REDEFINE INTERIORS WITH INSPIRING PLASTER FINISHES FOR EVERY STYLE AND SURFACE
- melinda979
- Oct 7
- 6 min read
High polish Venetian plaster ceiling and tadelakt walls by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata for Alexander Reid in our Baccarat Residence project. Photo by Tim Williams.
Few materials have the power to instantly shift the mood of a space like plaster. They provide texture, depth, and a tactile richness that can dramatically transform a space. From the soft, matte elegance of lime plaster to the sheens of polished plaster, they bring an artisanal quality that elevates both modern and traditional interiors. For those seeking to create environments that feel grounded, sophisticated, and uniquely expressive, plaster offers a versatile medium that bridges functionality with aesthetics.
Jonas Everets, the founder of SuperStrata, has worked extensively with plaster, developing a deep knowledge of the processes involved, subsequently spending many years consulting and providing design solutions for the best architects and interior designers around the world.
“When I founded what eventually became SuperStrata over twenty years ago, I began with my own hands — creating plaster finishes that demanded both artistry and discipline. That experience shaped not only my career but the ethos of our company. I know firsthand the patience, hard work, and skill required to work with plaster, as well as its potential for innovation, and I carry those qualities into every collaboration we take on today.
At SuperStrata, we’ve built on that foundation, working alongside master artisans to expand what plaster can be. Each surface tells a story, and together we create interiors that are enduring, sophisticated, and alive with possibility.” —SuperStrata founder Jonas Everets
Polished plaster walls and limewash finish on seven-story fluted plaster panels and lime paint underneath the staircase by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata for Carrier and Company in our Historic Manhattan Townhouse project. Photo by Thomas Loof.
When collaborating with SuperStrata and our Artisan Collective, there are endless possibilities for what we can create for your unique project and style—whether you need a full team to install a vast expanse of plaster or are looking for a specialty finish with textures unlike anything in existence.
We have a multitude of plaster finishes to offer, each with their own distinct qualities: traditional limestone, aggregate, tooled, metal, Japanese, and tadelakt. Marmorino is one such example of a traditional limestone plaster, with marble dust added to produce a fine-grained surface and a thicker finish. Venetian plaster is a smooth finish that can be customized to a variety of different sheens, textures, and tones.
1. Staircase with troweled marmorino with mica finish by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata for Kligerman A&D in our Union Square Staircase project.
2. Details of textured marmorino plaster with mica by SuperStrata.
1. Details of textured Venetian plaster finish by SuperStrata artisan Eva Pep.
2. Custom blue marmorino plaster walls by SuperStrata for Robert Couturier in our Lincoln Square Penthouse project. Photography by Gilberto Tadday.
To create a polished plaster, lime is compressed during the application process, and various techniques are used to control the amount of sheen so it can be more matte, or have enough shine to reflect the room in it. These plaster finishes are perfect for bouncing light around the room to create an airy and open feel.
Knock-down plaster is done with a special technique that creates a luminous, rustic look with plenty of texture by applying a contrasting colored limewash over a marmorino plaster which is then knocked back.
1. Seven stories of polished plaster wall and limewash finish on fluted plaster panels by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata for Carrier and Company in our Historic Manhattan Townhouse project. Photo by Thomas Loof.
2. Blue high polish plaster floating ceiling by SuperStrata for Robert Couturier. Photography by Antoine Bootz.
1. Knock-down marmorino plaster shelves by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata for Alex P White in our Orchard Street Loft. Photography by Chris Mottalini.
2. Knock-down marmorino plaster walls and ceiling by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata for Mia Todd Studio in our Columbus Circle Apartment project. Photo by William Jess Laird.
Knock-down marmorino on light coves and walls by SuperStrata for Alex P White in our Beverly Hills Residence project. Photography by Chris Mottalini.
Originating from Morocco, tadelakt is made from limestone plaster and black olive oil soap. Due to its waterproof and mildew resistant qualities, this is an ideal finish for moisture-rich or even wet environments.
Aggregate plasters are earth-like surfaces that can be created by adding elements such as semi-precious stones and clay. Cocciopesto uses bits of clay which break and smear during the application, while pepe sal imitates the look of pepper and salt when tiny black and white aggregates are introduced.
1. Tadelakt plaster bathroom wall by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata in our Manhattan Penthouse project. Photography by Laura Wheatley.
2. Details of grey tadelakt finish by SuperStrata artisan Tim Murphy.
1. Aggregate plaster with added powdered pigments and clay finish on walls for Rinfret, Ltd. by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata in the Hilfiger’s Palm Beach Oasis.
2. Closeup of garnet aggregate plaster finish by SuperStrata.
When it comes to tooled plasters, this is where a variety of tools are used to make an array of lines and nuances, producing textured plaster finishes such as striped, combed, and striated plaster, as well as those meant to imitate fabrics like a linen weave and nubby woven wool.
1. Details of silver metallic plaster finish by SuperStrata artisan Eva Pep.
2. Pink striated tooled marmorino walls by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata for Sawyer | Berson in our Noyack Waterfront Home project. Photography by Joshua McHugh.
1. Lavender hued nubby woven tooled plaster wall finish by SuperStrata in our Suffern Estate project.
2. Combed lime plaster walls by SuperStrata artisan Olivia Angelozzi.
1. Striped dual-sheen tooled plaster wall by SuperStrata for Rockwell Group in our 15 Hudson Yards project.
2. Linen weave tooled plaster wall by SuperStrata for Kligerman A&D in our Park Avenue Residence project. Photography by Manu Rodríguez.
"Memphis" tooled plaster foyer wall detail for ASR Studios Inc. by SuperStrata in our One Madison Residence project.
SuperStrata developed a plaster technique that we named “Memphis,” which is similar to woven plaster, just with the underlying texture applied in one direction.
Metal plasters consist of various polymers and metal fibers which produce an effect of solid metals such as bronze, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, and iron. Otsu, kiwado, and shikkui are a few types of Japanese plaster, and each have their own slight differences in components. For example, shikkui is made with slaked lime and calcium which often includes additional ingredients like seaweed extract, straw, diatomaceous earth, and eggshells.
1. Metal plaster cocktail tables by SuperStrata artisan Eva Pep.
2. Hammered silver metal plaster panel details by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata for Rockwell Group in our 15 Hudson Yards project.
1. Detail of silver metal plaster finish by SuperStrata artisan Eva Pep.
2. Detail of shukkui Japanese plaster by SuperStrata.
In addition to these plaster techniques being applied to a myriad of surfaces in situ, they can also be applied to furnishing elements or created on panels to hang on walls and ceilings, and then shipped worldwide for installation by others.
1. Aggregate plaster with added powdered pigments and clay finish on walls for Rinfret, Ltd. by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata in the Hilfiger’s Palm Beach Oasis.
2. Details of aggregate plaster with added powdered pigments and clay finish to imitate birch bark for Rinfret, Ltd. by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata in the Hilfiger’s Palm Beach Oasis.
1. Diamond patterned plaster panel finished in oxblood pigmented polished shellac by SuperStrata artisan Patrick Shoemaker.
2. "Parchment" polished plaster walls and ceiling by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata for Martin Brûlé Studio in our Sherry-Netherland Residence project. Photo by Christopher Sturman.
Our artisans are always raising the bar when creating unique plaster finishes, incorporating different techniques and materials into the process to create something extraordinary.
For example, to imitate birch bark for the living room walls of the Hilfiger's Palm Beach residence, Patrick Shoemaker created an aggregate plaster with added powdered pigments with smeared bits of clay. Patrick is a master of plaster with expertise in large-scale installations and a depth of knowledge and skill that enhances every project.
1. Details of tooled plaster gilded in gold leaf. By SuperStrata artisan Eva Pep.
2. Japanese yellow-green silver leaf plaster wall cover by SuperStrata artisan Eva Pep.
1. Details of black and white cracked plaster finish by SuperStrata artisan Eva Pep.
2. Details of plaster with added mica powder and gold leaf by SuperStrata artisan Eva Pep.
Combining a variety of elements to come up with innovative finishes is Eva Pep's specialty, with some of her designs including metal plaster cocktail tables with contrasting textures. Inspired by the world's expansive landscapes, she often creates plasters that are cracked and tooled in unusual ways, sometimes involving secret materials to get a particular appearance that will transform a room beyond anything you've experienced before.
Tadelakt plaster walls, countertop, and shower bench by Patrick Shoemaker with SuperStrata
for Studio Fauve in our Amagansett Residence project. Photography by Nick Glimenakis.
Plaster finishes can redefine spatial narrative and add lasting value to your designs. SuperStrata has extensive experience working with artisans, and as experts in the processes involved, we will integrate with and elevate the intention of your overall design.
