The UK Obsession With Textured Walls (And the Products That Make It Happen)
Paint used to be the finish.
Now, it’s the starting point.
Across the UK, homeowners, designers and developers are moving away from flat, lifeless walls and towards texture. Walls that catch the light. Walls that feel warm. Walls that look like they belong to the building rather than sitting on top of it.
This shift isn’t about trends. It’s about atmosphere.
And behind it sits a growing collection of specialist limewash, concrete effect and textured wall products that allow walls to feel lived in, layered and intentional.
Let’s step inside that world.
Why Texture Changed Everything
Flat paint does one thing well. It covers.
But texture tells a story.
A limewashed wall subtly shifts as daylight moves across it. A concrete effect surface holds shadows and depth. These finishes don’t shout, they breathe. They add character without decoration.
And the best part? You no longer need polished plaster budgets to achieve them.
The UK now has access to a mix of traditional mineral materials and modern textured systems that make this look achievable for real homes and real projects.
Limewash: Where Texture Began
Limewash is one of the oldest wall finishes in the world, but it’s never felt more relevant. Its chalky softness, breathable nature and organic movement make it perfect for modern interiors that still want warmth.
EPODX
EPODX sits at the modern end of limewash finishes. It’s designed to give controlled depth and variation, making it ideal for contemporary interiors where you want texture without chaos. It works beautifully as part of layered wall systems and is often used by professionals looking for consistency with character.
Detale CPH – Kabric Bloom
If you’ve seen a wall that feels soft, tactile and architectural without being obviously textured, there’s a good chance Kabric Bloom was involved.
Detalecph’s Kabric Bloom is a refined mineral finish that bridges the gap between limewash and modern texture. It’s subtle, sophisticated and incredibly versatile. Designers love it because it responds to light without overpowering a space.
It’s a finish that rewards attention.
And it’s one of the most talked-about materials in high-end interiors right now.
Bauwerk Limewash
For those drawn to natural materials and sustainability, Bauwerk Limewash is a favourite. VOC-free, breathable and deeply pigmented, it creates walls that feel calm and grounded. The finish sinks into the surface rather than sitting on top, which is exactly why it feels so authentic.
Limebase and Cornish Lime
These are the brands that keep traditional limewash alive in the UK.
Limebase and Cornish Lime supply classic limewash paints that work beautifully in period properties, cottages and renovations where breathability matters. They’re also increasingly used in modern homes where designers want a softer, more honest wall finish.
These are materials with history. And it shows.
Concrete Effect: Texture With Edge
Not all texture is soft.
Concrete effect walls bring weight, structure and confidence to a space. They’re often chosen for kitchens, stairwells, commercial interiors and feature walls where paint would feel flat and polished plaster would feel too formal.
Viero UK
Viero specialises in decorative wall finishes that push beyond paint. Their concrete effect systems allow walls to feel industrial without being cold, layered without being heavy. When applied properly, the result is architectural and intentional.
Impera Italia
Impera Italia offers a wide range of decorative coatings, including concrete effects, lime paints and textured plasters. Their materials are often used when a project needs flexibility and creative freedom. Think feature walls, retail interiors and bespoke residential spaces.
The DIY Gateway (And Why Professionals Matter)
Large retailers like B&Q now stock limewash-style paints and textured finishes. This has helped bring the look into the mainstream and sparked interest among homeowners.
But true texture is rarely about the product alone.
It’s about application.
Layering, movement, pressure, timing and restraint all matter. That’s why professional application often makes the difference between a wall that looks painted and one that feels designed.
Why Textured Walls Feel Better to Live With
Textured finishes do more than look good.
They:
Soften acoustics
Hide minor wall imperfections
Add warmth without colour
Age gracefully over time
Reduce the need for constant redecorating
Most importantly, they make a space feel considered.
The Future of Walls
Texture isn’t a trend. It’s a return to craft.
As more people move away from flat, uniform interiors, materials like limewash and concrete effect finishes will continue to shape how UK homes and commercial spaces feel.
The wall is no longer the backdrop.
It’s part of the architecture.
Thinking About a Textured Finish?
Whether you’re drawn to the softness of limewash or the strength of concrete effect walls, choosing the right product is only half the story. Understanding how it’s applied and how it lives in your space is what truly transforms a room.
If you’re considering textured walls and want guidance on materials, finishes or professional application, it’s worth speaking to a specialist before you start.
