Ronald Layman StudiosDecorative Artist Discuss a Project
Fourth-Generation Decorative Artist · Commissions Nationwide

Murals, Italian Plaster, Painted Marble & Faux Wood

Commissioned decorative work created by hand for distinctive homes, businesses, institutions and public spaces.

Middleburg, VA Faux Mahogany doorsThe Story Behind the Snake Man’s MuralHistoric Wood Graining Restoration in Helena, Montana
Craft tradition since the 1890sEuropean trainedEstablished 1996Private & public commissions
Selected Work

Made for the architecture.

Murals, traditional plaster and hand-painted finishes developed for the scale, light, history and character of each space.

Murals & Public Art

Murals & Public Art

Original, site-specific murals for hospitality, commercial, residential and public spaces.

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Painted Marble & Faux Bois

Painted Marble & Faux Bois

Hand-painted stone and wood effects developed to convincingly reproduce depth, movement and natural character.

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Historic & Architectural Finishes

Historic & Architectural Finishes

Traditional decorative techniques used to restore, reproduce or complement significant interiors.

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Four Generations of Craftsmanship

A tradition dating back to the 1890s.

Ronald Layman represents the fourth generation of a family tradition in painting and decorative craftsmanship. He grew up learning the standards of the trade from his father and grandfather, then expanded that foundation through advanced study with artists and craftspeople in the United States and Europe.

His work combines that inherited knowledge with traditional materials and techniques in Italian plaster, painted marble, wood graining, murals, gilding and restoration.

The work is not simply applied to a building. At its best, it becomes part of the building.
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Experience

Trusted with significant spaces.

From landmark institutions to private residences, commissions are approached with craftsmanship, visual credibility and attention to architectural detail.

The Kennedy Center

Decorative finish work · Washington, D.C.

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Architectural decorative-work commissions · D.C.

Hollywood Casino

Large-scale commercial decorative commissions.

Private & Public Work

Murals, restoration and specialty finishes throughout the United States.

The Commission

From first conversation to finished work.

A straightforward process built around the architecture, the client and the standard the finished piece needs to meet.

01

Consultation

We discuss the space, goals, timing and practical requirements.

02

Concept

Design direction, color, material samples and details establish the artistic direction.

03

Execution

The work is created by hand using techniques selected specifically for the project.

04

Completion

The finished work is refined, protected where required and left as part of the architecture.

Journal

Recent projects & field notes.

Stories from commissions, restoration work, materials and the decorative arts.

United States Department of Treasury
August 29, 2026

United States Department of Treasury

Transforming Baseboards into Marble: Decorative Finishes Inside the Secretary’s Inner Office at the U.S. Department of the Treasury In October 2025, I…

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The Bank House: Painting Mahogany Back Into a Williamsport Landmark
July 7, 2026

The Bank House: Painting Mahogany Back Into a Williamsport Landmark

I have had the opportunity to work in some of the most unique properties around the country — and sometimes around the…

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A Walk Through the Treasury — Seeing What Was Once There
December 21, 2025

A Walk Through the Treasury — Seeing What Was Once There

Recently, I had the rare opportunity to spend time inside the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where I was invited to meet…

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Commission Ronald Layman

Have a project that calls for something beyond an ordinary finish?

Murals, Italian plaster, painted marble, faux wood graining and specialty architectural finishes are available for private, commercial and institutional commissions.

Discuss Your Project301-668-5110