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Vancouver · Luxury Retail · Project Preview

Limewash at Holt Renfrew

A decorative wall finish developed by hand at commercial scale.

Stile di Leo completed specialty decorative finish application across eight units within a Holt Renfrew retail environment in Vancouver. The work centred on substantial wall areas, subtle tonal movement and the way the surface reads as part of the architecture.

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Hand-applied decorative wall finish, illuminated display shelving and seating inside Holt Renfrew Vancouver — Holt Renfrew, Vancouver · A frame from the original project footage.
Watch the project film ↓
Process & project photographs ↓

LocationVancouver, BC

EnvironmentLuxury retail

ScopeSpecialty decorative finish · 8 units

StatusProject preview

01 / Context

A surface at architectural scale.

On a broad retail wall, the visual character of a finish has to work at different viewing distances. Movement that appears subtle close up can become more apparent across the room and under directional lighting.

The focus of Stile di Leo's scope was the specialty decorative finish. This work formed one part of a wider construction project and does not imply a direct contract with, or endorsement by, Holt Renfrew.

02 / Application

Controlled variation, applied by hand.

A limewash-style decorative wall finish has an intentionally different appearance from conventional flat paint. Subtle shifts in tone and visible movement create depth without relying on repeated printed patterns.

At commercial scale, the overall composition matters as much as individual brush movement. Adjacent areas need to read as one considered surface.

03 / Material & light

Designed to sit within the interior.

Retail lighting, surrounding materials, fixtures and merchandise change the way a decorative wall finish is perceived. The surface should contribute depth without competing with the elements the space is designed to display.

Preparation and the surrounding construction scopes are coordinated with the responsible trades unless separately agreed.

04 / Documentation

Inside the project.

11.3 seconds · Silent project film
Original footage showing the decorative finish in its retail setting.
Open film (MP4) · Lighter mobile version

A short sequence of the wall surfaces, mirrors, lighting and surrounding interior. Stile di Leo's work was the specialty decorative finish application within the wider project.

05 / Original site photography

From application to retail setting.

Original site photographs record application, intermediate surfaces and the finish within the retail setting.

A gloved hand applying decorative wall finish with a broad brush — 01 / Hand applicationThe decorative wall finish is worked by hand with a broad brush.

Decorative wall finish in progress with green masking tape beside illuminated display shelving — 02 / Work in progressAn intermediate stage, with adjacent edges masked during application.

Ladder and protected furnishings in a retail room during decorative wall finish work — 03 / On siteThe working area during the decorative finish scope.

Pale hand-applied wall surface beside a mirror with floor protection still in place — 04 / Surface detailLight reveals the hand-applied tonal variation during the work.

Completed pale decorative wall finish beside hanging clothes and an upholstered bench — 05 / Completed finishTonal movement beside the clothing display and upholstered bench.

Personal Shopping reception area with illuminated signage, a screen and a veined reception desk — 06 / Personal ShoppingInterior context within the wider retail project.

Stile di Leo's scope was the specialty decorative wall finish within the wider construction project. The Personal Shopping reception area is shown as interior context.

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Stile di Leo / Commercial Projects

Planning a specialty wall finish?

Send drawings, approximate surface area, material references and the proposed project schedule. We can review the decorative finish scope.

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