Bring imagination into the home with a mural

There needs to be a little more imagination and life in your child’s bedroom or playroom.  Or maybe the basement just needs something more spirited than the basic white or tan walls. Possibly, you want to give a more precise “setting” to your living space. Whatever the reason, a mural is a wonderful way to bring art to life within the home, and to set a child’s or adult’s imagination on fire.

Do It Yourself

If considering painting the mural yourself, there are many things to consider.  First of all, assess your own skill level.  If you aren’t Da Vinci, don’t aim to do a replica of the Sistine Chapel. Keeping it simple might be the best if you are not especially skilled, but want to do it yourself. Look for pictures or settings in coloring books (especially for children’s rooms and play areas), as they have an easy to follow outline.  There are, of course, more advanced coloring books, and even paint by number sets that may have patterns that interest you or that could be the setting that is desired for the room. These could help greatly when transferred to a slide, a transparent sheet, or digitally uploaded to the right equipment, and projected onto the walls. After projecting (onto already primed walls), one must simply trace the outline and plan the colors. If not an experienced paint mixer, consider stocking up on lots of smaller cans of paint, so as to keep the colors consistent throughout the mural.  (For example, if always adding a bit of yellow or white to a dark green to brighten or lighten its hue, by the end it may be an entirely different color than what was first expected.)  Finding durable brushes in multiple widths, thicknesses, and angles will assist in making the paint go further and keeping the shapes and textures true to the desired plan.

Hiring a Muralist

Depending on desired results, you may want to consider hiring a professional muralist, but there are other options. If in proximity to a college, it may be wise to see if any art students are available to be hired to paint the mural.  This way, it gives the student experience as well as something to put in their portfolio, as well as helping them make a little money.

But if something more detailed, realistic, or a certain style is desired, a professional muralist may be the best bet.

Either way, when hiring someone to paint a mural in your home, be ready to give as clear an idea about the project to the artist as possible.  This helps them deliver results that you want.  Have reference photos or art available.  It is also important to discuss the dimensions of the room, any limitations you might have in the space, the theme and style of the desired mural, as well as what inspired it.

Don’t be afraid to also discuss the business end of the transaction, by setting a deadline (or finding out when they realistically can have it done by), and be ready to put some money down up front. Many artists who are commissioned for work may want 50% up front, and 50% upon completion.

Beauty In Your Space

No matter how the mural is achieved, it can bring new light and life into a room and home. If working on a child’s room or space, don’t forget to include the child or children in the process, and let them communicate details that are important to them as well. This should be exciting and fun for the whole family, and bring a new perspective to an otherwise “normal” space.