Decorating with Stencils

Murals in the homes of the wealthy

Murals have long been a decorating "must have" in the homes of the wealthy. But years ago, we "wee" folks decided that we too could have them in our homes.

For those of us who didn't know beans about hand painting even the simplest object, we looked to stencils to provide us with the elements we needed to create the look of the expensive walls of the wealthy.

These murals were painted on the walls of one of the homes in last year's 2005 "Street of Dreams" here in Seattle. The artistry is beautiful, exact, colorful and when you view them, you want to just stand there and soak it in forever. You can almost place yourself within the mural, walking along the paths and gazing up at the structures as if you were really there. This artist was amazing.

My ultimate favorite was found in the master bedroom where the murals were done in just two colors of the same tone.... very light and darker. Yet the whole scene seemed muted and relaxing. I actually darkened the photo just a hint to show you more of it's detail.

Muted murals give a sense of relaxation. The tone on tone colors don't tend to interfere with color choices of the room but serve to give artistic detail to otherwise blank and colorless walls.

If you have a "Street of Dreams" type show in your city, do visit if you can. The ideas you will get will inspire you to create similar things in your own home.

Designer's tip: When you contemplate your mural, build it from the "back" to the "front". Always begin with your background. The sky, the hills, the lawns or meadows, etc. Then the architectural elements such as trees, buildings... the largest elements of your design. Finally, do your foreground... flowers, paths, frontal trees or bushes. You will find your mural much more realistic by applying this simple rule. Besides, it's FUN!

Don't feel you need to complete your mural in one day. (You'll be exhaused!) Enjoy the process and slow down and relax as you do it. Let it be your "escape" from the daily drudgeries. Murals are to be a continuous "work in progress" until you have reached it's end. Don't be rushed. Rather, enjoy each step you take to make it your most unique and wonderful addition to your home.

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