Custom decorative wall finishes in Tuscany
I am Bettina Beck, artisan Venetian plasterer and founder of Stuccòra, based in Casciana Alta (PI). I specialize in travertino plaster, and I help local and foreign property and business owners transform their spaces, by creating unique decorative lime-based wall finishes that bring the texture and character of timeless Italian stone and design into Tuscan homes.
I was trained by renowned master artisan, Željko Babić, and I work with traditional application techniques combined with softly restrained color transitions and a refined contemporary aesthetic sense. I am also an associate of the reputable Venetian plaster manufacturer, Stucco Italiano, and I work exclusively with their high-quality products.
.png)
RESIDENTIAL HOMES
--
living rooms • bedrooms • hallways • dining rooms • bathrooms • staircases
HOSPITALITY VENUES
--
holiday homes • agriturismi • hotels • resorts • villas • Airbnb • restaurants
COMMERCIAL SPACES
--
shops • offices • cafés • showrooms • lounge rooms •
wine bars
Infinite possibilities for bespoke interiors
Each Stuccòra finish is completely unique and truly transformative to any space. Countless different styles can be achieved, from restrained and sophisticated to expressive and extravagant. A more classic approach can add structural rhythm to a room by mimicking the characteristic horizontal striations and subtle tonal variations of cut natural travertine. While a bolder piece can bring either in delicately blended harmonizing tones that produce a swirling smoky variation, or a soft cloud-like movement created through layered contrasting mineral tones.
Intricate details that turn surfaces into statement pieces
STENCILS add further depth, character and architectural detail to decorative finishes. They can be arranged in endless formations, from repeating patterns and organic branching designs to randomized or partial placements.
They may be applied in the same color palette as the decorative finish for a subtle cohesive effect, or in complementary and multi-tonal colors to create greater contrast and visual depth.
PEARL FRAGMENTS obtained from natural shells is an exciting choice if you want to add another layer of special to a statement piece. Tiny pearly sparkles scattered across the wall softly playing with the lights of the room.
PEARL CREAM is a natural wax with pearlescent highlights, and a great addition to any finish for extra depth and a slight metallic shimmer as it comes in silver, gold, copper, and bronze colors. It also provides more protection to your wall.
--
Projects up to 6 m² start from €500
--
Projects over 6 m² approx. €90/m², all materials included
--
Stencil work from additional €200
.png)
--
Farther than 30 km an additional charge may apply
Apartment in Chianni - before / after
15 m² textured travertino finish - €1,250 all materials included
Beach house in Pietrasanta - before / after
18 m² textured travertino with stencil and pearl fragments details - €1,850 all materials included
Please note: the parameters above and examples above are intended as a guide only. Every Stuccòra finish is custom made and for each project a personalized quotation is provided before work begins.
The fascinating story of Venetian plaster
The craft of lime-based plaster goes back thousands of years all the way to ancient Rome, from which later on in the Renaissance era Venetian plaster was developed as a solution to a once very rich Venice's unique challenge of being a city built on water.
Marble has always symbolized wealth and abundance, so of course an important city like Venice had to have it, too. But - known for its lagoons and canal system - it was difficult to transport and install heavy marble in the noble buildings of Venice without them sinking under the weight.
This obviously created a huge need and market opportunity, so plasterers of the time cooked up a recipe for finishes that looked like marble, were partially made of marble, and were breathable, water-resistant, and lightweight. They started mixing to their usual slaked lime putty different ratios of waste marble dust and aggregates they acquired from quarries in the area.
Some such quarries are located in the Carrara marble basin in the Apuan Alps in northern Tuscany, which is considered the white marble capital of the world, and also where Michelangelo famously sourced his material for some of his masterpieces, such as the statue of David, Moses, and Slaves.
From those developments, various types of Venetian plaster were born, such as marmorino, grassello, and travertino. They all cure through the natural process of carbonation by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, which then turns the plaster into solid stone over time. That is why these finishes last not only decades but even centuries, and build character just like real stone does.
Ask for a quote
Bettina Beck
Artisan Venetian Plasterer
--
+39 329 555 1053
Via Magenta
Casciana Alta (PI) - 56035, Italia
--
Main service areas:
Pisa • Lucca • Firenze • Siena • Carrara
