Detailed restoration of intricate ceiling designs
Painting, Wallpaper
Design, Painting
At 1199 High Street, Armadale, our team was brought in to help transform a heritage-listed building into a calming wellness retreat. Led by client Jemma, this project wasn’t your typical repaint—it required a considered, hands-on approach to align with a very specific aesthetic. The goal? To create the feeling of a soft, cave-like space that offered instant relaxation from the moment someone stepped inside.
From the curved walls to the warm, earthy finish, this project was all about blending modern wellness design with traditional painting methods.
Limewash isn’t just a colour—it’s a texture, a technique, and a discipline. Every wall and ceiling was finished in a Jute-toned limewash, a warm sandy hue chosen to evoke calm, nature, and retreat. But applying limewash isn’t like regular painting. It requires maintaining a wet edge across the entire surface—especially critical when working across continuous walls and arched ceilings.
Our team worked quickly and in sync, applying the limewash while it was still workable to avoid lap marks and patchiness. On curved surfaces, this was even more important. Every section was carefully planned to ensure the finish dried evenly and held its organic movement without leaving dark spots.
Limewash on Curved Walls & Ceilings:
The spa’s design featured handcrafted plasterwork—soft curves, arches, and organic shapes throughout. We applied limewash across all internal surfaces using a wet-on-wet method to achieve a continuous, cloud-like texture.
Jute Colour Finish:
The chosen tone—Jute—brought warmth and depth to the space. The slightly clay-like texture suited the retreat theme and softened the sharpness often seen in modern interiors.
Working Within a Heritage Shell:
As the building was heritage-listed, all interior works were completed with extra care, especially around original detailing, trims, and protected surfaces.
This wasn’t a fast job—it was a deliberate one. Every layer of paint, every movement of the brush was considered for how it would impact the space as a whole. The result is a soft, immersive environment that truly does feel like stepping into a spa carved into sandstone. The limewash reacts to light throughout the day, giving the walls gentle shifts in tone and texture.
Detailed restoration of intricate ceiling designs
Preservation of original architectural features
Use of high-quality materials for longevity
Modern enhancements that complement historical elements
For Jemma, this project was a personal vision come to life. For us, it was a chance to apply craftsmanship in a setting that demanded subtlety and skill. Limewash isn’t forgiving—but when done well, it leaves a lasting impression.
1199 High Street is now a unique blend of old-world charm and modern tranquillity—ready to welcome its first clients.
143 Kangaroo Road, Hughesdale
352 Moray Street, South Melbourne