Wall Treatments
Stucco
Stucco is a cement-based plaster applied to walls to create textured, durable surfaces. While most common on exteriors, interior stucco brings Mediterranean warmth and old-world character to contemporary spaces, offering an alternative to smooth painted drywall.
Interior stucco can range from subtle texture to pronounced rustic finish, tinted with integral color or painted after curing. The material's thermal mass helps regulate temperature, and its durability exceeds painted surfaces significantly.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Cement-based plaster
- ✓Various texture levels
- ✓Durable surface
- ✓Thermal mass benefits
- ✓Can be tinted or painted
- ✓Old-world character
Types & Variations
Smooth stucco (fine texture)
Sand finish (subtle)
Skip trowel (varied texture)
Knockdown (flattened peaks)
Heavy texture (rustic)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Works well for accent walls, fireplace surrounds, and areas where Mediterranean character is desired. The texture catches dust and can be difficult to clean—consider placement carefully.
💡 Pro Tip
For interior applications, acrylic-modified stucco is more flexible and less prone to cracking than traditional cement stucco. It also accepts paint more readily if you want to change colors later.