Ron Francis specializes in luxury custom plaster, Venetian plaster, polished plaster, decorative plaster, Tadelakt, micro cement, specialty wall finishes, and bespoke architectural surfaces and exterior plasters.

Our work is highly customized and created specifically for each project. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all finish, we collaborate with homeowners, interior designers, architects, builders, and creative teams to develop surfaces that complement the architecture and overall design vision.

Custom Plaster is a handcrafted architectural finish created through layers of material, color, texture, and technique. Unlike conventional paint or manufactured wall coverings, custom plaster finishes are developed by artisans and can be tailored to achieve a particular sense of movement, depth, warmth, texture, and sophistication.

At Ron Francis, each project is approached as an opportunity to create a truly distinctive surface.

Venetian plaster is a sophisticated decorative plaster technique traditionally associated with refined European interiors. Depending on the application, it can create the appearance of polished stone, marble, limestone, or a softly burnished mineral surface.

Our Venetian plaster finishes can be customized in color, sheen, movement, and texture to complement contemporary, transitional, traditional, and highly architectural interiors.

Polished plaster is a refined decorative wall treatment known for its depth, luminosity, and subtle variation. Through carefully layered applications and specialized finishing techniques, polished plaster can create a surface with the visual richness of natural stone while remaining uniquely handcrafted. It is particularly striking on feature walls, fireplaces, ceilings, architectural elements, and other focal points.

Our approach is centered around craftsmanship, customization, and artistic execution.

We don’t simply apply a predetermined finish. We work with the project’s architecture, lighting, materials, furnishings, and overall design direction to create a finish that feels intentional within the space.

Every project receives careful consideration of:

• Color and undertones

• Texture and movement

• Sheen and reflectivity

• Layering and depth

• Architectural proportions

• Natural and artificial lighting

• Adjacent materials and finishes

• Overall interior design aesthetic

The result is a surface designed specifically for its environment.

Yes.

Handcrafted plaster finishes naturally possess subtle variations in color, texture, movement, and depth. These characteristics are part of the beauty and authenticity of artisan-applied plaster.

Our goal is not to create a surface that feels mass-produced or mechanically uniform. Instead, we create finishes with individuality and character while maintaining a carefully controlled overall aesthetic.

Yes.

Custom color development is an important part of many of our projects.

We can work with an interior designer’s palette, architectural materials, inspiration imagery, existing finishes, or a specific color direction to develop a plaster finish that complements the surrounding space.

Because plaster interacts with light differently than paint, color development is carefully considered as part of the sampling process.

Yes.

Custom sample boards are an integral part of the process for many of our projects. Sample boards allow the design team and client to evaluate the proposed finish in person and consider how the color, texture, movement, and sheen interact with the project’s materials and lighting.

For highly customized finishes, sample development allows us to refine the aesthetic before installation begins.

In many cases, yes. We can develop custom finishes inspired by natural stone, marble, limestone, concrete, mineral surfaces, aged materials, or other architectural references.

Rather than simply reproducing an image, we consider the characteristics that make the reference material appealing and translate those qualities into a handcrafted plaster finish appropriate for the project.

Custom plaster can be used throughout a home, including:

• Feature walls

• Living rooms

• Dining rooms

• Primary suites

• Entryways and foyers

• Ceilings

• Fireplaces

• Range hoods

• TV walls

• Powder rooms

• Bathrooms

• Columns

• Niches

• Curved architectural surfaces

• Sculptural walls

• Commercial interiors

• Hospitality spaces

• Showers

Plaster can be especially impactful when used selectively on architectural focal points.

Yes.

Custom plaster fireplaces can become one of the defining architectural elements of an interior.Depending on the design and substrate, we can develop smooth, sculptural, textured, polished, stone-inspired, or other specialty finishes to complement the architecture.

The appropriate material and installation system will be determined based on the fireplace design, substrate, heat exposure, and project specifications.

Yes.

A custom plaster range hood can transform a functional kitchen element into a significant architectural feature.

We can develop finishes that coordinate with cabinetry, stone, hardware, flooring, and other elements within the kitchen while maintaining the handcrafted character of artisan plaster.

Absolutely.

Custom plaster ceilings can add extraordinary depth and atmosphere to an interior.

From subtle mineral finishes to highly polished surfaces and dramatic sculptural treatments, plaster can be used to make a ceiling an integral part of the architectural design rather than simply a finished plane.

Certain plaster systems can be appropriate for bathrooms and moisture-prone environments when properly specified and installed.

The suitability of a finish depends on the location, substrate, waterproofing system, ventilation, exposure to water, and selected material. We evaluate these conditions before recommending a plaster finish for a wet environment.

When properly specified, installed, and maintained, Venetian plaster and other decorative plaster systems can provide a durable and long-lasting interior finish.

The performance of the finish depends on the specific material, substrate, preparation, application technique, environmental conditions, and maintenance.

Maintenance requirements vary depending on the specific finish and protective system.

As a general principle, decorative plaster should be treated as a specialty architectural finish rather than a conventional painted wall. Gentle cleaning methods and appropriate care help preserve the surface’s appearance and character.

Specific care instructions can be provided based on the finish selected for your project.

No—and that is part of its appeal.

Artisan plaster is intentionally handcrafted. Subtle variations in movement, texture, color, and sheen contribute to the depth and character of the finished surface.

For interiors, these nuances can create a sense of authenticity and material richness that is difficult to achieve with manufactured finishes.

Yes.

Ron Francis works closely with interior designers, architects, builders, contractors, homeowners, and other design professionals.

We understand the importance of coordination, communication, samples, schedules, site conditions, and the overall design intent when working on high-end residential and commercial projects.

Yes.

Our specialty finishes are particularly well suited to luxury residential interiors and custom homes where materiality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail are central to the design.

We work on projects ranging from individual architectural features to extensive custom interior finishes.

Yes.

Custom plaster and specialty finishes can create memorable environments for luxury hospitality, restaurants, retail spaces, offices, wellness environments, and other commercial interiors.

We collaborate with the project team to develop finishes that meet the design vision while accounting for the practical requirements of the space.

Ron Francis works with clients and design professionals on residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, with availability dependent on the project’s location, scope, schedule, and requirements.

For significant or highly specialized projects, our team will travel to accommodate the project.

Contact us with your project location and scope to discuss availability.

There is no standard price for a bespoke plaster finish.The investment can vary based on:

• Square footage

• Surface preparation

• Selected material

• Number of coats

• Finish complexity

• Custom color development

• Sample development

• Architectural details

• Site conditions

• Project location

• Installation requirements

Because every Ron Francis project is unique, pricing is developed specifically for the individual scope.

For residential and commercial projects, we recommend reaching out as early as possible during the design and construction process.

Early involvement allows adequate time for finish development, custom sample boards, color selection, design coordination, scheduling, surface preparation, and installation planning.

For projects with a specific completion date, early consultation is especially recommended.

Our process typically begins with a conversation about your project, design direction, location, surfaces, desired finish, and anticipated schedule.

Depending on the project, the process may include:

1. Initial project consultation

2. Review of architectural and design requirements

3. Site visit or project assessment

4. Finish and color development

5. Custom sample boards

6. Scope and proposal

7. Project scheduling

8. Surface preparation

9. Artisan plaster installation

10. Final review and completionThe process is tailored to the needs and complexity of each project.

Yes.

Inspiration imagery can be a helpful starting point for developing a custom finish.

However, the final result is always interpreted through our own artisan process and the specific requirements of the project. Factors such as lighting, surrounding materials, architecture, scale, and substrate can all influence how a finish is developed.

Yes.

Beyond traditional wall finishes, custom sculptural plaster and dimensional surfaces can be developed to create dramatic architectural statements.

These applications can incorporate curves, relief, texture, movement, and other dimensional elements depending on the project’s design requirements.

The distinction is in both material and craftsmanship.

Standard wall treatments are generally designed for consistency and repeatability.

Artisan plaster is created through a hands-on process in which the application, layering, manipulation, and finishing of the material contribute to the final appearance.

The result is a surface with depth, texture, movement, and individuality.

A luxury interior deserves finishes that feel intentional, refined, and specific to the architecture.

Ron Francis approaches every project as a collaboration between craftsmanship and design. Our custom plaster and specialty finishes are developed to complement the surrounding architecture and materials while creating a distinctive visual experience.

From a subtle mineral wall to a dramatic polished plaster feature, our goal is to create surfaces that feel timeless, tactile, and uniquely considered.