Creating an Italian Grotto with Tracy Browner and Novacolor

Aug 13, 2024 | Plasters + Concrete, Project Features, Specialty Products, Stencils + Patterns

In the quaint locale of Sedona lies a hidden gem designed by the talented Tracy Browner of Venezia Design & Finish, who has transformed a simple powder room into an enchanting Italian Grotto, using the exceptional products of Novacolor Italia.

With over two decades of experience in surface design, Tracy Browner is renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and her profound understanding of her client’s visions. Specializing in Venetian plaster, her skills also encompass a broad range of techniques, including custom fine art painting, faux finishes, gold and copper leafing, and mosaics.

For this project, Tracy drew inspiration from her love for Italy’s rustic walls and architecture, combined with her academic background in set design for theater. This allowed her to create a space that not only serves its function but also tells a story, inviting those who enter to step directly into a scene from an Italian landscape.

The powder room was previously untouched by the extensive artistic renovations seen throughout the rest of the home. Tracy’s previous projects in the home included an Archi+ Pietra Intonaco fireplace, a Pompeiian stenciled niche, and plaster niches that celebrated Italian geography with oxidized copper and stencil work. Her mastery had already left a significant mark on the home, setting the stage for something spectacular in the remaining space.

Crafting the Grotto

Tracy’s concept for the powder room was to replicate the immersive experience of walking into a grotto. To achieve this, she used Novacolor’s CalceCruda in both smooth and highly textured applications on the walls, mimicking the natural irregularities of ancient cavern walls. The ceiling was transformed into a cloudy blue sky, completed with a faux paint technique that added depth and movement, simulating the open sky above.

A specialty niche became the project’s focal point, where Tracy utilized Verderame Wall Painting to achieve a verdigris effect and CalceCruda with stencils to create leaf patterns that resembled tree trunks, framing a hand-painted cardinal that sits as if perched in a serene forest. The main feature wall was an artistic showcase on its own, with Tracy using various texture tools, from the edge of her trowel to decorative kitchen trivets, to create intricate brickwork and personalized touches like her initials etched permanently into the plaster.

The Material as the Muse

CalceCruda stood out as the cornerstone for Tracy’s creative endeavors. Its high clay content was perfect for creating detailed bas-relief textures without the risk of cracking, providing durability that matched its aesthetic appeal. Fase Silossanica added subtle color variations, enhancing the textural depth of the surfaces.

The result of Tracy’s artistic vision was a powder room transformed into a grotto that not only tells a story of her expertise and creative journey but also showcases the versatility and quality of Novacolor products. Tracy Browner’s project in Sedona is a testament to how traditional materials can be used in modern applications to stunning effect, ensuring that each project is as enduring as it is beautiful.

This project celebrates artistic expression and craftsmanship. Every detail contributes to an immersive experience that captures the essence of Italian elegance and the enduring beauty of Novacolor’s innovative products.

Tracy Browner is based in Arizona. Please visit her website, Venezia Design & Finish, and follow her on @TracyBrowner on Instagram.


FEATURED APPLICATOR

Tracy Browner of Venezia Design & Finish / Arizona

www.tracybrowner.com

Contact: 928-380-5382

Email: tracy_michelle67@hotmail.com

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