Venetian Plaster Edinburgh
Surfaces shaped by hand. Designed for your interior.
Unico Venetian creates bespoke Venetian plaster, polished plaster and Marmorino for homes and commercial interiors in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Based in Fife, we work with homeowners, interior designers, architects and contractors to develop finishes around the space, its lighting and the way it will be used.
A finish that belongs in the room
Venetian plaster is a family of decorative finishes, with different textures, levels of sheen and ways of reflecting light. A polished surface can create a more reflective marble effect; Marmorino and textured mineral finishes can introduce softer movement. We discuss the intended appearance before deciding what is appropriate for the project.
In an Edinburgh renovation, existing coatings, substrate stability and any cracks need to be assessed before application. In a new build or commercial fit-out, edges, junctions, joinery and the programme of other trades should be considered early. Careful preparation and coordination are as important as the decorative layers.
Samples help you judge colour, texture and sheen in the lighting where the finish will be seen. They establish the direction of the work; natural materials and hand application mean a larger finished surface will have its own variation.
For private homes and design-led projects
We work with private clients on feature walls, living spaces, entrance halls, ceilings and staircases, and with design teams on residential developments, bespoke homes, retail and hospitality interiors. The scope can be a focused detail or a wider material scheme.
Interior designers and architects can bring drawings, material references and an initial specification. Contractors and developers can share approximate areas, substrate information and their site programme. We use that information to discuss preparation, detailing, samples and installation, so the finish is considered alongside the wider build.
From the first conversation to the finished surface
1. Share the brief. Tell us the project location, the areas to be finished, approximate measurements and the look you are considering. Photographs, drawings and a proposed programme help establish the scope.
2. Develop the specification. We discuss suitable finishes, substrate preparation, edges and junctions, and bespoke samples. This is also the point to coordinate with your designer, architect or contractor.
3. Plan the installation. Once the scope and sample direction are agreed, we set out the quote and programme around access, preparation and the work of other trades. Care guidance is discussed for the installed finish.
Marchmont, Edinburgh
Marmorino across every wall and ceiling
For this residential project in Marchmont, Unico Venetian coated all walls and ceilings in Beri Calce Marmorino 300, colour matched to Farrow & Ball Dimity. Interior design was by Samantha Harrison Design. The finish runs through the living spaces, kitchen, entrance hall and staircases, bringing a consistent material treatment to the home.
The photographs show how the pale, hand-applied surface changes with the light: across broad ceilings, around arched openings and beside timber joinery and exposed stone. This is a complete interior application, with the decorative finish forming part of the architecture rather than being confined to a feature wall.
Leith, Edinburgh
Polished plaster beyond the feature wall
This completed Leith project shows polished plaster used on a ceiling, with pendant lighting revealing the surface's changing tone and reflected light. It is a useful example of how a decorative finish can become part of the architecture of a room, rather than an isolated accent.
View the Venetian plaster collection to compare this ceiling with other completed walls, staircases and bespoke interiors.
Specialist experience, considered workmanship
Led by Daniel Sheppard, Unico Venetian brings 17 years of plastering experience and over eight years specialising in decorative finishes. Daniel's Venetian plaster training in Italy supports a practice focused on careful preparation and hand application.
Unico Venetian is a Forcrete approved installer since 2019 and a Clayworks approved installer. Work has been featured in Homes & Interiors Scotland. Those credentials support the wider decorative finishes practice; they are not presented as a separate Venetian plaster certification.
“He is highly skilled, professional and provides excellent customer service.”
ZP Pinkerton, interior designer — an existing Unico Venetian client testimonial.
Edinburgh and the Lothians, from our Fife base
Completed Edinburgh work includes the Marmorino interior in Marchmont, designed by Samantha Harrison Design, and the polished plaster ceiling in Leith. We consider suitable projects across Edinburgh and the Lothians, with the location, access and scope discussed at enquiry stage.
Our wider coverage includes Fife and Scotland. Explore our Scottish Venetian plaster service page for the range of finishes and applications, or discuss your Edinburgh project with us.
Venetian Plaster — Frequently Asked Questions
Often, provided the surface is sound, stable and suitably prepared. We assess existing plaster, paint, cracks and other coatings before specifying the preparation. Repairs, priming or a new base may be needed; the decorative finish does not resolve underlying movement.
Options range from polished marble effects and Marmorino to soft mineral textures, metallic detailing and stone-inspired finishes. We develop bespoke samples around your colour scheme, lighting and other materials so you can compare texture, movement and sheen.
Selected finishes can suit these rooms, with the material and protection specified for the location. Areas exposed to direct water, splashes or frequent cleaning need particular assessment. Decorative plaster does not replace waterproofing; we can also discuss microcement where it better suits the application.
A sample establishes the direction for colour, texture and sheen. Venetian plaster is applied by hand, so the pattern and movement naturally vary across a larger surface. Lighting, viewing angle and the surrounding materials also influence its appearance.
Follow the aftercare guidance for your installed finish and any protective coating. Use gentle cleaning methods and suitable products, avoiding abrasive pads, harsh chemicals and steam cleaners unless expressly approved. We will discuss care and any maintenance needs for the chosen system.
The programme depends on the area, substrate condition, preparation, chosen finish and drying stages. We establish a suitable schedule after assessing your project and explain when the surface can be used or cleaned.
Each project is quoted around the area, preparation, finish, level of detail and access requirements. Send the location, approximate measurements, photographs or drawings and your preferred look. We can then discuss samples and provide a quote for the agreed scope.
DISCUSS YOUR EDINBURGH PROJECT
Tell us about the space, the finish you are considering and the stage of your project. Include the location, approximate measurements and proposed timing. We will discuss suitable options, samples and the next steps for a considered quote. Photographs and drawings can be sent through the existing WhatsApp option after your enquiry.