@SylviaTDesigns
We are well underway with phase 2 of our work at the historic New Orleans hotel, Le Pavillon. We’re lending our expertise to help bring back much of its original splendor and glory! Here’s an (very) initial look at our mockup sample development, in situ, as part of the effort to recreate and update the original finishes on the plaster columns in the Grand Ballroom.
At some point over the years, the ornamental plaster columns were painted over in white, minimizing the effect of the decorative plaster details. What you are seeing is the first iteration of the sample in the early stages of development. We have worked directly with hotel ownership to achieve this phase of the project’s vision. We’ll be sharing much more on this soon, as the sample was further developed and was also met with enthusiastic approval. We’re in the thick of it now!
We love being able to work directly with our clients to deliver project success, especially when we are trusted to work in this fashion, in the space, to get things going properly. Stay tuned and see what this becomes on the entire columns!
Sylvia T Designs is the Gulf South’s premier decorative arts firm. Whether working on large projects or small, in historic or new construction structures, or in commercial or residential spaces, it’s always an honor and a joy to make your space a work of art!
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Here’s a look at the other lovely element we delivered in this Uptown New Orleans residence (see our previous post featuring the stunning Tadelakt plaster shower). It’s a subtle, yet gorgeous stove hood enclosure boasting a large, beautiful design with its coved corners and handy shelving! We used Marmorino Medium custom color matched to Benjamin Moore “Navajo White.” Its delicate look complements and contrasts with the bolder look of the stone backsplash and counter with its soft glow and modeling that this plaster can deliver only in the right hands! Moreover, an application such as this takes accurate timing due to the coved corners – there is no stopping point if you want to get it right!
Thanks, again, to @albert_architecture for having us in on another one of their great projects!
Sylvia T Designs is the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Gulf South’s premier full-service decorative arts and plaster firm. If you are looking for unparalleled artistry, skill, and product knowledge, we are here for you! Just let us know your project’s vision and how we can make your space a work of art!
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Let’s face it, there is a lot of bad plaster shower work out there! We see it all the time. Delivering successful wet applications (where plaster is applied in areas that are “wet” and in direct contact with water) takes a great deal of skill, experience, product knowledge, and, of course, artistry. This isn’t your “usual” decorative plaster finish – this is a functional plaster finish. With that comes a process requiring particular steps from to start to finish as well as exceptional attention to detail. It all begins with the space being in good order before starting and ensuring that the specialized substrate work is done correctly. This is often where problems can occur down the line if not handled properly from the outset. From there, the plaster application requires exact timing across the layers and sealing. This is even more so in larger spaces (like the shower shown here). Another challenging component in certain projects is tying both the wet and dry application areas together seamlessly if both are present in the job.
Here, we delivered an exquisite Tadelakt plaster (a traditional Moroccan technique) shower in an Uptown New Orleans residence. We did a custom color match to Farrow & Ball “Jitney.” The Tadelakt presents itself beautifully in this wonderfully constructed shower that features a stone bench, tile flooring, and a sizable vaulted skylight. The natural light that comes through absolutely shimmers on the plaster!
Thanks to @albert_architecture for bringing us in on this terrific project!
Sylvia T Designs is the Gulf South’s premier functional and decorative plaster artisan firm! We execute wet plaster applications from start to finish (including proper substrate!) unlike anyone else in the region! If you are looking for plaster in your shower, bath, pool house, or anywhere water contact is a reality, let us know how we can make your space a work of art!
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All-over Tadelakt plaster bathroom and shower in the Greater New Orleans area! A spa-like oasis in a residential bathroom throughout both the wet and dry areas. See our post for more information. Our sister business, Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans, is your go-to source for Stucco Italiano Tadelakt plaster handmade in Italy. Find out more for your next project! Sylvia T Designs is your expert functional and decorative plaster firm. Let us know who we can make your space a work of art!
#yourspaceasaworkofart #honoringtraditionandprogress #artisan #decorativeartist #artist tadelakt limeplaster plasterfinish interiordesign wallfinish bathroom bathroomfinish bathroomdesign shower showerdesign residential remodel NOLA BatonRouge GulfSouth
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Here is some marvelous plaster work we delivered in a private residence in Covington, part of the greater New Orleans area. The client wanted a comforting, spa-like atmosphere in the bathroom, creating a relaxing oasis in the home. We used Tadelakt plaster, a traditional material and technique originating in Morocco that is equally adept in both wet and dry applications.
The plaster was applied to the bathroom walls, ceiling, over the vanity, the toilet alcove with its shelving above, and the curved shelving niche (all dry application). Inside the shower, it was applied to the ceiling, the bench, and the two side walls that flank the terrific stonework – including the wall that holds the fixtures (all wet application). Also, we applied the plaster to the pony wall that flanks the shower glass near the tub (dry application on the tub side and wet on the shower side.)
The plaster was blended seamlessly across the surfaces to create a beautiful look throughout the space. We custom color matched the Tadelakt to the Benjamin Moore color “Night Train.” The lighting rolls across the plaster creating layers of color and depth. It takes great skill and expert application timing to deliver a finish such as this spanning the wet and dry areas as there are different layer considerations!
Work like this brings together our unparalleled color matching abilities, artistry, technique, and product knowledge culminating in a gorgeous result! Sylvia T Designs is the Gulf South’s premier decorative and functional plaster artisan firm. Let us know how we can make your space work of art!
Photos courtesy of our client and Walther Design Studio. See our Reel for more looks!
Visit our sister business, Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans, if you are a US-based plasterer, architect, interior designer, contractor, or home or business owner interested in sourcing this amazing Tadelakt plaster manufactured in Italy by our friends at Stucco Italiano for your next project!
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Some stunning and exacting team artistry we delivered in the historic Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans. We worked to bring the lobby’s extensive grand staircase back to its original glory! We used specialized gold paint on the iron railing’s ornaments. See our recent post for more. Sylvia T Designs is the Gulf South’s premier full-service decorative arts and plaster firm. Let us know how we can make your space a work of art!
#artisan #goldpaint #historicrestoration #restoration #renovation hoteldesign staircasedesign historicpreservation neworleanspreservation nolarchitecture preservenola
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Applications for our Fall 2026 “Hands-On Venetian Plaster Workshop” are now available! This is the place to start your journey to become a professional decorative plasterer. This workshop will teach you the four classic Venetian plasters (Grassello and the three grains of Marmorino – fine, medium, and coarse) along with the popular Lime Paint. We will also discuss and teach critical related concepts such as substrate requirements, jobsite flow, marketing, spec’ing, and much more! The workshop is in New Orleans from Monday, October 19 through Thursday, October 22. Successful completion of the workshop will result in a certification from Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans and Stucco Italiano (the world-class artisanal plaster manufacturer we distribute and use on jobs every day!) as well as becoming a preferred recommended applicator in your region.
Space is extremely limited. As with all our workshops, they are designed for professional applicators or those in related trades and are not designed for enthusiasts or DIY students. Please note that an application is required to qualify for registration. For full details on the workshop, including qualifications, and how to request an application, please visit our Education and Support page – link in bio.
Also, registration for our “Advanced Decorative Plaster Workshop” (Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12) will open next week. Qualified students – those who have completed our “Hands-On Venetian Plaster Workshop” or equivalent or who have significant demonstrable experience with Venetian plasters - can register. More info can also be found on our Education and Support page.
We hope to host you down here in The Big Easy this fall and help you elevate your plaster game!
Jul 2
Last week, we wrapped up another highly successful hands-on, in-person certification workshop! This time it was our Introduction to Microcement Workshop! We had a terrific group hailing from around the country. Attendees came away from the 3-day training session with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully execute microcement projects in their neck of the woods.
We worked with various microcement materials, took a deep dive into the critical substrate requirements, and practiced on sample boards, a model wall (including inside and outside corners), and a simulated floor setup.
Microcement has been popular in Europe for some time and is rapidly gaining traction in the US these days! It is highly durable, stain and moisture resistant, and can produce beautiful, varied looks and feels. It is a troweled artisan applied material (not poured!) and is suitable for both wet and dry applications. It is great in spaces where durability is a must, but without sacrificing beautiful aesthetics! Think – kitchens (indoor and outdoor), showers, bathrooms, commercial spaces (it’s terrific for hospitality spots!), wet/dry areas, bar counters and façades, backsplashes, fireplaces, and much more!
Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans is your go-to distributor and educator for real microcement (there are a lot of “pretenders” out there, to be sure!) And, our sister business, @sylviatdesigns, is the South’s leading applicator of this special material. If you are an applicator, interior designer, architect, general contractor, or a home or business owner interested in learning more about microcement, reach out to us!
Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans
Premium Materials – Master Artisans
Application – Distribution – Training
Learn more about our workshops - link in bio!
Apr 3
What a great last day – 4 of 4 – to wrap things up! Thanks to this terrific group, who are all now certified decorative plasterers, and our amazing team, the vibe was great and what was learned and absorbed was off the charts! We even had time for the students to work on a little “lagniappe” (as we say down here in New Orleans) project of their own for something "extra" allowing them to spread their wings (more on that soon)!
These fantastic artisans are now certified by Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans and Stucco Italiano from our Hands-On Venetian Plaster Workshop where they learned the four classic Venetian plasters – Grassello and the three grains of Marmorino (fine, medium, and coarse), as well as lime paint. They are ready to tackle your next plaster project!
Interested in joining their ranks and upping your plaster game? Join us for our hands-on certification courses where you will learn from our talented artisan team and develop skills and experience that you can’t gather from online courses or videos, plain and simple! Plus, you’ll become a recommended applicator for project inquiries in your area! Link in Bio for more!
Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans – Premium Materials – Master Artisans
Application – Distribution – Training
Mar 6
Here on Day 3 of 4 of our Hands-On Venetian Plaster Workshop, we are working on two critical skills! The first is learning the correct method needed for applying plaster to full-size vertical surfaces – not just on sample boards, either laid flat or hung vertically. The other is gaining experience and developing the proper troweling technique for plastering properly on inside and outside corners.
That being said, this group is on top of it and taking to things like a fish to water! No doubt about it, we’ve got a talented set of students here who will be ready to handle your next decorative Venetian plaster project!
There is no substitute for learning in a hands-on, in-person environment from our trained artisan team to develop the necessary skills, techniques, and product knowledge to operate at a professional plasterer level! Learn more about our hands-on, in-person plaster and microcement workshops and take the next step! Link in Bio.
Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans – Premium Materials – Master Artisans
Application – Distribution – Training
Mar 4
Everybody crushed it when we really got after it on Day 2 of our Hands-On Venetian Plaster Workshop! It’s amazing to see the transformation and growth on the second day, especially with such talented and motivated students!
Here, after watching a demo application from our artisan team, the attendees are applying the second coat of three of Marmorino Coarse (we decided to use a fun, vibrant color!) Part of the lesson learned here is about understanding proper drying times between layers – which vary by what type of plaster being used and ambient environmental conditions – how to tell, and when to move on to the next layer. After the third layer, compression, and drying, the plaster will be a deeper color showing beautiful movement!
Want to up your plaster game? As the only certified trainers in the US for Stucco Italiano plasters and decorative arts materials, come pay us a visit in the Big Easy (or we can come to you!) and learn the right way to apply and utilize these authentic artisanal products – the real deal in lime plaster – produced by a family run business in Italy! Link in Bio…
Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans – Premium Materials – Master Artisans
Application – Distribution – Training
Mar 3
We just wrapped up Day 1 of our Hands-On Venetian Plaster Workshop training budding artisans to level-up their plaster game! We’re very happy to have such a terrific, enthusiastic group! Looking forward to Day 2 of 4 tomorrow!
This certified training, offered in concert with our friends at Stucco Italiano, covers the four classic Venetian plasters and lime paint. In our extensive experience through our sister business, Sylvia T Designs, the Gulf Coast’s premier decorative arts firm, knowing these materials will allow our attendees to meet 80-90% of the decorative plaster projects they encounter! They are learning the materials, proper tool technique and management, substrate requirements, understanding pricing, and much, much more!
We offer this training twice a year at our shop in New Orleans (Fall 2026 dates coming soon!) but we can also do so for groups either here in NOLA or at your place on demand! Learn more about this workshop and others – link in bio!
Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans – Premium Materials – Master Artisans
Application – Distribution - Training
Mar 2
Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans, powered by Sylvia T Designs, is the only US-based certified trainer of Stucco Italiano plasters and decorative arts products. We are their distributor serving the US and Canada. We host multiday hands-on, in-person workshops in New Orleans where you can get certified in these materials and become a recommended applicator. Can’t make it to NOLA? No problem! We can pay a visit to train your team wherever you are! We were recently in Seattle conducting our Hands-On Venetian Plaster Workshop for PCI Northwest. Owner and master artisan, Sylvia Thompson-Dias, led the training, which covers the four classic Venetian plasters and lime paint. Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans – Premium Materials – Master Artisans.
#plaster #decorativeplaster #functionalplaster #venetianplaster #grassello marmorino limepaint training
Feb 6
If you’ve been paying attention, Microcement is quickly gaining popularity here in the US! Already very popular in Europe and widely used in both commercial and residential spaces, we’re seeing a significant increase in projects and inquiries regarding this special material.
Our Introduction to Microcement Workshop is coming March 24-26 here in New Orleans! This hands-on, multi-day workshop will help you stay ahead of the curve and learn about this artisan applied material that is ideal in both wet and dry applications and high-contact, high-traffic areas. It’s both stain and moisture resistant and is ideal in areas that require durability with an artisan applied, hand-troweled look. There are so many possibilities – bar tops and fronts, outdoor and indoor kitchens, pool houses, backsplashes, stove hoods, fireplaces, floors, walls, ceilings, and much more! We will practice proper application and take a deep dive into Microcement’s specific substrate needs.
Completion of the workshop will lead to certification through us, Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans, and Topcret Microcement out of Barcelona, Spain. Space is extremely limited! We are also hosting two upcoming plaster workshops. We offer discounts on multiple workshop bundles. Link in bio for more and feel free to email us at info@gulfcoastplasterartisans.com.
We hope to see you down here in the Big Easy for some Microcement fun soon!
Jan 30
Hey All! Our “Hands-On Venetian Plaster Workshop” is nearly sold out with just a very few spots remaining. Also, our “Introduction to Microcement Workshop” and “Advanced Functional Plaster Workshop” are also filling up. Don’t miss your chance to learn from our artisan team and become certified through Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans and either Stucco Italiano or Topcret Microcement!
In addition to learning from the best during our multi-day, hands-on, and in-person workshops, your certification means you’re on our recommended installer list for potential clients including architects, interior designers, general contractors, and individuals in your area looking for qualified applicators. We offer discounts for multiple workshops and corporate rates for lodging here in New Orleans, too!
Come see us down in the Big Easy and level-up your plaster and microcement game! Link in Bio!
Jan 21
If you didn’t know, registration is now open for our Spring 2026 Workshop Series! Please note that space is extremely limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis with spots already filling up! Our first one is the place to start if you are looking to learn the proper techniques and approaches for classic Venetian plasters!
Hands-On Venetian Plaster Workshop (March 2-5) – This first level course will give you what you need to know about decorative lime plaster applications and the very popular lime paint! We will cover the four classic Venetian Plasters – Grassello and the three grains of Marmorino (fine, medium, and coarse) along with lime paint. A critical part of the workshop will be taking a serious look at proper substrate requirements. We’ll also talk about understanding pricing and promoting these materials for your projects. Learning these plasters and lime paint will set you up to be ready for most decorative projects you encounter.
To see more about this workshop as well as our other two coming in the spring, Introduction to Microcement and Advanced Functional Plaster, visit our “Education and Support” page (link in bio.) You will also find info on how to register along with discounted pricing for multiple workshops and returning students!
We hope to host you down here in the Big Easy in Spring ’26!
Dec 4
Registration is now open for our Spring 2026 Workshops! Space is extremely limited!
Hands-On Venetian Plaster (March 2-5) – This 1st course will give you what you need to know about decorative lime plaster applications and the ever-increasing in popularity, lime paint! We will cover the four classic Venetian Plasters – Grassello and the three grains of Marmorino plus lime paint. Upon completion, you will be able to tackle most of the decorative plaster projects you will encounter!
Introduction to Microcement (March 24-26) – Microcement is very popular in Europe and is becoming more so here in the US! Stay ahead of the curve and learn about this artisan applied material that is ideal in both wet and dry applications and high-contact, high-traffic areas. It’s both stain and moisture resistant and is perfect in both residential and commercial spaces.
Advanced Functional Plaster (May 18-21) – The demand for plaster in areas that need durability and functionality is ever-increasing. Think showers, exteriors, countertops, commercial spaces, floors, and much more. This 2nd workshop will feature various materials, including the immensely popular Tadelakt, that meet this demand! Completion of our Hands-On Venetian Plaster Workshop or extensive, demonstrable experience with lime plaster application is required for this course.
With all of our workshops, you will gain the experience and skill necessary to confidently tackle projects using these materials and understanding critical substrate needs. You will produce numerous samples that you can share with clients. We will discuss the economics and pricing of these materials. Materials and tools are included. Please know that these workshops are for professional applicators with some experience or education in similar or related fields. Completion results in certification through GCPA and Stucco Italiano (Plasters) or Topcret (Microcement.)
For full details, how to register via email, pricing (with bundle and returning student discounts), complete course descriptions, and more, visit https://gulfcoastplasterartisans.com/education-and-support/. We hope to see you down here in the Big Easy next Spring!
Nov 22
Hey, You All! Just a quick heads-up…
We will be placing our last Stucco Italiano plaster and related materials order for the year early next week. It’s the last chance to lock in our current (March 2025) pricing! If there is anything that you’ve had your eye on or want to stock up on with lower pricing, let us know! Orders must be received by close of business Monday, November 24 (3:30pm Central). You can email us at info@gulfcoastplasterartisans.com. Thanks!
Gulf Coast Plaster Artisans is the US distributor of Stucco Italiano and the Gulf South (and points beyond) distributor for Topcret Microcement. We deliver products created by artisans for artisans!
Application ~ Distribution ~ Training
Nov 20