Amazing Wall Finishes Add Beauty and Character to Your Home

Exploring trends with local designer Heidi Holzer, Owner of Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work in Redding, Conn.

A few months ago I met with Heidi Holzer of Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work to see some of her new signature wall finishes and fell in love with many of them. They are fantastic and will change your room from ordinary to extraordinary - a cut above. For more than two decades, the artisans of Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work have transformed interior living spaces throughout the Northeast and beyond. Their methods include gilding, glazing, light refractive finishes, Venetian plaster, clay plaster, antiquing, reverse glass finishes, faux stone, faux ivory and more. Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work has been featured in six national publications. The aesthetics the company brings to each project are strongly influenced by Heidi's previous successful careers in both custom jewelry and fashion. Recently I asked Heidi to share some of her experience with recent trends in wall finishing and how the process can transform an interior living space.

What are the current trends for wall finishes?

Metallic finishes are very popular right now, applied somewhat differently than they have been in the past. One method, for example, combines Venetian plastering with metallic top layer. The addition of the metallic adds more depth and rich reflection qualities.

How do you decide if wall finishes are the right idea for your home?

Sometimes price is a deterrent when considering wall finishes because the initial cost is higher than painting or wallpaper. Once you understand the actual value, choosing wall finishes makes sense. Wall finishes are much more durable than wallpaper or paint. Consider the difference between your average paint job and Venetian plastering, for instance. With the Venetian plastering process, five layers of very strong acrylic plaster are applied. This is a much stronger process than paint and hides fissures and cracks much better. Glazes are also more durable because they are more easily washed than painted surfaces, without residual marking.

What are some interesting or challenging projects you've worked on recently? 

We worked on a home in Greenwich that was more contemporary than typical for the area. The owners wanted to concentrate on finishes that would look best at night since they entertain frequently and were usually spending most of their time at home after the sun went down. The client was interested in experimenting with a variety of painting techniques and different colored plasters. We accomplished the clients' goals by using very clear colors, including yellow, blue and green, with no umber. The surfaces were highly waxed and polished to increase reflection. Wherever there was less light on a surface - for instance, on a niche - we added mica powders (non-toxic mineral powders) to final waxes to bring a light refractive quality to the space.

Thank you to Heidi Holzer for her participation in my blog. Learn more here about Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work.