Sylvia T Designs is the premier New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Gulf South’s decorative arts firm. We have been honoring tradition and progress and delivering our clients’ vision for over 25 years!
We’re a New Orleans-based firm with unparalleled experience in commercial, residential, and historical projects, both small and large-scale around the Gulf Coast region. We use only artisan-level products with an emphasis on eco-friendly options. Our highly trained and skilled team of applicators is the best in the business!
Home of Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans. The Gulf South’s leading decorative and functional plaster and microcement artisan firm. Application and Distribution.
“Premium Materials – Master Artisans”
“Sylvia T. Designs has been honoring tradition and progress for over 25 years in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast areas. We’re dedicated to respecting and perpetuating the craftsmanship and artistry that built the city. We celebrate NOLA’s history and culture through our work on every single project, every single day!”
~ Sylvia Thompson-Dias, Owner & Artist, Sylvia T. Designs
@SylviaTDesigns | #YourSpaceasaWorkofArt | #HonoringTraditionandProgress
Phone: (504) 435-8081 | Email: Contact “at” SylviaTDesigns.com
Stunning Plaster Work in New Orleans Four Seasons Residence
At Sylvia T Designs, we do all sizes and types of jobs – large and small, commercial and residential, and historic and new construction. We truly run the gamut! Our full-time, highly trained, and insured team are the best in the business whether we’re doing a...
Microcement is Here!
We have been teasing this for a little while now. But we here at Sylvia T Designs and Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans are proud to announce our exclusive partnership with Topcret™, the world’s leading producer of microcement! We are their exclusive applicator in the...
Sylvia Thompson-Dias of Sylvia T Designs Receives 2022 Design Master Award
Sylvia Thompson-Dias, Master Artisan and Owner of Sylvia T Designs, was recently acknowledged as a “Design Master” in the “Decorative Finishes” for 2022 by New Orleans Homes Magazine! This prestigious award is given to a single individual each year across a few design...
Make an Impression with a Feature Wall!
Pictured above – Custom Stencils in the foyer of Belle Époque, a sultry absinthe lounge in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Guests are greeted by two stencil designs on the walls as they exit Bourbon Street (a world away.) The designs we created were inspired by...
Tadelakt – Moroccan Lime Plaster
All-over tadelakt in a master bathroom arch and skylight in a Baton Rouge residential project. Here, we are applying a dry application of this traditional, versatile, and beautiful Moroccan plaster technique.Sylvia T Designs is the New Orleans and Gulf Coast area’s...
Here`s a few more looks at our recent plaster project at the Four Seasons New Orleans in one of its luxury residences. We delivered these exquisite plaster finishes on the foyer and hall walls and ceilings. We also did the ceiling bays in the living area and bedrooms. Eventually, the foyer and hallway will showcase the owners’ art collection. The look and tones of the high-gloss Grassello plaster will frame it wonderfully. You can also see how the light, both artificial and natural, plays beautifully off the surfaces.
To see more about this job, see our previous post. Better yet, check out the link in our bio for more images and information.
Sylvia T Designs is the premier decorative arts firm in the region. To achieve looks like these, it takes a great deal of skill and product understanding – two areas where we are leading the game. Let us know how we can male your space a work of art!
Dec 7
Here`s a few more looks at our recent plaster project at the Four Seasons New Orleans in one of its luxury residences. We delivered these exquisite plaster finishes on the foyer and hall walls and ceilings. We also did the ceiling bays in the living area and bedrooms. Eventually, the foyer and hallway will showcase the owners’ art collection. The look and tones of the high-gloss Grassello plaster will frame it wonderfully. You can also see how the light, both artificial and natural, plays beautifully off the surfaces.
To see more about this job, see our previous post. Better yet, check out the link in our bio for more images and information.
Sylvia T Designs is the premier decorative arts firm in the region. To achieve looks like these, it takes a great deal of skill and product understanding – two areas where we are leading the game. Let us know how we can male your space a work of art!
Check out this dazzling plaster project we recently completed in one of the high-end residential spaces in the Four Seasons New Orleans! We delivered gorgeous Grassello plaster finishes in the foyer, hall, living area, and bedrooms! The dramatic blue tone of the walls in the foyer and hall contrasts perfectly with the white blush tones of the areas’ vaulted and lit tray ceilings. In the open-space living area and bedrooms, the plastered ceiling bays look terrific and wonderfully complement the striking views of New Orleans and the luxury residence’s décor.
To learn more about this project and see much more imagery, just click the link in our bio or visit SylviaTDesigns.com. We’ll have more coming soon, too!
Sylvia T Designs is the leading decorative and functional plaster artisan firm in the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Gulf South region. We use only premium materials delivered with master artistry. If you want the best in the business, reach out and let us know how we can make your space a work of art!
Dec 6
Check out this dazzling plaster project we recently completed in one of the high-end residential spaces in the Four Seasons New Orleans! We delivered gorgeous Grassello plaster finishes in the foyer, hall, living area, and bedrooms! The dramatic blue tone of the walls in the foyer and hall contrasts perfectly with the white blush tones of the areas’ vaulted and lit tray ceilings. In the open-space living area and bedrooms, the plastered ceiling bays look terrific and wonderfully complement the striking views of New Orleans and the luxury residence’s décor.
To learn more about this project and see much more imagery, just click the link in our bio or visit SylviaTDesigns.com. We’ll have more coming soon, too!
Sylvia T Designs is the leading decorative and functional plaster artisan firm in the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Gulf South region. We use only premium materials delivered with master artistry. If you want the best in the business, reach out and let us know how we can make your space a work of art!
You may know us for our gorgeous decorative and functional plaster finishes. Perhaps you know us for our exquisite mural work or maybe it’s from our stunning gilding (gold and silver leaf) or even our broad range of classic and custom stencils. But did you know we are at the top of the game when it comes to cabinetry and furniture refinishing? It’s a great way to gussy up that old (but special) furniture or breathe new life into your tired cabinets without the significantly greater cost of replacing them. We offer several techniques and approaches and artisan-level materials to do the job. Reach out and let us know how we can make your cabinets or furniture a refinished work of art!
#yourspaceasaworkofart #honoringtraditionandprogress #artisan #craftsman #craftsmanship #craftswoman #decorativeartist #artist #interiordesigner #interiordesign #nola #batonrouge #renovation #kitchendecor #kitchentransformation #cabinetryrefinishing #interiors #kitchensofinstagram #moderndesign #kitchenremodel #kitchen #kitchenmakeover #cabinets #modernkitchen #kitchencabinets #remodel #kitchendesign #furniture #furniturerefinishing
Nov 21
You may know us for our gorgeous decorative and functional plaster finishes. Perhaps you know us for our exquisite mural work or maybe it’s from our stunning gilding (gold and silver leaf) or even our broad range of classic and custom stencils. But did you know we are at the top of the game when it comes to cabinetry and furniture refinishing? It’s a great way to gussy up that old (but special) furniture or breathe new life into your tired cabinets without the significantly greater cost of replacing them. We offer several techniques and approaches and artisan-level materials to do the job. Reach out and let us know how we can make your cabinets or furniture a refinished work of art!
#yourspaceasaworkofart #honoringtraditionandprogress #artisan #craftsman #craftsmanship #craftswoman #decorativeartist #artist #interiordesigner #interiordesign #nola #batonrouge #renovation #kitchendecor #kitchentransformation #cabinetryrefinishing #interiors #kitchensofinstagram #moderndesign #kitchenremodel #kitchen #kitchenmakeover #cabinets #modernkitchen #kitchencabinets #remodel #kitchendesign #furniture #furniturerefinishing
Thanks to everyone who came to our most recent class – “Plaster and Microcement Applications and Preparations with Sylvia T Designs.” Presented in partnership with our friends at Preservation Resource Center NOLA as part of their “Building Trades Master Class Series!” It was a fun, informative, and much-needed session on how to better understand and plan proper substrate preparation for projects using plaster and microcement. We covered a lot of ground – what substrate works for what plaster and microcement, thoughts on repair, dry wall finish levels, moisture mitigation, drainage, and so much more! We also discussed the importance of bringing in your qualified plaster and microcement applicator early in the design and planning phase to save you time, money, and to set your project up for success! Special thanks to Powerhouse Construction for the dry wall finish level presentation and, as always, to PRC NOLA!
Nov 14
Thanks to everyone who came to our most recent class – “Plaster and Microcement Applications and Preparations with Sylvia T Designs.” Presented in partnership with our friends at Preservation Resource Center NOLA as part of their “Building Trades Master Class Series!” It was a fun, informative, and much-needed session on how to better understand and plan proper substrate preparation for projects using plaster and microcement. We covered a lot of ground – what substrate works for what plaster and microcement, thoughts on repair, dry wall finish levels, moisture mitigation, drainage, and so much more! We also discussed the importance of bringing in your qualified plaster and microcement applicator early in the design and planning phase to save you time, money, and to set your project up for success! Special thanks to Powerhouse Construction for the dry wall finish level presentation and, as always, to PRC NOLA!
We say this fairly often, but a great way to add some plaster pizzaz to your space without breaking the bank is to do your stove hood or fireplace or, better yet, both! That’s what we did in this residential new construction in the New Orleans area. We delivered a lovely Marmorino lime plaster finish on both the kitchen’s hood and the living area’s fireplace. Since the paint on the walls and ceiling are a neutral color, the slightly darker tone of the plaster creates a pleasing, subtle contrast. In the kitchen, it also complements the tones of the floor, tile, and cabinetry. Both the fireplace and hood really stand out as focal points in the rooms! Marmorino is the perfect plaster choice to accomplish this!
Sylvia T Designs brings not only tremendous artistry to our projects, but also a great depth of product knowledge and experience. We use only artisan level products that you can’t buy in a big box store or your local paint shop. We can help you select the right plaster or microcement for your project’s vision. Let us know how we can make your space a work of art!
Nov 8
We say this fairly often, but a great way to add some plaster pizzaz to your space without breaking the bank is to do your stove hood or fireplace or, better yet, both! That’s what we did in this residential new construction in the New Orleans area. We delivered a lovely Marmorino lime plaster finish on both the kitchen’s hood and the living area’s fireplace. Since the paint on the walls and ceiling are a neutral color, the slightly darker tone of the plaster creates a pleasing, subtle contrast. In the kitchen, it also complements the tones of the floor, tile, and cabinetry. Both the fireplace and hood really stand out as focal points in the rooms! Marmorino is the perfect plaster choice to accomplish this!
Sylvia T Designs brings not only tremendous artistry to our projects, but also a great depth of product knowledge and experience. We use only artisan level products that you can’t buy in a big box store or your local paint shop. We can help you select the right plaster or microcement for your project’s vision. Let us know how we can make your space a work of art!
For the plaster and microcement work we do on various projects, the number one cause of delays and potential cost overages is improper substrate and prep work. Various plasters and microcement have different needs and requirements for their substrate. There is no “one size fits all approach.” Having the proper dry wall level of finish, for example, is critical as is addressing moisture, drainage (where applicable), and several other factors. We frequently encounter confusion and a lack of specific knowledge of what is needed.
The best solution is to consult your qualified applicator, like us, during the design and planning phase to make sure you are getting off on the right foot (by the way, this is also the best time to discuss with your applicator what the proper plaster or microcement materials are to make sure you get the look you want within your budget). Moving forward, it’s best to keep your applicator in the loop during the buildout phase to ensure things are on the right track.
Looking for more and in the NOLA area? We are, once again, partnering with our friends at the Preservation Resource Center New Orleans to bring you an education class – “Plaster and Microcement Applications and Preparations with Sylvia T Designs” on Friday, November 10 from 2:30 to 4pm at our shop on S. Broad. It’s part of their “Building Trades Master Class Series.” You will come away with a strong understanding of how to address substrate and connected concepts from the get-go, setting up your project for success!
The class is geared towards industry members such as contractors, architects, and interior designers. Here is the link where you can get more information and purchase tickets (the event benefits PRC and their important work) - https://prcno.org/event/plaster-micro-cement-applications-preparations-sylvia-t-designs/
Sylvia T Designs is the region’s leading decorative arts firm. Let us know how we can make your space a work of art!
Nov 2
For the plaster and microcement work we do on various projects, the number one cause of delays and potential cost overages is improper substrate and prep work. Various plasters and microcement have different needs and requirements for their substrate. There is no “one size fits all approach.” Having the proper dry wall level of finish, for example, is critical as is addressing moisture, drainage (where applicable), and several other factors. We frequently encounter confusion and a lack of specific knowledge of what is needed.
The best solution is to consult your qualified applicator, like us, during the design and planning phase to make sure you are getting off on the right foot (by the way, this is also the best time to discuss with your applicator what the proper plaster or microcement materials are to make sure you get the look you want within your budget). Moving forward, it’s best to keep your applicator in the loop during the buildout phase to ensure things are on the right track.
Looking for more and in the NOLA area? We are, once again, partnering with our friends at the Preservation Resource Center New Orleans to bring you an education class – “Plaster and Microcement Applications and Preparations with Sylvia T Designs” on Friday, November 10 from 2:30 to 4pm at our shop on S. Broad. It’s part of their “Building Trades Master Class Series.” You will come away with a strong understanding of how to address substrate and connected concepts from the get-go, setting up your project for success!
The class is geared towards industry members such as contractors, architects, and interior designers. Here is the link where you can get more information and purchase tickets (the event benefits PRC and their important work) - https://prcno.org/event/plaster-micro-cement-applications-preparations-sylvia-t-designs/
Sylvia T Designs is the region’s leading decorative arts firm. Let us know how we can make your space a work of art!
Here’s a fun project in a New Orleans retail space for our friend, Anna Nicole Interiors! The cool shop is called, “Nouveau,” and it’s a contemporary sneaker and apparel shop on Canal St. We applied a warm and richly textured limewash to two of the walls perfectly complementing the modern aesthetic of the space. The look highlights the merchandise displays on the walls and immediately grabs your attention when you enter! We also painted an accompanying color on the shelves to not only enhance the look, but also provide durability with product moving on and off of them regularly.
Photos courtesy of @annanicoleinteriors and @rich_aesthedits. Check out @nouveaunola!
Sylvia T Designs is the region’s leading full-service decorative arts firm. We offer a wide array of services always delivered with industry-leading product expertise and unparalleled artistry! Let us know how we can make your space a work of art!
Oct 31
Here’s a fun project in a New Orleans retail space for our friend, Anna Nicole Interiors! The cool shop is called, “Nouveau,” and it’s a contemporary sneaker and apparel shop on Canal St. We applied a warm and richly textured limewash to two of the walls perfectly complementing the modern aesthetic of the space. The look highlights the merchandise displays on the walls and immediately grabs your attention when you enter! We also painted an accompanying color on the shelves to not only enhance the look, but also provide durability with product moving on and off of them regularly.
Photos courtesy of @annanicoleinteriors and @rich_aesthedits. Check out @nouveaunola!
Sylvia T Designs is the region’s leading full-service decorative arts firm. We offer a wide array of services always delivered with industry-leading product expertise and unparalleled artistry! Let us know how we can make your space a work of art!
Sylvia T Designs – home of Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans – is the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Gulf South’s plaster and microcement expert artisan application and distribution firm. Education and unmatched product knowledge are something we bring to the table. We partnered with our friends at Preservation Resource Center NOLA to present “Right Plaster for the Right Space” for the second time. Industry members came away with important knowledge on how to set their plaster and microcement projects up for success! They also learned about our exclusive brands – Stucco Italiano and Topcret! If you missed it, shoot us a DM – we’d love to have you stop by our shop in NOLA to learn more!
Oct 26
Sylvia T Designs – home of Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans – is the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Gulf South’s plaster and microcement expert artisan application and distribution firm. Education and unmatched product knowledge are something we bring to the table. We partnered with our friends at Preservation Resource Center NOLA to present “Right Plaster for the Right Space” for the second time. Industry members came away with important knowledge on how to set their plaster and microcement projects up for success! They also learned about our exclusive brands – Stucco Italiano and Topcret! If you missed it, shoot us a DM – we’d love to have you stop by our shop in NOLA to learn more!
At Sylvia T Designs, we love educating folks about plaster and microcement! Especially when it’s industry members such as architects, interior designers, and contractors. We also love working with our friends at the Preservation Resource Center New Orleans to present this valuable information! It’s an honor to work with such an important organization that means so much to the culture, history, and architecture of New Orleans!
We recently teamed up with PRC for the second time to present a class entitled, “Right Plaster for the Right Space” at our shop. Attendees were shown numerous examples of lime plasters, washes, and microcement. We also discussed other considerations such as what certain materials can and can’t achieve, square foot price ranges, basic substrate needs, and much more!
As the region’s preeminent decorative and functional plaster and microcement artisan firm, we are uniquely positioned to inform the industry of just what’s out there (it’s a big world of plaster!), how to identify quality materials, and how best to set your project up for success during the planning and design phases. Let us know how we can make your space a plaster or microcement work of art!
Oct 24
At Sylvia T Designs, we love educating folks about plaster and microcement! Especially when it’s industry members such as architects, interior designers, and contractors. We also love working with our friends at the Preservation Resource Center New Orleans to present this valuable information! It’s an honor to work with such an important organization that means so much to the culture, history, and architecture of New Orleans!
We recently teamed up with PRC for the second time to present a class entitled, “Right Plaster for the Right Space” at our shop. Attendees were shown numerous examples of lime plasters, washes, and microcement. We also discussed other considerations such as what certain materials can and can’t achieve, square foot price ranges, basic substrate needs, and much more!
As the region’s preeminent decorative and functional plaster and microcement artisan firm, we are uniquely positioned to inform the industry of just what’s out there (it’s a big world of plaster!), how to identify quality materials, and how best to set your project up for success during the planning and design phases. Let us know how we can make your space a plaster or microcement work of art!
Microcement is here, and Sylvia T Designs is the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Gulf South’s only true applicator of this special material! It’s amazingly versatile, perfect for wet and dry applications, and highly durable! It is artisan applied and can show plaster-like motion, all while being 3mm thick! See our previous post for info on this terrific bathroom renovation project and visit SylviaTDesigns.com to learn more!
Oct 11
Microcement is here, and Sylvia T Designs is the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Gulf South’s only true applicator of this special material! It’s amazingly versatile, perfect for wet and dry applications, and highly durable! It is artisan applied and can show plaster-like motion, all while being 3mm thick! See our previous post for info on this terrific bathroom renovation project and visit SylviaTDesigns.com to learn more!
Here is a stylish project featuring microcement! This is a remodel of an Uptown New Orleans condo used as a pied-à-terre by its owners. They and the designer wanted a contrasting yet complementary look. The darker tones and subtle movement of the microcement work terrifically with the bold, yet soothing tones of the multi-colored tile. Another cool thing is that, depending on the light and viewing angle, the microcement, at times, gently reflects other elements in the bathroom (believe us, the pics don’t do the space justice!) We did the finish on the walls and ceiling including in the shower, as microcement is terrific for both wet and dry applications!
Thanks to our friend, Sherry Shirah Design, @sherryshirahdesign, for bringing us in on this great project!
Sylvia T Designs is the only true microcement artisan in the Gulf South region. It is immensely popular in Europe and beginning to make waves here in the US. We are leading the charge in this part of the world! It’s durable, thin, and moisture and stain resistant. However, due to its artisan application (troweled, not poured) it can boast plaster-like motion and textures. It’s great for showers, bathrooms, indoor/outdoor areas, floor-to-ceiling installations, kitchens, pool houses, bar/countertops, and much more! Let us know how we can make your space a microcement work of art!
Oct 6
Here is a stylish project featuring microcement! This is a remodel of an Uptown New Orleans condo used as a pied-à-terre by its owners. They and the designer wanted a contrasting yet complementary look. The darker tones and subtle movement of the microcement work terrifically with the bold, yet soothing tones of the multi-colored tile. Another cool thing is that, depending on the light and viewing angle, the microcement, at times, gently reflects other elements in the bathroom (believe us, the pics don’t do the space justice!) We did the finish on the walls and ceiling including in the shower, as microcement is terrific for both wet and dry applications!
Thanks to our friend, Sherry Shirah Design, @sherryshirahdesign, for bringing us in on this great project!
Sylvia T Designs is the only true microcement artisan in the Gulf South region. It is immensely popular in Europe and beginning to make waves here in the US. We are leading the charge in this part of the world! It’s durable, thin, and moisture and stain resistant. However, due to its artisan application (troweled, not poured) it can boast plaster-like motion and textures. It’s great for showers, bathrooms, indoor/outdoor areas, floor-to-ceiling installations, kitchens, pool houses, bar/countertops, and much more! Let us know how we can make your space a microcement work of art!
A limewash is a great, cost-effective way to transform your space into something special! We recently completed this project at the terrific Uptown New Orleans clothing boutique, The Elizabeth Chronicles. They wanted a nice accent in the space on the two walls across from the dressing rooms. The idea was to create a look that not only complemented the store overall but also the clothing itself – including on the customers when they step out of the dressing rooms. Things really pop against these walls!
Sylvia T Designs is the premier decorative arts firm serving the Gulf South Region. We handle projects large and small, commercial and residential, in everything from historic structures to new construction. Our expertise in the products we use means that we can deliver your vision, even if you are on a budget! Let us know how we can make your space a work of art!
Connect with the Elizabeth Chronicles - @shoptheelizabethchronicles
Sep 15
A limewash is a great, cost-effective way to transform your space into something special! We recently completed this project at the terrific Uptown New Orleans clothing boutique, The Elizabeth Chronicles. They wanted a nice accent in the space on the two walls across from the dressing rooms. The idea was to create a look that not only complemented the store overall but also the clothing itself – including on the customers when they step out of the dressing rooms. Things really pop against these walls!
Sylvia T Designs is the premier decorative arts firm serving the Gulf South Region. We handle projects large and small, commercial and residential, in everything from historic structures to new construction. Our expertise in the products we use means that we can deliver your vision, even if you are on a budget! Let us know how we can make your space a work of art!
Connect with the Elizabeth Chronicles - @shoptheelizabethchronicles