How to beautify your unplastered walls

Whether it is through the art we display, the paint colours we choose, the flower gardens we maintain, or the wall finishes we select, our homes reveal much about who we are.

According to architect Abdu-Wahab Nyanzi, beautifying your walls doesn’t necessarily require an artistic mind; it just takes an open one.

Nyanzi emphasises that finishes are not permanent and can be changed at any time to refresh your home's look and feel. While many homeowners have a vision for how they want their walls to appear, some struggle to bring this vision to life, overwhelmed by the many options available.

“The market is full of finishes from all over the world,” Nyanzi says.

“For someone without the right experience, it can become a challenge to navigate.”

However, there is a growing trend of leaving walls unplastered for a unique and cost-saving finish.

According to Nyanzi, with proper brick or blockwork, unplastered walls can be both beautiful and distinctive. Skipping plastering also allows you to redirect funds to other parts of your project.

Achieving a beautiful unplastered wall

To make unplastered walls visually appealing, Nyanzi stresses that the brick or blockwork must be done precisely.

“The walls must be straight and neat to avoid uneven patches,” he advises.

The mortar joints between the bricks or blocks should be pointed carefully, and the architect can help you choose from various styles of pointing. Once the joints are pointed, the walls can either be left in their natural state or given a light coat of paint to highlight the brickwork’s features.

This type of finish is particularly suitable for interior spaces like entrance lobbies, feature walls in lounges, or along staircases. If you decide to use this finish externally, ensure that the brickwork is durable enough to withstand weather conditions.

The role of an architect

Nyanzi recommends involving an architect as early as possible, ideally from the start of the project.

“An architect will help you plan, select, and analyse the available finishes and ensure you stay within your budget,” he explains.

This early involvement also helps prevent unnecessary demolition and over-design later on. By embracing unplastered walls and working with an architect, homeowners can achieve a stylish and cost-effective finish that makes their home truly unique.