Luxury Materials & Finishes: Marble, Plaster, Gilding, and Moulding

Written by Kateryna, founder of Kate’s Interiors — a Beverly Hills-based designer with 10+ years of experience in luxury residential design. As seen in my recent Beverly Hills remodel, modern interior design requires more than clean lines — it needs lived-in comfort too.

Why These Materials Matter in Los Angeles Homes

In Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and the Palisades, materials do the heavy lifting. They set the tone, affect how light moves, and determine how your home will age. Below I break down how we specify marble, plaster, gilding, and architectural moulding — and how we tailor each to your lifestyle.

Marble: Statement Stone with Staying Power

From softly veined Carrara to dramatic Calacatta, marble adds gravitas and clarity to kitchens, bathrooms, and fireplaces. We balance beauty with practicality — honed finishes where etching is a concern, sealed surfaces in hardworking zones, and slabs bookmatched for visual continuity.

Where we love it: vanities, fireplace surrounds, waterfall islands
Trade-off to consider: polished marble shows etching more than honed
Previous insight: See how stone shapes mood in our Luxury Bathroom Design in Pacific Palisades.

Further reading: Architectural Digest

Plaster & Limewash: Soft Light, Quiet Texture

Venetian plaster and mineral limewash create a breathable, velvety surface that makes LA light feel softer. In a recent West Hollywood primary suite, limewash walls and a microcement headboard wall gave us serenity without looking sterile.

Where we love it: feature walls, powder rooms, entry galleries
Why it works: microtextures diffuse glare and add depth without pattern
Spec tip: we sample sheen levels in your actual light conditions before approving.

Standards & practices: American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Gilding & Metal Leaf: A Touch of Luminosity

Gold, silver, or champagne-leaf accents bring restrained glamour to mirrors, cornices, and custom furniture. We keep it tasteful: fine edges, inset lines, or a single statement mirror to catch the afternoon sun.

Where we love it: mirror frames, moulding details, ceiling medallions
Craft note: hand-applied leaf reads richer than metallic paint — and ages beautifully.

Heritage reference: The Getty

Moulding & Millwork: Proportion Is Everything

Good moulding doesn’t shout — it frames. In a Bel Air dining room, we scaled panel moulding to the ceiling height, then added a shallow cornice to elongate the walls. The result felt classic, not fussy.

Profiles we use: stepped modern crowns, thin panel moulds, integrated door casings
Finish pairing: limewash walls + satin-painted millwork = soft contrast that photographs beautifully
See examples: our Gallery

How I Source High-End Finishes for Beverly Hills Homes

Marble lots in person: veining, slab thickness, and bookmatch opportunities are reviewed on site.
Plaster samples on your wall: light shifts by hour; we approve after a full day/night cycle.
Hand-finished metals: we test patinas against your stone to avoid clashing undertones.
We used microcement here because it reflects natural light and adds organic warmth without busy pattern.

At Kate’s Interiors, I personally oversee each design phase to ensure quality, clarity, and client comfort.

Project Notes from Around LA

Bel Air wine room: custom walnut millwork with integrated moulding profiles; brushed brass inlays for a refined glow.
Century City condo: honed Calacatta Viola vanity top with plaster walls for a calm, gallery feel.
West Hollywood powder room: champagne-leaf mirror + deep limewash = small space, big atmosphere.

Previous Insights

Work With a Studio That Loves the Details

With dozens of satisfied clients across Beverly Hills and the Westside, Kate’s Interiors brings experience, professionalism, and style to every project.

View our Services • Explore the Gallery • Start your project

About the Author

Written by Kateryna, founder of Kate’s Interiors. European-trained designer specializing in luxury residential work across Los Angeles. Member resources: ASID • Continuing education: UCLA Extension – European Decorative Arts • Industry media: Architectural Digest