After considering factors such as location, natural sunlight, and the mood a mural should evoke, Lizarraga will present several ideas to her client. Once all parties agree on a concept, Lizarraga will create custom samples, or smaller renderings of the painting. “If everything looks incredible in the space then, we transfer the concept to the actual walls,” she says. Depending on the size and scope of the mural, the entire process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Cost is another factor to consider. While wallpapers and coverings are available at various price points, Lizarraga says her murals range from $40 to $250 per square foot. And since these paintings are expensive and oh-so-precious, Amir recommends keeping murals far away from kids’ “spaghetti hands.” “I probably wouldn’t do it in a high-trafficked space,” she says. “I love the idea of it in a bedroom where it’s tucked away for you to enjoy.” Meanwhile, Lizarraga says entryways, powder rooms, and formal dining spaces are also popular canvases.
No matter where you install a mural, however, selecting a concept is often the most challenging step. With so many ideas to consider, how can you possibly choose just one? Naturally, it all depends on your personal style. Landscapes, like the ones in Portnof and Amir’s murals, might deliver on-demand wanderlust, bu Newall says the ceiling’s the limit.
