Phoenix rising

The desire to maintain the aesthetic of a historic property can sometimes result in a repetitive look that lessens the overall effect. Finding the right balance between preserving the core ideal and establishing a new identity is an all too familiar scenario when remodeling.

The objective with the Valero project was to color and texture the walls and ceilings in a manner consistent with the overall style of the home. But it was also important to give each room an individual mood, says WallCraft owner Simon Fourstar, a specialist in Italian and decorative plastering.

"Giving each of the home's 13 rooms a different temperament meant drawing from a large repertoire of materials, textures, colors and application techniques. In all, I used eight different materials and nine different application styles."

Working closely with Edward and Lorie Valero, Fourstar devised an individual look for each of the rooms, that suited the cohesive look of the home.

"For the living areas, hallways and master bedroom, we chose a smooth, fine-grain marmorino plaster finished with a light polish. This has a soft texture that is pleasing to the eye."

A medium-grain plaster was chosen for the ceilings and kitchen, and given a wax finish.

The columns in the dining room are finished with an exterior plaster that was fashioned to look as if the columns had been carved from blocks of rough stone.

"As the sole artisan on the project, I gave my personal attention to every wall and ceiling in the house all 6500sq ft of them," says Fourstar.

WallCraft operates exclusively throughout the greater Los Angeles area. For further information, contact WallCraft, 26893 Bouquet Canyon Rd C, suite #334, Saugus, CA 91350, phone (661) 714 9013. Email: sfourstar@earthlink.net, or visit the website: www.fourstarfinishes.com.

Story by: Trendsideas