Decorating Guides
Photo Murals Expand Reality
Freed from its tacky past, photographic wallpaper gives a whole new meaning to the term 'accent wall'
The first time I saw a photo mural was at the dentist's office. It was the '70s and the photo was of a wooded path through brilliant fall leaves. Even at age 8, I knew it was tacky — especially with those orange vinyl chairs.
But recently I've come around to the idea of photo murals, probably because they've come such a long way. Sure, you still see hyperpigmented images of sentimental nature scenes, but in the right room, with the right decor, they can look pretty awesome.
In the same way we've reclaimed shag rugs, macramé and beanbags from the clutches of '70s awfulness, we also can reclaim the photo mural, modernizing and reimagining it. Here are 11 rooms in which the owners have done just that.
But recently I've come around to the idea of photo murals, probably because they've come such a long way. Sure, you still see hyperpigmented images of sentimental nature scenes, but in the right room, with the right decor, they can look pretty awesome.
In the same way we've reclaimed shag rugs, macramé and beanbags from the clutches of '70s awfulness, we also can reclaim the photo mural, modernizing and reimagining it. Here are 11 rooms in which the owners have done just that.
Everything about this eclectic room is bold and brilliant. The forest photo mural just adds to the overall liveliness. I absolutely love it, and I never would have thought of it.
This might be the very wooden path I saw at that dentist's office waiting room. Paired with white walls, spare decor and nice wood floors, it becomes slick and modern (with just a slightly arched ironic eyebrow).
Squarely in the sentimental nature scene category, this woodland waterfall manages to avoid tackiness. It winks at its origins the same way the disco ball does, but because of the muted colors and luxe textures in the rest of the decor, it looks pretty and rich and adds dimension to the room.
The extreme closeups of pigs, clover and mushrooms on the dining room walls at Incanto in San Francisco are a clever way to reinforce their commitment to local, real food. The photos are beautiful, but not idealized (there's nothing like looking at a pig while you eat one).
This black and white snapshot mural is an enlarged old photo of the owner's parents. It's cinematic and charming, and it add a sense of fun to this room (in case the red chandelier, grass-green rug and big yellow F on the wall didn't already set the mood).
Motion, color and mood — this sun-bleached Ferris wheel has it all.
Inspirational Wall Murals
A stark black and white forest behind two formal but bright Chesterfield chairs adds a touch of humor to an otherwise very traditional setup. It's a great juxtaposition.
Not all photo murals need to be nature scenes. There's no better way to fake a grand city view.
This is just plain funny. It's also oddly beautiful. When you put a giant close-up of a cow on your bathroom wall, you can pretty much bank on the fact that you have the most original loo around.
Unlike landscape photo murals, which seem to expand a room, this closeup of blue cable knit seems to miniaturize it. It's like getting a mouse's-eye view — cozy and a little strange.
Photo murals don't have to cover an entire wall. This one adds depth to the fireplace. The perspective is a little jarring, but it's beautiful, especially since the rest of the room is so spare.
More:
Design Details: 12 Ways With Wall Murals
10 Ways Photos Can Make a Room
Decorate With Dimension
More:
Design Details: 12 Ways With Wall Murals
10 Ways Photos Can Make a Room
Decorate With Dimension