the lime plaster adds a layer of interest to the space, while the plaster’s interaction with the light creates warmth.
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Soft corners. The installers eased outside corners, creating soft returns. Cherry window stools contrast with the white plaster.
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Texture. The texture of the plaster is more evident at different times of the day as the light shifts.
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Soft edges. The window returns and other outside corners are eased by hand-troweling, leaving the plasterer’s hand in the radii of the curves.
