17 Oct Current Distressed Surface Trends

Architects and interior designers around the world are beginning to place more focus on the past with a noticeably “distressed” look in their creations.

Raw, industrial-chic feature walls, ceilings, and even furniture offer some of the most popular styles in a range of environments.

In both residential and commercial environments, distressed surfaces pay homage to history and architectural design. The distressed look can be as polished or severe as you choose, depending on the style in the rest of your property. Here are some of the latest trends in the distressed surface space.

Marmorino Polished Plaster

One of the easiest and most popular ways to achieve the distressed surface look without committing to crumbling walls and facades is with Marmorino plaster. Marmorino polished plaster has a subtle shine that gives depth and texture to a room. With a multitude of shade variations available, it’s possible to unlock a wide range of different looks with Marmorino plaster.

The latest designs stretch all the way from the glass-like elegance of polished marble, to walls with an antique edge. Adding limestone, marble dust and marble chips to your plaster finish provides the appearance of unearthed beauty. The effect is impossible to recreate with paint, wallpaper, or any other design concept.

Marmorino polished plaster looks fantastic as either as a statement wall, surface design, or ceiling. Marmorino plaster can be mixed and altered to suit your specific preferences, which means that you can choose any colour or texture that appeals most to you. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find the same customisation potential in any other surface solution.

Antique Distressing and Rag Rolling

Antique distressing and rag rolling are two slightly less versatile, but interesting approaches to the distressed surface trend. In some cases, it may be possible to use these techniques with your polished plaster, though there’s rarely any need to add extra elements to a Marmorino surface.

Antique distressing involves using an antique wash on your wall to give it additional texture. Alternatively, rag rolling is the process of dipping a ragging cloth in water and a wall glaze to create an uneven finish on your walls. Perhaps the best way to use both techniques is as methods of sprucing up your furniture after you’ve installed your polished plaster walls. Rag rolling and antique distressing on cabinets, worktops and tables can extend the impact of your industrialised aesthetic.

Distressed Paint and Wallpaper Designs

It’s possible to create budget-friendly “distressed” looks using a combination of paint and wallpaper. Chalk paints are ideal for upcycling pieces of furniture and giving them a distinct “vintage” appeal, while vintage wallpapers offer an alternative approach to polished plaster for any statement walls in your design strategy.

While vintage wallpapers don’t have the same lasting impact as polished plaster, they may be appropriate for rooms where you’re less keen to impress. For instance, you could consider using distressed wallpapers in the bedroom, while you stick with the full polished plaster look in your living room, kitchen, and bathroom. The distinct appeal of plaster in these rooms will not only help to get your visitors talking, but the wax seal on your walls and surfaces will also protect them from dirt and moisture.

Why Polished Plaster is Better Than Wallpaper

There are plenty of wallpapers on the market today that are designed to mimic the appearance of aging paint or polished plaster. Unfortunately, these papers rarely have the same luxurious sheen that you can achieve with Marmorino plaster. What’s more, wallpaper is particularly prone to scuffing, staining, and marks. This means that you may need to replace your paper frequently, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Alternatively, when you use polished Marmorino plaster to achieve your distressed surface look, you’ll be able to clean any marks with ease. Polished plaster is exceptionally durable and easy to maintain, unlike paint or wallpaper.

What’s more, because polished plaster can adhere to almost any surface, you’re not limited to creating your distressed look on walls alone. A polished plaster ceiling can bring depth to your living room, while unique worksurfaces and entryways attract the eye of customers in a retail or commercial setting.

Reach out to Chrysalis today to find out more about the potential of polished plaster.