The perfect blend of tradition and functionality found in Italian finishes
By Hayley Gilbert
When it comes to bespoke finishes, Impera Italia has paved the way for a niche market that was relatively unknown in the UK a few decades ago.
The company, one of the first to specialise in this industry and offer training for these materials, has witnessed the remarkable surge in interest in recent years for these types of fine applications.
(@uniart.london/materials by Impera Italia/application by Uniart London)
But what’s behind the new design trends that put Italian decor at the front and centre of high-end interior design?
Materials such as Venetian plaster, Microcement and various decorative paints offer the opportunity of luxurious, bespoke finishes that fit surprisingly well into day-to-day practicalities. This is true for highly breathable lime paints & plaster, as well as water-resistant finishes like Microcement.
Italian finishes preserve the beauty of tradition, without compromising on practicality. Like every high-end finish, such as marble, it requires care and maintenance, but as we have seen throughout historical applications, decorative plaster truly stands the test of time, both visually and with regard to durability.
Impera Italia was born for the purpose of bringing the beauty of Italian decorating traditions into contemporary design and introducing a wider audience to the potential of these materials.
(@uniart.london/materials by Impera Italia/application by Uniart London)
Bespoke Materials with a Bespoke Service
Offering a range of finishes, from the ever-popular polished plasters and Marmorinos, to new in-demand applications like Microcement, Impera Italia is a go-to place for professionals and self-builders alike when it comes to specialist finishes.
Given the versatility of the products and their differing purposes, the team at Impera Italia offers a service tailored to each customer and client, to ensure the right finish is specified for every project.
(@uniart.london/materials by Impera Italia/application by Uniart London)
The Art of Decorative Finishes
Venetian plaster has been around for centuries, and it’s almost exclusively due to the characteristic finishes that defined an era, the Renaissance. The traditional lime-based plasters reminisce of these applications, offering a rustic, natural look.
However, the technical developments allowed for these materials to be pushed even further, and with that, the number of different finishes that can be achieved also grew. Venetian plaster, in its many forms, ranging from polished to textured, is now one of the most sought-after materials for decorating projects.
From high-street retail stores and luxury hotels to residential renovations, decorative plasters have truly found their way into the world of contemporary interior design.
(@uniart.london/materials by Impera Italia/application by Uniart London)
A blend of aesthetics and functionality
To cater to the growing demand for bespoke finishes that can be applied to various surfaces, Impera Italia, specialising in contemporary heritage decorating materials, also offers a range of materials that offer outstanding durability and resistance. These offer the opportunity to be applied in functional areas.
The Microcement and MicroQuarz range are each suitable for different purposes, but they both offer a seamless finish, without any joints and require little to no compromise when it comes to applications.
These materials are best suited for flooring, bathroom and shower areas, splashback and worktops, as well as furniture applications. The opportunity to create a continuous application across different surfaces helps create a sophisticated, uniform look.
For further information, head to Impera Italia, where you can contact its London office with details about your project.
(@uniart.london/materials by Impera Italia/application by Uniart London)
How to get started
When searching for a bespoke finish, we always recommend starting by specifying your inspiration for the wall and what you had in mind for the final look. Once you have the initial idea pinned down, the team at Impera Italia can help you out with countless samples, colour charts and even colour matches, to ensure you get exactly what you were looking for.
