How to Plan and Design a Painted Wall Mural

It’s been quite a while that I have been pondering about transforming my big blank wall into a bold artistic statement. A Wall mural has the amazing power to transform any space. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through my process of how to Plan and Design a Painted Wall Mural, offering helpful tips and techniques to ensure your project is a success.

It isn’t that daunting once you plan… Whether you’re looking to create a mural for your home, business, or a public space, designing and planning a mural requires thoughtful preparation, creativity, and organization. From choosing the right concept to selecting the best materials, each step plays a vital role in bringing your vision to life.

Step 1: Determine the Purpose and Location of the Mural

Before you dive into designing your mural, it’s important to consider the purpose and location of the mural. My recent little updating gave me the courage to try something new in my front foyer and get rid of the ‘old wallpaper’. Since it is a hallway and is passed through I felt it’s a place to be a bit daring. My backup plan; it is really only paint…

Questions to Ask:

• Where will the mural be located? Indoor or outdoor? Residential, commercial, or public space?
• Who is the audience? Is the mural for a child’s bedroom, a café, an office, or a community project?
• What is the purpose of the mural? To tell a story, inspire, promote a business, or add color and personality to a room?

The answers to these questions will influence your design, color scheme, and the overall message or theme of your mural.

My wall is an odd shape since it travels up a curved staircase. I always wanted some type of design or wallpaper to camouflage fingerprints since my kids would touch the wall.

Step 2: Measure and Prepare the Wall

Once you know where the mural will be, it’s time to take accurate measurements of the wall (with a tape measure). Make a drawing with the exact dimensions in scale (perhaps each inch or centimetre using a ruler represents 1 foot) will help you design the mural to scale and avoid surprises during the painting process.

Key Measurements to Take:

• Wall Width and Height: Measure the entire surface size of the wall to ensure your design fits properly.
• Obstructions: Take note of windows, doors, vents, outlets, and other architectural features that may impact the design.

Tip: Make sure the wall surface is clean and smooth. If necessary, patch up any holes or cracks. I have been impressed with the coverage of Behr wall paint (latex paint) as it says it is paint and primer in one. If needed apply fresh coats of paint.

Step 3: Choose a Theme and Style

Now that you have a clear idea of the location and purpose, it’s time to brainstorm ideas & gather inspiration for the style of your mural. I like to make a Pinterest board and search google. The theme should reflect the mood, atmosphere, or story you want to convey in the space. That is the most difficult part I believe since it will probably be there for quite a while. I do wonder how most people decide what tattoo they can love for a whole lifetime.

As you may see I do have a love for nature but wanted to somehow make the images more contemporary than realistic.

Possible Theme Ideas:

• Nature and Landscapes: Ideal for creating a calming, peaceful environment with trees, mountains, or oceans.
• Abstract Mural Designs: Geometric patterns, abstract shapes, or colour blocking for a modern, contemporary look.
• Inspirational or Motivational: Quotes, phrases, or symbolic imagery to inspire and uplift.
• Historical or Cultural Scenes: Murals that reflect local history, heritage, or cultural themes for community or public spaces.
• Whimsical and Fun: Perfect for kids’ rooms or play areas, with playful characters, cartoons, or fantasy worlds.

Style Options:

Like any art, the options are endless. Choose what speaks personally to you.

• Realistic: Detailed artwork and life-like depictions, such as portraits or detailed landscapes.
• Surreal: Dreamlike and imaginative, combining unusual elements in unexpected ways.
• Minimalist: Simple lines, muted colours, and clean shapes.
• Graffiti or Street Art: Bold, energetic designs with an urban, edgy feel.

Using some reference and pictures that took around my garden allowed me to trace and capture the essence of them in some basic line-work.

Using the ‘layers’ allows me to separate the drawing for just the contours. Yes, it took me a few weeks of drawing ideas and looking back at them! I believe creative people are always a little fussy… Patience is needed, don’t decide on a design too hastily.

Step 4: Create a Concept Sketch

Since I had a theme and style, I started to sketch and draw. My concept sketches are a rough draft that captures the overall look and feel of the mural. You don’t need to worry about making it perfect at this stage (just digital drawing)— focus on getting the composition and main elements down. I used my iPad with Apple pencil to draw on the hallway picture in Procreate. I felt that an extra large scale would make it even more modern. Draw in whatever method you like, Photoshop or even paper…

Sketching Tips:

• Keep Proportions in Mind: If your mural will cover a large wall, draw your concept to scale to help visualize how it will look in the space. Use grid paper or software to help maintain proportions.
• Consider Focal Points: Think about where the viewer’s eye will naturally go. Do you want a particular element to stand out, such as a bold centerpiece or focal image?
• Balance and Flow: Ensure the design has a sense of balance and flow, guiding the viewer’s eye across the mural without feeling too crowded or overwhelming.

Step 5: Choose Your Colour Palette

Colour is one of the most impactful elements of your mural, so choosing the right palette is essential. The colours you select should not only match the mural’s theme but also complement the existing decor of the room or space. I chose the background colour ‘Cracked Pepper’ as Behr’s colour of 2024!

I’ve also been dazzled with the trending gold/brass accents I see everywhere in interior design. I came upon the idea when working on some of my concrete casting. Sometimes we just need to step back and take a look at ourselves from a distance…

Tips for Selecting your colours:

I wanted to see how the paint really looked so I made a few test panels on matt board (cardboard)

• Start with Three to Five Colours: A limited colour palette creates harmony and helps keep the mural cohesive.
• Consider the Space: Lighter colours can make small spaces feel larger, while darker colors can add depth and mood. For outdoor murals, consider how the colors will look in natural light.
• Test Your Colours: Before committing, test your colours by painting small swatches on the wall or panel. Observe how the colours look at different times of the day and under different lighting conditions.
• Use Contrast: Contrast can help important elements stand out. Pair dark colours with light colours or use complementary colour schemes (colours opposite each other on the colour wheel) for visual interest. It’s much like when you choose your outfits.

Also consider the sheen factor of the paint. A flat (matte) paint will not show imperfections of the wall surface as much as an eggshell finish or gloss finish. I am very happy with the washable flat Behr paint from Home Depot. I find it rarely needs a second coat.

Deciding on the Final Design:

I think I like this!!! ‘Keep looking back at your design or make modifications to duplicates. Perhaps ask friend and family what they think. The decision making is more difficult than the actual painting, or if it was a small commission with a definite concept.

I will describe how I transferred & painted the image in the next post. There are a few options to get it on to the wall including the grid method, an app or use of. a projector. Collect or purchase your brushes (large & small paintbrush), rollers, painter’s tape and the colours of your mural paint.

Conclusion

I hope I have inspired you with this How to Plan and Design a Painted Wall Mural tutorial! I’m hoping you will try this creative process to transform your blank wall into a work of art. The best part is the pride you will have to show off your art. You do not need to be an illustrator to make a great design impression!