Paintiques: The Art of Transformation

With 36 years of experience, Cape Town-based Paintiques brings artistry, craftsmanship and an instinct for colour, texture and decorative paint finishes to spaces around the world.

There is a particular kind of artistry involved in transforming the ordinary into something remarkable. For Paintiques, it can begin with something as simple as a wall, a door or even a swimming pool — and end with a surface that brings an entirely new character to its surroundings.

Based in Cape Town and working globally, the specialist studio focuses on transforming spaces through innovative paint effects and decorative paint finishes. Its work extends across interiors, restaurants and commercial venues, as well as the film and photography sectors, bringing together colour, texture and craftsmanship to create environments with depth and individuality.

At the heart of the studio is 36 years of industry experience and a story that began in 1990, when the business was established by its founder, Ilaria, and her late husband, Julian.

In those early years, their creative work centred on marbelising pots and furniture. Over time, that foundation developed into a far broader repertoire of specialist techniques and decorative finishes. Today, the studio works with local and international architects, decorators, homeowners and production companies, taking on projects regardless of location.

A Love of the Transformative

The enduring appeal of the work lies in transformation: the journey from the basic to the beautiful.

Rather than treating a painted surface simply as a backdrop, Paintiques approaches it as an opportunity for expression. Colour and texture become tools for enriching an environment, elevating an ordinary surface into something distinctive and considered.

The studio’s specialist paint effects and decorative finishes encompass colour washing, rag rolling, ageing and antiquing, faux plaster, dragging, liming, combing, marbling and faux concrete. Alongside these established techniques are several finishes unique to the studio, reflecting decades of experimentation, experience and accumulated craftsmanship.

That breadth of expertise allows the work to move comfortably between very different environments and creative disciplines. Whether contributing to an interior, restaurant, commercial venue, film or photographic production, the objective remains rooted in artistry and transformation.

Beauty With Authenticity

Paintiques‘ mission is to create unique, artistic spaces that resonate with beauty and authenticity while showcasing each client’s distinct style.

It is an approach grounded in creativity, integrity and craftsmanship. Every project carries a commitment to excellence and innovation, but also to individuality: the finished environment should ultimately belong to the client and express something particular about their vision.

After more than three decades, what began with marbelising pots and furniture has evolved into a specialist decorative practice with an international client base and an extensive vocabulary of finishes.

Yet the essential pleasure of the work remains unchanged — being part of the moment when a simple surface becomes something beautiful.

For Paintiques, that transformation is more than a finishing touch. It is the art itself.

Contact Paintiques.