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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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