weekly design inspiration: mural moments

In the world of interiors, there are moments when a space calls for more than just colour or texture. It wants a story—something immersive, expressive, and completely unforgettable. Lately, we’ve been reaching for murals, both hand-painted and wallpapered, to bring that next layer of design magic into our projects.

Whether it’s a quiet forest in a powder room, an abstract wash in a dining space, or a centuries-old scene wrapping a stairwell, murals are having a moment—and we’re all in.

surface poetry

Unlike traditional wallpaper or paint, murals don’t just decorate a wall—they define the room. There’s something cinematic about walking into a space and being enveloped by a larger-than-life landscape or a soft painterly wash. They immediately tell you how to feel in the space—whether that’s calm and cocooned, or inspired and elevated.

In one recent project, we commissioned an artist to hand-paint a mural that danced along the contours of a curved hallway wall. It was moody, minimal, and utterly transporting.

Source: Chris Loves Julia

Source: Kate Pearce

imagined realms

Murals behave like oversized art—but instead of being hung, they become part of the bones of the home. We love using them in unexpected ways: wrapping a mural across a ceiling, tucking one into a vestibule, or creating a framed panel effect behind a headboard. In kids' rooms and studies, they add imagination and movement; in formal spaces, they can evoke quiet drama.

We’re currently swooning over muted chinoiserie-inspired papered murals in dining rooms and bold, single-line abstract scenes painted in rich, chalky finishes

Source: Lisa Tharp Design

Source: Redd Kaihoi

timeless scenes

Here’s the secret: even pre-designed mural wallpaper feels bespoke. Because of their scale and subject matter, murals always read as intentional and custom—even when they come by the roll. But when we do go fully custom (with a local artist or a specialty finisher), the results are pure alchemy.

We always consider a mural when the architecture calls for softness, storytelling, or a sense of escape. It’s like giving the walls a soul.

Source: Malvez Interior Design

Source: Hamble Hearth

Design Tip: If you’re opting for a wallpaper mural, always hire a professional installer with experience in large-scale patterns or scenic papers. It’s absolutely worth the investment for a flawless finish.