see what a tadelakt bathroom is , and how to incorporate this poultice into your home .

Sometimes , the latest interior excogitation trend is the best way of life to solve a decor quandary — fresh home appliances , updated stuff , and pop color outline can really kick upstairs a space . But other times , seem to the past bring home the bacon the answers you necessitate to revise your home and really make it shine . If you ’re looking to give your bathroom a refresh this time of year , you might be good off opting for traditional over voguish . inscribe tadelakt .

Tadelakt is a waterproof plaster finish that first appeared in ancient Morocco . With a beautiful , organic grain that can be dye to twin any decor scheme , tadelakt just might be the mystery to the promote john innovation you ’ve been looking for .

White and beige minimalist bathroom with wooden bathtub. Window with bench and pillows. Japandi interior design

Credit: ArchiViz / Getty Images

The material allows for seamless program , and boasts a texture that’ssimilar to Italian plaster . But because of its waterproofed finish , it can be used inside a bath in place of tile on the wall for a rich , advanced look .

If this is n’t a material you ’ve heard of before , you ’re not alone — here ’s everything you need to bed about the Moroccan textile , plus expert tips for creating a tadelakt bathroom in your own menage .

Mehreen Baldoni is the creative director ofMehreen Baldoni Interiors .

kitchen with plaster walls and hood vent

Credit:Julie Soefer

Julie Soefer

What is Tadelakt?

Tadelakt dates back thousand of years to ancient Morocco , where it was used tofinish bathrooms and saunas(thanks to its rainproof qualities ! ) . Its name means“to rub in ” or “ massage ” in Arabic , a testament to its program summons , which is carry on by artificer to this day . Made of born fluxing lime cataplasm , each treatment is cautiously tended to and one of a variety .

“ Tadelakt is a waterproof calcium hydroxide plaster , and it has been commonly and traditionally used in Moroccan architecture for the longest time , ” read Mehreen Baldoni , creative director ofMehreen Baldoni Interiors . “ Due to its waterproof nature , tadelakt / lime plasterwork was broadly speaking used in bath , sink , home and exterior wall , cap , roofs , and floors . ”

Largely due to its water - resistive holding and bespoke , burnished look , tadelakt start to gain popularity in the states throughout the 2020s — and has made its way into countless lotion . According to Baldoni , the material also fits seamlessly into many interior design style .

bedroom with plaster walls

Credit:Julie Soefer

“ For the present - daytime interiors , tadelakt can equip into many concepts , may it be to accomplish a modern - day , sporty - linesScandinavian - typeinterior look , or to moreorganic , earthy , and warm designs , ” Baldoni says . “ Last , but not least , and where it all began , it is thoroughgoing for Moroccan - way Department of the Interior that exudate maximalism . ”

What Should You Know Before You Choose Tadelakt for Your Home?

As with any textile or finish , it ’s important to be aware of tadelakt ’s benefits and drawbacks before you rush into a reno . Delving into the positives first , Baldoni says that she loves tadelakt for its durability and versatility — plus its rustic , earthy look that ’s unmatched in other materials .

“ It can be molded into various shapes , designs , colors , not to mention internal styles , ” say Baldoni . “ That hold it a popular contender in the ever require and germinate world of interiors . Tadelakt is bold and append graphic symbol in any space it is used in , especially when it has been dye in a dissimilar color other than white . ”

It can also be enforce seamlessly , so you do n’t have to worry about grout lines ( for both esthetic and upkeep purposes ! ) . Plus , it naturally resists mold and mold , do it gloomy - maintenance than many other materials often used in bath design . And , because each good deal of the product is custom , the software will always be completely unique — who does n’t love bespoke intention ?

Despite its legion upsides , there are demarcation to what can be couple nicely with tadelakt . Baldoni suggestsavoiding wallpaperwith big , bold patterns so as not to detract from the stuff ’s texture . Tadelakt can easy fall behind its appealingness if overwhelmed by other features .

Aside from the aesthetics , there are also some virtual thing to keep in idea before deciding to install tadelakt in your home . For example , thin wear and bust is to be expected for this constituent product . Over time , this may require you to replace a tumid section of the wall ( or the entire open ) calculate on the extent of raw damage .

“ Over the years , tadelakt is prone to crack , which usually adds to the rustic charm of the interiors it ’s used within , ” say Baldoni . “ The delicate nature of tadelakt is however dead on target up to a certain extent because as the chap let out and calculate uninviting , the whole country will ask to be replaced since you may not repair bantam part of it . ”

One mode to prevent damage is to avoid harsh chemical substance like bleach , which may harm the material ’s waterproofed surface , sound out Baldoni . Instead , use disgraceful liquid ecstasy — a metier product made from European olive tree and vegetable oil — to keep tadelakt in top condition , and invest in other lifelike cleansing products of your choosing if you ’d care to do more upkeep .

When it comes to repair and replenishment , tadelakt is n’t as expensive as someimported wits — but it ’s not the most budget - friendly option either . by from the material itself , it ’s important to get the yield process correctly , so there ’s no cut quoin during the lead - up to your restoration .

“ Tadelakt is more expensive than introduction - level tile or solid surfaces , ” says Baldoni . “ One also needs to check the lime tree plastering is done by experient individuals who know what they ’re doing . admixture , shining , and adding dyestuff to it to create the coloring of your pick and waterproofing take acquisition . If not done properly , it can produce a bad quality product and look . ”

Though homeowners need to be aware of its limitations , tadelakt is a one - of - a - kind finish that only comes from indue in the study of master artisans .

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes , tadelakt can go over drywall . It can also be applied over cementum , stone , or brick , make it the consummate option for any eccentric of home .

As long as tadelakt is applied aright and is decently keep , it can last for decennium . It ’s complete for humid spaces , like bathrooms , because it is mold and mildew resistant .

Yes . Although tadelakt is ordinarily used for rain shower walls , this material can also be used for countertops , sinks , ceiling , and floors .