The Allure of Limewash Paint
Old-World Feel and Romantic Elegance of Limewash
Over the past few years, trends in home interiors have one thing, at least in my opinion, in common: It’s all about creating cozy spaces that embrace. Many of the upholstery fabrics (like chunky bouclé) and furniture styles (such as curved sofas) that have made a huge surge in popularity recently make me feel like I’m getting a warm hug from a loved one.
Enter limewash paint. Or really, reenter limewash paint. Limewash paint has been showing up everywhere in design circles, but there’s nothing new about it. Lime paint is credited as being one of the first-ever house paints since the Roman Empire, and I believe limewash paint is captivating the design world today for its old-world, romantic feel and timeless elegance. Limewash paint creates a weathered patina look, reminiscent of the home interiors found throughout Italy and the Mediterranean.
[Click to enlarge] Credit: Sydney Harbor Paint Company
Limewash paint is made from crushed limestone, which is mixed with water and colored with natural pigments. The result is a chalky, mottled texture that is often compared to suede. It has a visual softness and calming appeal, which makes it a great option for bedrooms. When applied to walls, limewash differs from conventional paint in that it has depth, variation, and luminosity, whereas traditional paint is a flat, uniform color. Limewash paint is also non-toxic, contains zero solvents or VOCs, and is said to be hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.
Commonly applied to porous materials like stone and brick, limewash binds easily to surfaces and soaks in rather than sitting on top like regular paint. Limewash can also be applied to drywall if a mineral-based primer is applied first.
[Click to enlarge] Credit: Sydney Harbor Paint Company
Limewash is applied using a long-haired paintbrush that creates feathered strokes, not with a roller. Sydney Harbour Paint Company, whose work can be seen in these photos, recommends that limewash paint be applied in two coats in a “random multi-directional pattern.” A quick search on YouTube and you’ll find many instructional videos that detail the application process. You’ll need to use a brush (a five-inch size seems to be the most popular), and most tutorials I came across mentioned that it’s important to use the same size brush throughout the process.
If you want to capture the look of Tuscany or Ibiza, stick with neutral colors, such as warm taupes and sandy beiges, which pair well with the California Casual and Wabi-Sabi home interior trends that are popular now. Or if you’re drawn to bold colors, embrace deep charcoals or jewel-toned greens and blues that make a statement. For an immersive, cocoon-like feel, you can even limewash the ceiling. Whatever your color palette, limewash pairs beautifully with natural materials, like wood and linen, so be sure to add some of these elements to complete the look.
I’d love to see your limewash-painted walls! Tag me on social media @vacayrentaldesign!
Christine S. Cowles is the owner of Vacation Rental Design, an interior design company specializing in short-term rental properties. She is a certified Short-Term Rental Stylist™, member of Real Estate Staging Association, and a proud WEV graduate. She can be reached at hello@vacayrentaldesign.com.
Premier Events
Sun, Dec 22
11:00 AM
Santa Barbara
Mosaic Makers Market – Holiday Market Finale
Wed, Dec 25
6:00 PM
Santa Barbara
FREE Contra Dance X-mas Day💃Corwin & Grace band6-9
Sun, Dec 22
11:00 AM
Santa Barbara
Mosaic Makers Market – Holiday Market Finale
Sun, Dec 22
2:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Santa Paws Holiday Party – A Howliday Celebration
Tue, Dec 24
2:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Brass Bear Christmas Eve Buffet
Tue, Dec 24
5:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Christmas Eve at the USSB
Wed, Dec 25
5:30 PM
Santa Barbara
Christmas Dinner at El Encanto
Fri, Dec 27
6:00 PM
Solvang
New Year Disco Ball Paint & Sip
Fri, Dec 27
9:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Film Screening: “Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade”
Sat, Dec 28
7:00 PM
Lompoc
Rosie Flores & Grey DeLisle + Special Guests LIVE
Sat, Dec 28
7:00 PM
Carpinteria
Family Comedy Night at The Alcazar
Sat, Dec 28
7:00 PM
Santa Barbara
The Temptations at Casa De La Raza
Sun, Dec 22 11:00 AM
Santa Barbara
Mosaic Makers Market – Holiday Market Finale
Wed, Dec 25 6:00 PM
Santa Barbara
FREE Contra Dance X-mas Day💃Corwin & Grace band6-9
Sun, Dec 22 11:00 AM
Santa Barbara
Mosaic Makers Market – Holiday Market Finale
Sun, Dec 22 2:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Santa Paws Holiday Party – A Howliday Celebration
Tue, Dec 24 2:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Brass Bear Christmas Eve Buffet
Tue, Dec 24 5:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Christmas Eve at the USSB
Wed, Dec 25 5:30 PM
Santa Barbara
Christmas Dinner at El Encanto
Fri, Dec 27 6:00 PM
Solvang
New Year Disco Ball Paint & Sip
Fri, Dec 27 9:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Film Screening: “Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade”
Sat, Dec 28 7:00 PM
Lompoc
Rosie Flores & Grey DeLisle + Special Guests LIVE
Sat, Dec 28 7:00 PM
Carpinteria
Family Comedy Night at The Alcazar
Sat, Dec 28 7:00 PM
Santa Barbara
You must be logged in to post a comment.