Choosing the Perfect Mural: A Guide for Every Space
Whether you're a business owner, homeowner, or interior designer, the perfect mural can make a significant impact on the atmosphere of a room. Choosing the right mural can redefine your establishment's atmosphere, draw in clientele and set the tone for their experience. In this guide, we'll focus on what to consider when working with a muralist to design a piece that not only complements your space but also appeals to your target audience.
1. Audience and Purpose: Work with your muralist to design a mural that fits your branding -
Identify the audience and purpose of the space. For businesses, consider the brand image and the message you want to convey. In residential spaces, think about the occupants' preferences and the intended mood of the room. Tailoring the mural to its audience and purpose ensures a meaningful impact.
EXAMPLE: When working with women-owned fitness company, MyStryde, I was tasked with creating two murals for their two locations: South Boston, MA and Charlestown, MA. The theme for each was slightly different. The Southie mural featured a Boston skyline with a diffused color palette; while the Charlestown mural was a juxtaposition of greyscale geometric shapes and eclectic lettering in bold colors. Despite their differences, both mural designs were heavily influenced by the respective neighborhoods of each location.
2. Size and Scale: Make sure you figure out the dimensions of your space -
Size matters, especially when it comes to murals. Assess the available wall space and choose a mural size that complements the dimensions of the room. A well-proportioned mural ensures visual balance and avoids overwhelming the space. A well-proportioned mural ensures visual balance and avoids overwhelming the space. Proper proportioning can be achieved by familiarizing yourself with the space. What is happening around the area? Will people or cars be disrupting the line of view? Sometimes the strategic use of negative space can be just as important as the working space.
EXAMPLE: When working with large-scale murals, it is essential to utilize negative space. In a recent project for Feldman Geospatial in Roxbury, MA, I was tasked with designing a mural that sprawled from a tall and wide concrete building to a brick wall to a metal slatted fence. In essence, the work needed to go from being 40 ft tall to 6 ft tall over three difference structures that formed a right angle. On top of the varying sizes and surface textures, the largest section (the concrete building) was set in the middle of prime parking spaces and was likely to have cars parked in front of it at any given time. Taking all of these factors into account, I created the initial design by hand before moving to a digital design. Moving the hand-drawn draft to digital allowed me to warp the design so that it could wrap around the area it was intended to go while being mindful of any visual impediments.
3. Theme Harmony: Match your mural with your existing decor and style -
Consider the existing theme or decor of the space. The mural should harmonize with the overall aesthetic, whether it's a corporate office, a cozy living room, or a trendy cafe. Aligning the mural theme with the existing style creates a seamless and visually pleasing atmosphere.
EXAMPLE: The mural I painted for the Verbal Hotel in Boston, MA was conceived by fusing several design aspects of Verb’s newly constructed “Backstage” space. The “Backstage” space is a VIP area located outside near the back of the hotel and in teh shadow of Fenway Park, where Yankee Stadium lives. This outdoor space was home to ten RVs that were each painetd with colors specific to Fender and Harley Davidson. These colors were to be the base of my palette. I used the concrete, triangular design the RVs sat upon and the wallpaper of Boston maps inside of them to bring form and function to the predetermined colors.
4. Lighting Matters: Choose the right colors, elements, and themes for your mural based on lighting and ambience -
Consider the lighting conditions in the intended location. Bright and well-lit spaces may benefit from bold, vibrant murals, while softer or dimmer lighting might call for more intricate designs to maintain visibility.
EXAMPLE: When working with the previously-mentioned brand, MyStryde, in addition to balancing branding with thematic elements from each neighborhood, I was also tasked with working around the lighting conditions of each gym. Both locations were rooms meant to be primarily set in black lighting but would also sometimes be lit by natural light. To boost the design’s resilience, I chose to incorporate infrared paint into each mural to create “pop” in the black light conditions while maintaining the core design in natural lighting.
5. Personalization Options: Prepare your mural vision ahead of time -
Explore personalization features. Many mural artists offer customizable options, allowing clients to incorporate personal touches or elements that resonate with their brand or lifestyle. Personalized murals create a unique and memorable space.
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At the end of the day, choosing the perfect mural involves a thoughtful consideration of audience, size, theme harmony, lighting, and personalization options. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your selected mural not only enhances the space aesthetically but also resonates with its occupants or customers.