These Pretty Murals Prove the Dream of the ’90s is Alive in Paint Land

It’s no secret that we love a good paint project, and murals are no exception. You may wince at memories of the Tuscan landscapes painted in 1990s bathrooms across the country, but trust us: This time around, murals are seriously chic. And while they may sound intimidating, murals are totally doable if you carve aside some time and begin the project with a vision. Take a look at these dazzling walls below that will make you want to whip out your paintbrush ASAP.

Jodi Bond put sample paints that she already had on hand to use to create the stunning wall you see above. The shapes are all free-handed; she sketched them out with pencil before filling in with paint. This resourceful project was an excellent way turn an all-white entry into a focal point in a fun play on the trend we’ve been seeing everywhere.

Linda Duffy painted this beautiful woodsy mural, which is perfect for a nursery or playroom. Linda completed this budget-friendly project in just one hour, and it completely transformed her son’s space without being “too babyish,” as she notes.

How dreamy is Lissa Anglin’s “scribble floral” mural? After selecting a design, she painted “blobs” which she went back over with a dark outline. The final product is truly a work of art and incorporates so many beautiful colors. If you’re nervous about a design this intricate, there’s one idea you can pull: Pick a corner for your mural, and wrap it around architectural features like windows and doors.

When you start with one mural, you might not be able to stop. Mila Moraga-Holz’s Los Angeles home features multiple, all of which incorporate bold hues and stunning abstract patterns. Leaving surrounding walls white provides a welcome contrast and truly draws the eye to Moraga-Holz’s masterpiece. Another clever trick? She used colors that tie in with her furniture and accessories to blend seamlessly.

This mural, also from Mila Moraga-Holz’s Los Angeles home, goes a little funkier with a mix of geometric and botanical shapes. She used the same matching color trick in this room, too.

A cloud mural is the perfect peaceful addition to any bedroom, as Ashley Wilson proves. She had fun while painting and incorporated a few clever touches, drawing a few clouds in recognizable shapes like a bunny or an airplane. This mural’s a great place to start for beginners—there are only two colors involved, and since clouds come in all shapes, there’s no way to go wrong.