From quite literally the beginning of time, murals have blessed walls and ceilings… and even floors. The word mural originates from the Latin word “murus”, meaning wall. Today, we can define mural art as any piece of artwork painted or applied directly onto a wall, ceiling or other larger permanent surfaces, flat, concave or convex, to be precise. Over the course of time, murals have covered the interiors and exteriors of many public buildings, such as palaces, temples, tombs, museums, libraries, churches and the houses of rich art patrons, spreading onto the streets and architectural elements more recently.

From a design perspective murals have taken our home's largest canvas, it’s epidermis, and created magic. In most applications it is a bold design element and care should be taken as it is a more permanent display of art in your home. However, like any form of art, the colors, tones, and subject can vary greatly and there are endless possibilities that are able to support your home’s unique design aesthetic.

Modern technology, what was once only possible to the wealthy and through hours of work by an artist, wallpaper murals have become a popular alternative to the more traditional interpretation. While a purist may view these applications as cutting corners (pun absolutely intended) the ability to make these large scale pieces of art accessible has opened up a whole new world of possibilities is design. 

Design trends have evolved from the early 200’s ‘accent wall’ where homeowners simply painted a single wall a ‘accent color’ to a more complex, and visually dynamic accent through wall paper, molding, paneling as we previously discussed. Wall murals, whether a traditional painting done by hand, or a reproduction executed through a wall papering finds itself right at home.

Ways to incorporate murals in your home

Wallpaper murals

This is my personal go to. Hiring a muralist is certainly a worthwhile addition to your home and art collection simultaneously. However, depending on your budget this may be impractical. Depending on the image, size and experience of the muralist cost can sky rocket.  Wall paper murals offer the non-repetitive feel of a mural image while being a budget friendly alternative. One con, is the limited sizing available. A wall paper mural may not be tall enough or long enough for the wall of your choosing. Check out this week’s video from me to find out how I got around those limitation.

Hire an artist or muralist

Many artists, even those that may not identify themselves as ‘muralist’ would welcome an opportunity to express themselves on the walls of your home. Creating something in your home that is entirely your own ranks high on the best gifts you can give yourself and your home. 

Take care in selecting the image and color pallet of your mural. Spend time talking through your desires with the artist you’ve hired. I equate it to the phrase “measure twice, cut once” “talk it over twice, and paint once”

DiY

If you have a knack for art I personally would gravitate towards abstract art myself but hey I say go for whatever you are feeling. the most cost effective and personally rewarding option is the DiY. While they’re aren't any ‘rules’ when creating art on any surface including walls, this week’s DiY video will give you some insight on considerations to make sure what you have in your head ends up what you see on your walls.

I want to know your approach and what plans you have for the interior or exterior walls of your home!