One of the major 2023 home design trends is called “Dopamine Dressing”, or using color, pattern, and texture as a way to make you feel happier at home. We’re ready to bring fun energy to our homes, express our personality and style, and ultimately create spaces that bring us joy.

This is the perfect year for homeowners to consider having a mural in their home – they’re more accessible and easier to incorporate than ever. Using a mural as a statement-making accent is a great way to completely change the look and feel of a space.

Read on for our complete guide to home murals.

What is a mural?

A mural is an overall design that is painted or applied directly to a wall, ceiling, or other permanent surface in a home. It’s designed to tell a continuous story within a space and enhance a greater sense of depth.

What is the difference between a mural and wallpaper?

Wallpaper and murals are both stylish, creative ways to transform a space. Both add visual interest, depth, texture, and color to any room. While they are incredibly similar, there are some differences between the two.

1. Murals can be completely customized

Murals are wallpaper’s customizable counterpart. You can design your mural however you please – from the theme, the colors, the size, or even use your own artwork or photograph. You can paint your mural directly onto whatever surface you desire, or hire a professional artist for a one-of-a-kind piece unique to your home.

2. Murals can be sized to fit your space

Whether you’re painting your mural or printing one on-demand, you can adjust the scale of the image and be assured it will perfectly fit your space. Wallpaper comes in preprinted rolls of a defined size, so you’ll have to measure and calculate how many rolls you need to have enough coverage, and cut it down to ensure a proper fit.

3. Murals are meant to make a bold statement

Murals are designed to make an impact by telling a continuous story in a room. While wallpaper can be bold, it’s typically used as a backdrop for the rest of the room, allowing the décor and furnishings to shine. Murals enhance the theme you envision for your room by creating a more immersive experience.

Where can I incorporate a mural in my home?

The short answer: anywhere! The most common area homeowners like to have a mural is a kid’s bedroom or nursery, but they can be used anywhere in the home. Create a unique experience for dinner with friends with a mural in your dining area, or change the vibe of a space with a mural on the ceiling.

Want more inspiration? Take a look at some of the murals we’ve incorporated in our model homes across North America:

Home Office Mural

Having a mural in your home office is a great way to boost happiness and increase productivity. People feel much happier and work better in a workspace with art and plants, so incorporating a mural into your home office seems like a no brainer!

Nursery Mural

When you find out your family is growing, decorating the nursery is one of the most fun parts! Preparing the room for your new little one is exciting, and adding a mural really makes a statement.

Kid’s Room Mural

As the kids grow, their room becomes their sanctuary. It’s their paradise for play, and having a mural creates a world they can fully immerse themselves in. Incorporate a mural with their current obsession, or create one that will fit as they grow up. There are lots of benefits to adding a mural to your child’s room, and we can’t think of a better space to be this playful with your walls!

Guest Room Mural

When you’re hosting family or friends, you want to create a comfortable guest space they can enjoy. Adding a mural to your guest room is a great way to make their stay even more memorable. A mural adds an element of beauty and sophistication to any room, making your guest space feel like a 5-star hotel.

Primary Bedroom Mural

Your primary bedroom should feel like a welcome retreat after a long day. It should be the space where you feel you can instantly unwind and recharge the body and mind. Take a unique approach to incorporating a mural, and add one to the ceiling. Create something visually interesting, but soothing for your eyes to focus on before drifting off to sleep.

Dining Room Mural

Instead of having a mural tucked away in one of your private rooms, add one to a common area like your dining room. If your dining room has a more formal layout, it’s a great way to create a unique visual in that space and create a memorable dining experience for your guests.

Loft Mural

Many homeowners use their loft as a secondary living area for their kids. It’s a great spot to let them play, hang out with friends, and claim as their own. Adding a mural brings fun energy and instantly shows it’s a kid-friendly space.

Living Room Mural

Incorporating a mural into your living room sets the tone for the space. You can go more formal, more playful, or super bold to really enhance and showcase your personal style to your guests. A living room mural enriches your wall space by providing a focal point and accentuating the rest of your home’s décor.

Murals are a fun way to showcase your personal style and make a bold statement. They’re playful, they promote conversation, and they make you feel good.

Be sure to follow the Brookfield Residential blog for more design advice, homebuying insights, mortgage tips, and more. Explore where we build and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!