In this article
Thomas Drake
Owner at A New Leaf Painting | Website | + postsBio ⮌
Since 2010, A New Leaf Painting founder, Thomas Drake and his team have helped homeowners across Northeast Florida protect, refresh, and transform the places that matter most.
The team has completed more than 5,000 painting projects and earned 700+ verified five-star reviews.
2026 is the year of textured walls, particularly for Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. The most memorable, and most weather-tolerant of these are limewash, Venetian plaster, board and batten, skip trowel and color washed finishes. Why? They add texture, they are great at masking small defects, and they’ll hold up much better in our humid climate than just a plain flat paint.
Since 2010, I have been painting homes around Jacksonville, and we have completed more than five thousand homes. Recently, more clients are opting for textured walls over the smooth and polished.
Photos are from projects that we have truly completed in the last year. Let me explain what is required, and if it’s suitable for a Florida home, for each.
1. Limewash for that Soft, Cloudy Look
Limewash will give walls a matte, slightly uneven surface that oozes old world charm without being over done. It is mineral based and is good for breathing in our sticky climate.
For a client who wanted something relaxing but not so distracting in a living room last fall, we used this.
It is not the cheapest option because it needs a few coats and the right mineral product, but it is easy to live with and you can paint over it later if you change your mind. This one works great in living rooms and bedrooms.
2. Venetian plaster or Roman clay for depth
This is the luxe version. You get marble like movement and a bit of sheen in the right light. We did this dark gray version in a dining area. The family has kids and a dog so they wanted something that hides scuffs better than regular paint.
Venetian plaster textured wall in Jacksonville dining room It takes more skill and time than a standard paint job so the cost is higher. Once it is on, it is very durable and wipes clean. I would not put this in a super high moisture bathroom but it holds up fine in most other rooms. If you ever want it gone you will need to skim coat the wall.
3. Board and batten or fluted slat walls
This one is architectural rather than painted texture. We install the wood, then paint it. The light blue version here turned a plain hallway into something that feels custom. It is one of my personal favorites because it adds real dimension.
Board and batten fluted wall in light blue Jacksonville bedroom Labor is the biggest cost because of the carpentry. It is very durable and easy to clean. The downside is it is more permanent. You cannot just paint it away. This look shines in hallways, dining rooms, and kids rooms. Our carpentry work often ties into the rest of the interior painting we do.
4. Skip trowel texture
Skip trowel is a classic drywall texture with random trowel marks. We used it on this office wall to give a subtle handmade feel without going too rustic. It is one of the better options for hiding imperfect drywall or old repairs.
Skip trowel textured wall in a home office It is mid range in cost and fairly quick once the crew is in rhythm. This textured wall stands up well to Florida humidity and you can paint over it later with no problem. Great for living rooms, offices, and any wall that is not perfectly flat.
5. Color wash or glaze for a painted texture
This is a glaze or wash over a base color so you get movement without adding actual plaster. The soft green wall here was done in a family room that opens to the backyard. It feels fresh and a little coastal which fits Jacksonville.
Color wash textured green Cost is lower than plaster or wood because it is mostly paint technique. It is easy to change later and cleans up fine. I like this when someone wants texture but is not ready to commit to something more involved.
Quick comparison of the textures
| Texture type | The look | Effort and cost | Durability in FL humidity | Easy to remove later | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limewash | Soft cloudy matte | Medium | Excellent, breathes well | Yes, paint over | Living rooms, bedrooms |
| Venetian plaster | Luxe marble depth | High | Very good | No, needs skim coat | Dining, feature walls |
| Board and batten | Architectural lines | High (carpentry) | Excellent | No | Hallways, accent walls |
| Skip trowel | Subtle handmade | Medium | Good | Yes | Offices, imperfect walls |
| Color wash | Painted movement | Low to medium | Good | Yes | Family rooms, coastal feel |
Swipe to see the whole table
A few things I tell every Jacksonville homeowner
Florida humidity matters. Limewash and mineral finishes breathe so they are less likely to peel. Heavy plasters can be fine if the wall is properly primed but I skip anything that traps moisture. Most of these hide small drywall flaws better than flat paint which is helpful in older homes around here.
Popcorn texture is still dated. I almost never recommend adding it. Skip trowel or knockdown can look current if it is done lightly.
If it were my own house I would go with limewash in the main living areas and board and batten in a hallway or dining room. They feel fresh without looking like we tried too hard.
These finishes hold up well when you use quality products.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The softer mineral looks and architectural wood details are what people are asking for right now. Heavy 90s textures are out.
