Blog Layout

The Rise of Micro Concrete, Plaster, Roman Clay, Lime Wash, and What the heck is Tadelakt?

February 10, 2025

Interior design trends are often cyclical, breathing new life into traditional materials with a contemporary twist. In 2025, we're seeing a resurgence of timeless wall finishes that blend old-world charm with modern aesthetics. At the forefront of this trend is micro concrete, but it doesn’t stop there. Plaster, Roman Clay, Lime Wash, and Tadelakt are making a strong comeback, transforming spaces with their unique textures and artisanal appeal. Artisan Build Construct is leading the way, offering the tools, expertise, and innovative techniques to elevate your interiors with these stunning finishes.

WHAT IS IT?

Micro Concrete Walls

Micro concrete, also known as microcement, is a polymer-modified, cement-based coating that provides a sleek, modern finish. Its versatility allows it to be applied seamlessly on various surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. Perfect for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms due to its stain and crack resistance, micro concrete is durable, hypoallergenic, emits low VOCs, and requires minimal maintenance. Whether you're enhancing residential or commercial spaces, it offers a cost-effective, high-end look with lasting appeal. Unlike traditional concrete, micro concrete provides a smoother texture and can be customized with different colors and finishes for a more refined, contemporary aesthetic.


Plaster Walls

Plaster has been a staple in wall finishes for centuries, prized for its smooth texture and durability. Today’s modern plaster applications, such as Venetian plaster, bring a sophisticated, polished sheen that can mimic stone or marble. Its breathable nature makes it ideal for humid climates, while its natural composition adds an eco-friendly touch to contemporary designs. Plaster's adaptability allows it to fit seamlessly into both traditional and modern interiors, offering a depth and richness that paint alone can't achieve.


Roman Clay

Roman Clay offers a soft, earthy finish with a velvety texture, creating a cozy, lived-in feel. Made from natural minerals, it's applied in thin layers, giving walls a warm, matte look with subtle movement and depth. Perfect for creating serene, minimalist environments, Roman Clay complements both rustic and modern interiors. Compared to plaster, Roman Clay tends to have a more matte, chalky appearance with natural tonal variations that add an artisanal quality to any space.


Lime Wash

Lime Wash is a natural, mineral-based paint that creates a beautifully weathered, matte finish with rich color variations. Its ability to absorb light and reflect a soft, chalky texture makes it ideal for adding character to walls. Beyond aesthetics, Lime Wash is eco-friendly, mold-resistant, and helps regulate indoor humidity, making it both stylish and functional. Unlike traditional paints, Lime Wash penetrates the surface rather than coating it, which results in a unique depth and a dynamic, ever-changing look that matures gracefully over time.


Tadelakt

Originating from Morocco, Tadelakt is a traditional lime plaster polished with natural soap to create a waterproof, silky finish. Its seamless, organic look is perfect for bathrooms, showers, and kitchens, offering a luxurious, spa-like ambiance. The handcrafted nature of Tadelakt ensures each surface is unique, with subtle variations that add depth and elegance. Tadelakt not only provides visual appeal but also functional benefits, as its water-resistant properties make it an excellent choice for wet areas without the need for additional sealants.



CHOOSING THE RIGHT FINISH

Selecting the ideal wall finish depends on both aesthetic preferences and practical considerations. Micro concrete is perfect for those seeking a sleek, industrial look with high durability, especially in high-traffic areas. Plaster offers timeless elegance, making it a great choice for formal spaces or rooms where you want to showcase texture and sophistication.


If you're drawn to earthy, natural vibes, Roman Clay provides a soft, organic feel with a handcrafted look. For a more aged, rustic charm, Lime Wash adds depth and character, evolving beautifully over time. Meanwhile, Tadelakt is the go-to for luxury wet areas, combining beauty with waterproof functionality.


THE INSPIRATION

The revival of these materials is inspired by the minimalist aesthetics of luxury lofts in cities like New York and Chicago, where raw, natural finishes take center stage. The industrial chic vibe of micro concrete, paired with the warm, tactile qualities of Plaster, Roman Clay, Lime Wash, and Tadelakt, creates spaces that feel both modern and timeless. Whether you're drawn to the sleek sophistication of micro concrete or the rustic charm of Lime Wash, these finishes allow you to capture the essence of cosmopolitan living right in your Nashville home.


WHY ARTISAN BUILD CONSTRUCT?

At Artisan Build Construct, we specialize in collaborating to bring your design visions to life with intention, creativity, and artistry. Serving Middle Tennessee, our reputation as an award-winning home remodeling company is built on our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Whether you're looking to incorporate Micro Concrete, Plaster, Roman Clay, Lime Wash, or Tadelakt into your home, our team of experts is equipped to deliver stunning, custom solutions tailored to your unique style.


Ready to transform your space with these timeless, trend-forward finishes? Contact Nashville's Best Custom Builder- Remodeling Company, Artisan Build Construct today and let us help you create a modern masterpiece that stands the test of time.

GET STARTED
February 17, 2025
So, you’re planning a custom home build or renovation in Nashville. You’ve got visions of sleek open-concept layouts, cozy dedicated spaces with jaw-dropping finishes, and all the modern conveniences. But have you thought about how sound will travel through your home? No? Buckle up. If you’ve never had the pleasure of your neighbor’s new crate-training puppy discovering its bark and howl at 4:00 AM—or the Airbnb next door hosting a pack of woo-girls celebrating Tiffany’s second bachelorette party (yes, Tiffany, we know this one is forever) in the alleyway at 3:30 AM—consider yourself lucky. Nashville may be an "It City," but that “it” often includes a symphony of tourists, neighbors, trains, planes, traffic, appliances, ice-dropping freezers, and kids whose volume settings only go up. Well hello from your new favorite resource: Artisan Build Construct—the team that doesn’t just make homes look marvelous, darlings! --but ensures the home will be beautifully crafted and live well. That includes making sure your home doesn’t sound like a Broadway chair-throwing from rooftops honky-tonk when you’re trying to enjoy your sanctuary space. Most homeowners don’t think about soundproofing—until they move in and realize their dream home has the acoustics of a gymnasium. Planning for sound control from the start saves you from costly "why can I hear everything ?" regrets later. Here’s why soundproofing should be high on your priority list: Your sanctuary deserves peace – Whether it's your primary suite, home office, or nursery, some spaces should feel like a quiet escape. City noise is real – If you're near a busy street, highway, or commercial area, soundproofing helps block out the urban soundtrack. Good sound, where you want it – Home theaters, home music studios ( here in Music City? Who'd have 'thunk it? ), and media rooms benefit from controlled acoustics. Resale appeal – A quiet home is a more desirable home, especially in Nashville’s sought-after urban neighborhoods. Top Soundproofing Solutions for a More Comfortable Home Soundproofing isn’t just about stuffing some insulation in the walls and calling it a day. It’s a mix of smart building techniques and high-performance materials. Here’s how we do it at Artisan Build Construct: 1. Insulation: The Foundation of Comfort and Soundproofing You might think insulation is just for keeping your home cozy, but it’s also your first line of defense against noise. Installing high-quality sound batt insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce noise transfer. We use: Mineral wool (Rockwool) – The top performer for noise reduction and fire resistance. Fiberglass – A more budget-friendly, but not as effective as mineral wool. Cellulose – Recycled and great for sneaky little sound leaks in tight spaces. Open-Cell Spray Foam – A versatile option that not only provides excellent thermal insulation but also absorbs sound, reducing airborne noise transmission. It’s especially useful for walls, ceilings, and attics where sound control and energy efficiency are both priorities. 2. Soundproof Drywall & Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV) Standard drywall doesn't do much for sound control. Our advice is to invest in better than standard drywall thoughtfully in specific areas. That’s why we opt for: Soundproof drywall (like QuietRock) – Because some things should stay private. Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) – Adds mass to walls and ceilings, stopping sound waves in their tracks. Ideal for home theaters, bedrooms, and avoid ing your teenager’s rendition of *Guitar Town* and other disaffected alt-country tunes he has recently discovered from the kid at the vinyl shop in East Nashville, Romantic-Poet-Hippie-Scallywags . 3. Acoustical Sealants & Decoupling: Stop the Sneaky Sounds Noise sneaks through the tiniest gaps—around windows, doors, electrical boxes. Acoustical sealants help fill those gaps, while decoupling techniques (like creating air gaps in walls and ceilings) disrupt sound waves before they become your problem. 4. Soundproof Flooring: Because Footsteps Are Loud Hardwood and tile look stunning but can amplify every step, drop, and furniture shuffle. We recommend: Acoustic underlayments – Made from foam, cork, rubber, or felt to reduce impact noise. Carpet & area rugs – Yes, they’re stylish, but they also double as sound absorbers. So Really-Really, Why Choose Artisan Build Construct for Your Nashville Remodel? You’re investing in a home that’s both beautiful and functional. Here’s why we’re the team to collaborate with to make it happen: We specialize in well-crafted and intentional high-end custom builds and renovations – From full-gut remodels to award-winning historic preservation work, we craft homes with impeccable attention to detail. We prioritize livability, not just looks – Your home should work as beautifully as it looks . We know Nashville’s unique challenges – City noise, historic district rules, climate factors—and we tailor solutions to your specific needs. We use top-tier materials and techniques – Ensuring your home stays quiet, comfortable, and energy-efficient for years to come. Make Your Dream Home a Reality—with the Quiet You Deserve Your custom home should be a sanctuary , not a soundstage. Whether you're planning a full home renovation, an addition, or a new build, integrating soundproofing from the start will take your home's comfort to the next level. With Artisan Build Construct, you get expert craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a team that truly cares about how your home lives . Ready to turn down the volume and turn up the comfort? Contact Artisan Build Construct today to discuss your custom home or renovation project in Nashville!
home remodeling contractor nashville tn
February 1, 2022
When you receive an estimate from a contractor you may notice a markup charge that could range from 10 to 30 percent or possibly more. This is accurate whether you have a time-and-materials estimate or a fixed-price, also known as a bid. There are many overhead costs that go in to a markup and in order for contractors to be solvent, markups are necessary.
Best home remodeler east nashville tn
January 1, 2022
If you have never experienced a remodel or big home project before, you may be feeling very nervous, not knowing exactly what to expect. How much will it cost? How long will it take? How are you going to live in a construction zone? I am sure there are a lot of questions running through your mind right now. Well you have found a great place to start. Knowing exactly what you are getting yourself into will reduce the risk of unforeseen circumstances that could result in overly lengthy and costly projects.
curbless showers nashville tn
December 1, 2021
The continuous run of floor tiles from the main bathroom area into the shower exemplifies the streamlined and clean feel a zero-threshold shower adds to a room. Beyond the aesthetics, a curb-less shower is also a thoughtful consideration for wheelchair access and practical aging in place planning.
kitchen remodel contractor east nashville tn
November 1, 2021
We were able to open up a kitchen area during one of our a recently-completed projects. This required removing a dividing wall from the dining room into the kitchen, removing a peninsula island, and changing out window and patio door locations. The new open flow was especially beneficial for a white kitchen because it bolsters the bright and airy feel the owner and design team were going for in the first place.
nashville home addition contractor
October 1, 2021
Are you noticing that your once perfect house is now way too small? Every direction you turn you’re running into things, over things and nothing has a place? It’s time for more space. For many people, selling is not an option. Whether it’s sentimental value or the housing market, if additional space is a necessity, a home addition may be your best bet. So is building up, digging down or adding on the best way to maximize your square footage? Let’s take a look.
storm damage contractor nashville tn
September 1, 2021
Too often when your home has damage due to a severe weather event, like many of us in Nashville just experienced, the first people to show up are the last people you want around – the Chasers. The terms “Storm Chasers” refer to restoration or roofing contractors who monitor scanners for weather alerts and emergency service communications and then rush out to our community and take advantage of vulnerable consumers.
storm damage general contractor nashville tn
August 1, 2021
In the wake of a disaster, your emotions can and do impact decision making – and when you are suddenly dealing with insurance companies and repair contractors, you can feel overwhelmed with the decisions you have to make, sometimes resulting in being shortchanged or with lower quality craftsmanship. Below are some tips to make smart decisions after disaster strikes.
Show More

Share This Blog

Share by: