Yotu Design Studio Journal

If the block-coloured walls in your home or office feel uninspired, it might be the time to explore more creative and luxurious alternatives. While paint remains a timeless and versatile choice, textured finishes like microcement, Venetian plaster and wallpaper offer exciting ways to add depth, character, and a touch of luxury to your interiors.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of these elegant wall coverings and how they can elevate your space. Let’s dive into how each option can take your walls from ordinary to exceptional.

1. Microcement: Sleek, Modern, and Timeless

Microcement is a cement-based coating that has become a favourite for its minimalist, industrial aesthetic. Its smooth, seamless finish creates a contemporary look that’s both sophisticated and practical, making it ideal for modern spaces.

Why Choose Microcement?

• Seamless Elegance: Microcement creates a continuous surface with no grout lines or seams, giving your space a clean, uncluttered look that feels expansive and refined.
• Durable and Versatile: Highly resistant to water, stains, and scratches, microcement is perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces.
• Customisable Finishes:Available in a variety of colours and textures, microcement can mimic concrete, natural stone or other highend finishes, allowing you to tailor it to your design vision.
• Low Maintenance: Its durable surface is easy to clean and maintain, ensuring it stays looking pristine for years to come.

Microcement in Action: Our Projects
In our Hill Brow project, we used microcement throughout the circulation space over three floors, creating a sleek, cohesive look that tied the entire building together. Its seamless finish and modern aesthetic made it the perfect choice for this contemporary design.

Whether you’re dreaming of a spa-like bathroom or a chic, industrial living room, microcement is a durable and stylish choice that brings a touch of modern sophistication to any space.

2. Venetian Plaster: Timeless Luxury with Artisan Craftsmanship

If you’re looking to bring a touch of opulence to your space, Venetian plaster is the answer. This traditional Italian finish, with its high-gloss, marble-like texture, adds depth, sophistication, and timeless elegance to any room. It’s not just a wall covering—it’s a statement of artistry.

Why Choose Venetian Plaster?

• Luxurious Aesthetic: The polished, reflective surface of Venetian plaster exudes sophistication, creating a sense of timeless beauty that elevates any interior.
• Customisable Colours and Textures: With a wide range of shades and finishes, it can be tailored to suit any design vision, from subtle neutrals to bold, dramatic tones.
• Eco-Friendly: Made from natural materials like lime and marble dust, it’s a sustainable choice that aligns with eco-conscious values.
• Durable and Long-Lasting: Its robust finish ensures it stands the test of time, making it a worthwhile investment for high-end interiors.

A Journey to Bologna: Falling in Love with Venetian Plaster
we’ll never forget the first time we truly understood the magic of Venetian plaster. Several years ago, we were invited to Bologna, Italy, to experience this remarkable material firsthand. It wasn’t just a trip, it was an immersion into the heart of Italian craftsmanship.

What struck us most was watching the artisans at work. And yes, we call them artists because that’s exactly what they are. Each application was unique, with subtle variations in texture, sheen, and depth that gave every surface its own personality. It was mesmerising to see how their skill and creativity transformed simple materials into something so breathtaking.

That trip changed the way we have seen Venetian plaster. It’s not just a product—it’s a form of art. Every finished wall tells a story and that’s what makes it so special.

Venetian Plaster in Action: Inspiration and Alternatives
If you’re curious to see Venetian plaster at its finest, have a look at the stunning designs from Giorgio Graesan. Their work is a testament to the beauty and versatility of this luxurious finish.

For something a bit more budget friendly but equally elegant, Detale textured paint is a fantastic alternative. Or, if you’re looking for a  luxury finish but easier application than Venetian plaster, explore the refined finishes from Oikos paint, which offer a similar depth and richness.

Venetian plaster is more than just a wall covering—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship and timeless beauty. If you’re looking to create a space that feels truly unique, this is the perfect choice.

3. Wallpaper: Timeless Elegance with Modern Flair

Whenever we mention wallpaper, many of our clients initially think of old-fashioned floral prints or outdated designs. But modern wallpaper is a world away from those stereotypes. Today, it’s a versatile and luxurious design tool that can elevate any space, offering everything from bold, artistic patterns to subtle, textured finishes. Whether you’re looking to create a statement wall or add a touch of understated sophistication, wallpaper is a timeless choice that brings depth and character to interiors.

Why Choose Wallpaper?

• Endless Design Possibilities: From bespoke patterns to handcrafted textures, wallpaper offers a range of options to suit every aesthetic.
• Durable and Refined: Many modern wallpapers are crafted from high-quality materials like vinyl, making them not only beautiful but also durable and easy to maintain—perfect for both residential and commercial spaces.
• Instant Transformation: Wallpaper has the power to completely redefine a room, creating a focal point or adding subtle elegance with minimal effort.
• Tailored to Your Style: With custom designs and a vast array of finishes, wallpaper allows you to express your unique vision in a way that feels personal and intentional.

Wallpaper in Action: Our Projects
We’ve used wallpaper to stunning effect in several of our projects, showcasing its versatility and ability to elevate interiors. For La Cucina di Mamma, a refined Italian restaurant, we collaborated with Wall & Deco to create a customised wallpaper that subtly incorporated our client’s names into the design—a sophisticated touch that added a personal yet elegant feel to the space.

In the Grand Avenue project in Hove, we transformed a living room with a breathtaking wall mural from Arte, while the bedroom featured a luxurious wallpaper from Moooi, creating a serene and stylish retreat. You can see the stunning results on our Instagram.

Wallpaper isn’t just for walls, either. In our Hill Brow project, we used a textured wallpaper from Philip Jeffries on the ceiling. This unexpected application not only added visual interest but also provided acoustic benefits, proving that wallpaper can be both functional and exquisitely beautiful.

Wallpaper is more than just a wall covering—it’s a design element that can elevate your space with timeless elegance and modern flair. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or add a touch of sophistication, wallpaper offers a luxurious yet accessible way to transform your interiors.

Choosing the Right Wall Covering for Your Space

So, are you ready to move beyond plain walls and embrace something truly transformative? Each of these wall coverings brings its own unique charm and benefits:

• Microcement is perfect for creating a sleek, modern aesthetic with a touch of industrial elegance.
• Venetian plaster offers timeless luxury and artisan craftsmanship, ideal for high-end interiors.
• Wallpaper provides endless design possibilities, allowing you to add personality and sophistication to any room.

Final Thoughts

While paint remains a timeless and versatile choice for many of our projects, textured walls offer an exciting alternative for those looking to add depth, character, and a touch of luxury to their interiors. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek elegance of microcement, the artisan craftsmanship of Venetian plaster, or the endless design possibilities of wallpaper, these finishes can transform your space into something truly extraordinary.

If you’re feeling inspired but unsure how to bring your vision to life, we’re here to help. As interior designers, we specialise in creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also uniquely tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Let’s work together to explore the perfect balance of texture, colour, and finish for your project.

Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with us to discuss your ideas and discover how we can bring them to life.