DECORATIVE DESIGN: “We import the finest Italian plasters and decorations,” says Antonio Ramondini, founder and owner of AR Building Technologies. He is shown with a sampling of the San Marco line of Italian plasters and decorative finishes, suitable for use on walls and ceilings.

The finest Italian plasters and decorative finishes for walls and ceilings are now available in Princeton to add definition, panache, and character to your home.

These finishes, from the San Marco Group of Italy, are imported by AR Building Technologies, which recently opened in Princeton.

“We provide materials for stylish, one-of-a-kind wall and ceiling decorations, as well as the knowledge and training for their application,” explains Antonio Ramondini, AR Building Technologies founder and owner.

A native of Italy, Mr. Ramondini spent 20 years in the construction business, later living and working in London. Although he has extensive knowledge of the overall construction process, he likes to focus on interior design, renovation, and decoration. Learning his craft in Italy, a country well-known for the striking and stunning interiors of its villas, he perfected his decorative techniques while working in many of the grand houses of Tuscany, as well as in southern Italy. Precision, style, and the allure of Italian design permeate every aspect of Mr. Ramondini’s professional expertise.

Choices and Styles

“I like to deal with people,” he notes, “and I look forward to educating them about the Venetian plasters and why they are so special. I want to see the installation done properly, and I hope to see many more people enjoy having these exquisite products in their homes. We are the only importer here of the San Marco line.”

Mr. Ramondini points out that the wide range of choices and styles of the finishes guarantees that they are appropriate for any type of house — classic, traditional, modern, contemporary, elegant or rustic.

“There are so many colors — at least 60 — and different designs and textures and finishes. There can be a marble look, a more textured feel, shiny, sparkling, matte, metalic, iridescent, mosaic — the range is just unlimited.

Some, such as the waterproof Concrete Art line, and Canalgrande, and some of the lime plasters are especially suitable for the kitchen or bathroom.  There is also the Disegno line of durable and easy maintenane multi-layer resin finishes for floors, which are also a part of the overall AR Building Technologies projects.

He adds that for design purposes “one wall can be an accent, with a different finish and color. Lighting can also make a difference to the look of the finish, and the size of the room can be a consideration regarding the type of finish chosen.”

Mr. Ramondini points out that the San Marco Group products are environmentally-friendly and guarantee the absence of harmful emissions. “Our products are all water-based, and use universal tinting colorants.”

Focusing on both residential and commercial projects, he often works with architects and interior designers, as well as home and building owners. He does not install the plasters and finishes himself, but he recommends appropriate and skilled contractors for the work. A typical job can take one or two days, depending on the size and the materials chosen. After the first step of priming, the finishes can be applied to walls of a new building or to older walls, he notes.

Increasing Number

The customer base is currently in New Jersey and the tri-state area, including the east coast, he says, adding that he is getting an increasing number of clients nationwide and even worldwide via the internet.

The price range typically includes finishes $2 to $15per square foot. “You can have finishes for walls and ceilings of a room for under $1,000, he says.

Mr. Ramondini is very enthusiastic about the future of these unique finishes in homes in the U.S., and he plans to have exhibits and presentations, displaying their variety and combination of style. “We will have an Expo at the Javits Center in Manhattan in October, and we also plan to have several demos in the Princeton area.

“I want people to know they can have a decorative alternative now for their walls and ceilings. Something with imagination and magic that will set your decor apart.”

(609) 751-8934; email: r.a@arbuildingtechnologies.com. Website: www.arbuildingtechnologies.com.