The first time I saw tadelakt was in St. Tropez, France, several years ago. I was immediately transfixed by the pearlescent, translucent, hand-rubbed-all-the-way-to-glossy, impervious-to-water finish. I had never seen anything like it before, and rarely have since. I had stumbled upon one of the oldest and most treasured plaster finishes in the world. The art of tadelakt is 4,000 years old, and comes from Morocco. Designers in France are using it today for its silky texture and indescribable patina, which are unmatched by any other plaster finish available. It is absolutely stunning. Tadelakt functions extremely well in wet areas and can form a seamless, monolithic finish to back splashes, countertops and sinks in kitchen, bathroom, shower and powder room areas. Made from natural hydraulic lime, quartz and marble powder, tadelakt is white in color and can be pigmented using natural earth pigments. The tadelakt process is deceptively simple. A natural powder paste is applied to the surface, then polished with a smooth stone. This is repeated seven times. Finally, the surface is sealed by rubbing with a black olive oil soap. To fully appreciate it's allure, it is said that you have to caress it. I couldn't agree more! Satiny Coral Tadelakt Finish on Integrated Shelves in French Kitchen A Parisian Salle de Bain Finished in Black and Taupe Tadelakt Tadelakt Taupe Walls in Parisian Salle de Bain Tadelakt Taupe Walls in Parisian Water Closet Charcoal Grey Integral Tadelakt Bathtub in Parisian Bathroom Tadelakt Red Shower Walls in Chic Provencal Salle de Bain Tadelakt Red Sculptural Bowl in Provence, France Creme Tadelakt Walls in Parisian Salle de Bain Gorgeous Tadelakt Parisian Salle de Bain Beautiful Tadelakt Red and Gold Backsplash and Integral Sink in Provence, France Tadelakt Grey Countertops and Shelves in Parisian Kitchen Tadelakt Backsplash, Countertop and Integral Sink in Provence, France Tadelakt plaster finish would be gorgeous and luxurious in our American homes. I can see it working beautifully in chic Napa and Sonoma wine country homes. If you have seen tadelakt installed here, I would love to see pictures! Resources: Les Valayans Paris Vancouver Website Photos Courtesy of Traditions du Maroc and Maroc Design in Paris and Avignon, France ....... Kit Golson Design for elegant, sustainable and pragmatic Chic Provence Interior Design