Blog | ShareDecor Cambridge

The Art of Tadelakt – A Natural Finish with Mediterranean Soul

By admin July 1, 2024April 13, 2025

In the world of luxury wall finishes, few materials strike the balance between tradition, functionality, and natural beauty quite like Tadelakt. While at ShareDecor our craft is rooted in Venetian plaster and Italian stucco, we deeply appreciate the rich legacy of global plaster techniques. Tadelakt, with its deep Mediterranean soul, is one of them—a finish that has stood the test of time for over a thousand years. What is Tadelakt? Tadelakt is a lime-based plaster that originated in Morocco, historically used to coat the walls of hammams (steam baths), palaces, and riads. What makes Tadelakt unique is its soft, stone-like finish and its remarkable water resistance, achieved not with synthetic sealants, but through a completely natural process involving olive soap and manual burnishing. Its look is unmistakable: smooth but subtly textured, softly reflective, and imbued with earthy, natural tones that blend perfectly with both rustic and modern aesthetics. How Tadelakt Is Applied Unlike paint or conventional plaster, Tadelakt is a true artisan’s medium. The application requires several steps, all performed by hand: A special lime plaster is applied in thin layers. The surface is compressed and shaped using a stone. Natural black soap (made from olives) is rubbed into the surface, triggering a chemical reaction that helps seal and waterproof the finish. The result is a surface that is not only beautiful but also extremely durable and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for bathrooms, wet rooms, and feature walls. Why It Speaks to Us as Venetian Plaster Specialists As a company rooted in hand-applied, natural finishes, we see in Tadelakt the same virtues we value in our work with Venetian plaster—craftsmanship, longevity, and elegance. It’s a finish that can’t be replicated by machines or shortcuts. Each surface tells a story, shaped by the hands that applied it. Though Tadelakt isn’t our primary service, it embodies the same artisan philosophy we bring to every project. For clients drawn to natural materials and organic textures, it’s a finish worth exploring. Final Thoughts In an age of mass production and throwaway décor, Tadelakt offers something rare—a soulful, sustainable finish rooted in ancient knowledge and artistic mastery. Whether paired with polished plaster or used on its own, it complements a space with quiet elegance.

The Bold Revival of Italian Stucco in Modern Homes

By admin July 1, 2024April 13, 2025

The world of decorative wall finishes is undergoing a beautiful renaissance—and Italian stucco is leading the way. Once reserved for grand historical buildings and classical interiors, this centuries-old technique is now being embraced by modern homeowners, architects, and stylists looking for something that paint can’t provide: depth, character, and artistry. At ShareDecor, we’ve spent years mastering the traditional methods of applying Italian stucco and Venetian plaster. It’s not just our craft—it’s our passion. And we’re thrilled to see more people discovering the magic of this timeless finish. A Rich History That Still Inspires Italian stucco has its roots in the architecture of Ancient Rome and was perfected during the Renaissance in cities like Venice and Florence. Crafted from natural lime and marble powders, this finish was used to mimic the appearance of polished stone or marble at a fraction of the weight and cost. What makes Italian stucco so enduring is its combination of beauty and function. It’s breathable, resistant to mold and moisture, and becomes stronger with age. For us, it’s a material that doesn’t just decorate—it ages with grace and improves over time. Types of Stucco Finishes We Offer We specialize in a variety of Italian finishes, each with its own distinct texture and visual impact: Marmorino – A smooth, marble-like finish with a soft sheen; ideal for modern, minimal interiors. Grassello di Calce – A glossier, more reflective finish with deep elegance; often used in upscale spaces. Travertino – A textured, stone-like finish that adds a rustic, architectural feel to any space. Each of these finishes is hand-applied using time-honored techniques, allowing for custom tones, textures, and depth that simply can’t be achieved with mass-market materials. Why Modern Homes Are Returning to Classic Finishes We’re seeing a strong shift toward natural, tactile materials in home design. People want walls that feel as good as they look—surfaces that tell a story and hold meaning. Italian stucco fits beautifully into this movement. It’s ideal for: Accent walls that become the focal point of a room Statement hallways and staircases Luxury bathrooms and powder rooms Restaurants, showrooms, and boutique spaces Whether the style is contemporary or classic, stucco adds a layer of sophistication and heritage that paint can’t match. Our Commitment to Authentic Craftsmanship At ShareDecor, we don’t believe in shortcuts. Every project is approached with care, precision, and respect for tradition. Our mission is to bring the art of Italian plaster into today’s homes with elegance and authenticity. Final Thoughts Italian stucco is more than a finish—it’s a form of artistic expression. It enhances spaces with texture, history, and elegance, and it reflects a lifestyle that values quality over quick trends. If you’re considering a wall finish that’s truly special, Italian stucco offers a timeless upgrade—and we’d be honored to bring that vision to life.

How to Choose the Right Colors for Your Bedroom

By admin July 1, 2024April 13, 2025

Choosing the right colors for your bedroom can significantly influence your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Your bedroom is your sanctuary, a place to relax and rejuvenate, and the colors you choose play a crucial role in creating the perfect ambiance. Here are some tips to help you select the right colors for your bedroom. 1. Understand Color Psychology Colors have a profound impact on our emotions and behaviors. Understanding color psychology can help you choose hues that create the desired atmosphere in your bedroom. Blue: Known for its calming and soothing properties, blue is an excellent choice for bedrooms. It promotes relaxation and tranquility, making it easier to unwind and fall asleep. Green: Symbolizing nature and tranquility, green can bring a sense of balance and calm to your bedroom. It’s a great color for creating a peaceful and refreshing environment. Yellow: While yellow can be uplifting and energizing, it’s best used in moderation in bedrooms. Soft, muted shades can create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Gray: A versatile and neutral color, gray can be both calming and sophisticated. It pairs well with a variety of accent colors and can create a modern and stylish look. Purple: Associated with luxury and creativity, purple can add a touch of elegance to your bedroom. Soft lavender or lilac shades are particularly soothing and can promote a restful environment. 2. Consider the Room’s Size and Lighting The size of your bedroom and the amount of natural light it receives should influence your color choices. Small Bedrooms: Lighter colors can make a small bedroom appear larger and more open. Soft pastels, whites, and light neutrals are excellent choices for creating a sense of space. Large Bedrooms: Darker colors can make a large bedroom feel cozier and more intimate. Rich, deep hues like navy, charcoal, or forest green can create a dramatic and inviting atmosphere. Natural Light: If your bedroom receives a lot of natural light, you can experiment with darker colors without making the space feel too confined. For rooms with limited natural light, lighter colors can help brighten the space and create a more cheerful ambiance. 3. Harmonize with Your Existing Decor Your bedroom colors should complement your existing furniture, bedding, and decor. Furniture: Consider the color and style of your bedroom furniture. For example, if you have dark wood furniture, lighter wall colors can create a nice contrast and balance. Bedding and Accessories: Think about the colors of your bedding, curtains, and other accessories. Coordinating these elements with your wall colors can create a cohesive and harmonious look. Accent Colors: Don’t be afraid to use accent colors to add interest and personality to your bedroom. Accent walls, throw pillows, and artwork can introduce pops of color without overwhelming the space. 4. Test Before You Commit Before committing to a color, it’s important to test it in your bedroom. Samples: Purchase small paint samples and apply them to your walls. Observe how the colors look at different times of the day and under different lighting conditions. Swatches: Place fabric swatches of potential bedding and curtains next to the painted samples to see how they coordinate. Mood Boards: Create a mood board with your chosen colors, textures, and patterns to visualize how everything will come together. 5. Trust Your Instincts Ultimately, the best color for your bedroom is one that makes you feel comfortable and happy. Trust your instincts and choose colors that resonate with your personal style and preferences. Conclusion Choosing the right colors for your bedroom involves understanding color psychology, considering the room’s size and lighting, harmonizing with existing decor, testing before committing, and trusting your instincts. By following these tips, you can create a bedroom that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a true reflection of your personality and a sanctuary for relaxation.