In April, I had the pleasure of traveling to Eco Wall Coatings in Miami, FL for an exclusive training session on Novacolor Italia’s newest product line – Materia Viva. Led by Luca Donati from Novacolor Italia, this class was an enlightening experience for professional decorative painters and plaster companies, introducing us to the innovative Materia Viva line.

Materia Viva is unique and beautifully designed, featuring a clever concept: one base combined with four different natural additives—Cork, Shells, Pumice, or Clay tile. I was cautiously curious about the impact of these products, but Luca’s expertise quickly convinced me of their potential.

The Additives:

• Cocciopesto: Earthenware in a reddish-brown clay, offering a modern take on an ancient tradition with its natural earthen color and unique texture from crushed bricks and tiles.
• Pomice: Volcanic pumice in shades of stone and greys, providing a natural stone appearance with its larger grain size of up to 5mm.
• Conchiglia: Crushed shells with beautiful iridescent reflections, creating a shimmering, pearl-like finish reminiscent of the sea.
• Sughero: Toasted cork in shades of golden browns, presenting an unusual and interesting look with a soft touch.

Here’s a few images from our Materia Viva workshop:

My personal favorite is Conchiglia, as it beautifully captures the essence of the sea with its natural pearl essence shimmer. Cocciopesto also stands out with its unique texture and modern interpretation of ancient architectural elements. Pomice offers a versatile, natural stone appearance, while Sughero provides a soft, warm texture perfect for cozy interiors.

These products are not only aesthetically pleasing but also emphasize sustainability and architectural diversity. Materia Viva is indeed a game-changer in the world of decorative finishes, combining durability, beauty, and eco-friendliness.

Experience the natural beauty and versatility of Materia Viva for yourself. Visit the Novacolor Italia website to learn more and start your journey with this innovative product line today!