Sooooo… remember the dining room mural? The one that I designed, hand-painted, and spent hours and hours on? Well, I’m rethinking it. Let me explain…
First, let me say that I do love how it turned out. I love the colors and style of the mural, and even though there are some areas I want to work on, I’m happy with the overall design and look. I decided to call it “finished for now” as we went into the holidays, so I could step away and think about what I wanted to do next. I knew I wanted to work a bit more on the distant trees and the foreground, and I was considering adding a glaze over the entire mural to mute the effect.
Once I had some distance from all the work I put into it, I was able to get a fresh perspective. There are things about the mural that aren’t working for me, and changing them would be an extensive overhaul, and maybe redoing it entirely. I wish I didn’t make so much foreground, and I gave more thought to creating a greater sense of distance. I wish I had slowed down and planned out the trunks of the trees a bit better instead of just plowing ahead. What is in the foreground could use more detail to really fall in the block-printed wallpaper vein I was aiming for. A few adjustments and the addition of a glaze aren’t going to change those things. Putting more work into it would just be doubling down, and I’m not sure I want to go in that direction. I love the sky and the leaves on the trees, though, so I would be sad about losing those aspects of the mural.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been mulling over my options. Should I just put primer over it and start fresh? Should I sand the wall and simply paint it a solid color? I kept drifting towards the idea of wallpaper, even though we have had to remove so much wallpaper in this house. Wallpaper would hide any texture left by the brushstrokes and would give the visual interest to the top half of the wall that I wanted. It wouldn’t be as unique as my mural, but I think it might be a better overall choice for the style and age of the house.
I’ve been contemplating this for weeks, and trust me, it is not easy to think about priming and papering over that mural after all of the planning and work that went into it! I keep thinking I might be a little nutty for even considering it. But, I will confess, this scenario is not entirely unheard of in my DIY history. There have been many times when I have tried an idea only to change shortly after. Those don’t happen as often as they used to as I’ve gotten a little older and a little wiser, but my can-do attitude and done-is-better-than-perfect philosophy still sometimes leads me slightly off course.
The good news is, I don’t have to make any quick decisions. More good news is that it’s all just paint. It’s pretty easy to shift gears when it comes to paint. We’re not dealing with a built-in feature of the house that’s expensive to redo. Yes, I gave a lot of time to it, but I enjoyed the project and learned a lot in the process and that’s always worthwhile.
I’ve ordered some wallpaper samples that would work well with the yummy velvet curtains and the Oval Room Blue trim and wainscoting, and I’ll live with those samples for a bit and give it all some thought. Until I come to a firm decision, I still have carpet glue removal in the basement to keep me busy, as well as gardening projects!
In case you missed it, you can read about the block print wallpaper inspiration for the mural HERE, how I installed the wainscoting HERE, and details about the curtains HERE.
47 Responses
While you put alot of time and labor into the mural, it was your time and labor and so its cost neutral on that standpoint. If you are not happy with certain aspects of the mural, then I don’t think you are ever really going to enjoy this room and be content with the end results. I do think a beautiful wallpaper could be the solution and the good news is you have time to explore samples and not be hurried into a decision right away.
Agree with Teresa! She wrote my thoughts
I agree with Crystal and Teresa. I’ve done this same thing in projects around my house and find “it” will never feel right to me. Wallpaper is a wonderful idea since there are so many beautiful options.
Karen B.
Since it’s April 1 I thought maybe it was a joke:)
C I agree with Teresa.
Ha, I actually thought about that! No, it’s not a joke, though.
Please tell me this is an April fools joke!!😳
I commented originally that it was different to your usual style but I like it.
It does feel a shame to start over, and tell the world you’re starting over seems difficult, but it’s brave to recognise when something isn’t working for you and make a change.
Have you thought about marketing the image as a paint by numbers?
I LOVE your mural – the colors, the style and design…❣️ It is absolutely beautiful!
But I know it is something you need to be comfortable with. Time and “sitting in it” will guide you.
I can understand changing your mind about the mural. In a way the walls are just one giant canvas, and it is harder to envision what it will feel to live with the finished job because it has such a big impact. You could even paint a smaller version of your large mural on a canvas and then hang it on the wall when/if you change it back to just a solid color of paint or even wallpaper. You should go with your feelings and just change it up if you want to! Like you said, it has been time well spent and a learning process, and not too much financial expense.
Before you make any changes, you have to decide if your landscape is the decor of the room, a trompe-l’oeil, or a base to add to, like a wallpaper, which would be so sad. Your painting is so lovely I originally thought you intended for it to be the experience itself, a walk in the English countryside. But your armoires and portraits, as beautiful pieces as they are separately, interrupt the flow of our eyes around the room and we wish to see what is hidden behind them! I agree about the trees being “planted” a little close but they can easily be painted over to allow a feeling of distance. I would add interest in the background with details like a castle hidden among far away trees or part of a river with the silhouette of a boat…Please save your landscape! No wallpaper will ever make this room as lovely!
First time I’ve ever commented on your posts, I love the mural and I agree with the above commenter, Beatrice. The mural is unique and lovely and I just can’t believe you would paint over it or wallpaper. If you don’t like the trees that are closer, (i do) just fix the areas you don’t like and then see if you like it better. Maybe since you see it daily, you obsess a little on what you don’t like about it. I get that but I hope you can take a step back and really see the beauty you created.
Just my two cents.
I agree with you. Anyone who has done very much design/projects has felt the way that you do. Your instincts are always spot on. Can’t wait to see the refresh.
If you decide to wallpaper over this, I imagine someday a future owner of your home, removing the wallpaper to find your mural, loving it, and thinking what a great gift they just discovered. 🙂
I had the same thought. They will remove the wallpaper and say:” Why would anyone cover up this beautiful mural?”
Can you take this in steps? I love the mural and would be curious to see it with a glaze. Maybe keep that for a while and then, if you still want something different, go to wallpaper or something else?
It is reassuring to see that even someone with your incredible talent can make a mistake or just not be happy with the final product. This happens to me more than I would prefer! Just keep at it!
I really appreciate what you’re sharing. For me, your interpretation of this style into a home space (compared to a larger space with higher ceilings) is quite successful. Considering your thoughts about the foreground, I wonder what it would be like to put some suggestion of action into that space? Something like an animal/s in the foreground? Or a toy left on the lawn? A book set down on a blanket? Maybe that’s not what the original artist would have done, but I want to jump into that landscape, a la Mary Poppins hopping into the sidewalk chalk painting. For me, something in the foreground would really entice me into it.
I really love the mural. I remember when you first revealed it and I thought it was beautiful and I still do. The visual interference imo is the blue trim and wainscoting. A off white would balance your room better along with the furniture. The visual eye wants to move and there is nothing to focus on. The blue fights with everything in the room. I also love the living room and the fireplace mantel you did, but again the green fights with the blue and the color of the brick. Again imo an off white would add the crispness to the room and elevate the blue and green you love so much. Kate
I have to agree with Kate on this one. I had the same thought about the blue on the bottom of the wall and the trim being the real issue in the dining room. It’s a beautiful color but maybe not in that space. I really like how the mural brings a sense of history to your mid-century home. Maybe you’re being influenced more by the styles of others than going with your own style, which has always been spot on.
I think it’s beautiful and you should enjoy it for a while. Then change it if you still want to. Just breathe.
Well this was a surprise ! Can’t wait to see if you choose something else . I have a question – if a wall is ‘orange peel ‘ is there a wallpaper that will sit smooth on it or are you doomed to have a bumpy wall ?
I have not had to work with orange peel walls in any of the homes I’ve owned, but we did have orange peel walls in the house my parents owned when I was in highschool. My mom installed a wallpaper below the chair rail in the kitchen and I don’t recall it being an issue. I would suggest testing out a small section to see if the paper adheres okay and if the texture is visible or not.
I have orange peel as well and have successfully wallpapered over it. But it depends, if your orange peel is like mine, the texture is slight and easily hidden. You can rent a wall sander if you have the upper body strength for heavier texture, they work really well! I didn’t have to do that, but I’ll need to soon on two walls that were re-textured after a small reno project. The texture is much heavier and no way could I wallpaper over it. There is also wallpaper lining that you can hang first, it’s meant for the purpose of providing a smooth surface over texture, I had to use that many years ago on some poorly textured walls.
You will make the right choice! As an artist and creative person I understand the “gut feeling” when you know the end result of your efforts don’t make your heart sing. Strike up the orchestra and do something that makes a concert of delight! Sometimes it’s just a dress rehearsal😉
Have you considered a large floor sander for your basement glue? We rented one from Home Depot and it quickly did the job. We had heavy glue under tile…
I love the mural but ultimately you have to do you. I think I would maybe ease into it. Perhaps add a detail or two to the mural to see if that resparks your love it. Or just paint over the forward ground tree you don’t like. Either way whatever you do I know it will be beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration.
I love the mural by itself. I love all of your artwork. In this room, I feel the mural leans a bit midcentury modern, and it may not be the best complement to your furnishings or evoke the desired feeling you want from the room. It is all part of the design process and there is nothing wrong with making a change. I just painted a (small) room three different colors before wallpapering it! That is not typical for me, and I questioned myself a lot during the process, but I am glad now that I kept going until I was happy with the room. I can’t wait to see the wallpaper samples you selected!
I do like the mural, but there are so many great possibilities right now when it comes to wallpaper. You could also design your own wallpaper and get the best of both worlds!
I love the mural but I think it looks too new. Is there something you can do to ‘tea stain’ it?
Marion, I am not a designer and I admire everything you create. When we moved into our rancher I did our dining room in a similar design wallpaper from my older home built in the early 1900’s. I don’t have a design eye but I knew right away that I picked the wrong design for a ranch house. The longer I live in this house I feel that more formal design does’t work. I used to lean more towards 18th Century design but have slowly moved those pieces out. Giving yourself time to decide is the right decision. You make wake up one day, walk through your dining room and think ” I love this mural and it’s not going anywhere”. Whatever you decide we’re here for the journey.
Like you, with my husband in the ministry, we have moved several times. I’ve noticed that I initially recreate our previous home. I think it provides a sense of calm and stability. After a year or so, I begin making changes. Some are small, others are drastic. It’s like I’m ready to finally create and experiment. Give yourself permission to grow.
Wallpaper is so “in” again and I really love how some bloggers I follow are using it – and because it’s peel and stick, they change it quite a bit! I don’t know if they get it free or what, but I have no doubt you’ll find something that will be gorgeous. Why live with something that you’re not thoroughly enjoying? I know you love your new kitchen and are thoroughly happy with it all, so you should enjoy the dining room in the same way!
I love your mural!
If you already have that “itch” that something isn’t sitting right with you, I doubt if you will ever be really happy with it. I wonder whether this is part of your general feeling that sometimes “less is more”? That feeling that is the season to pare down and simplify a bit. Painting the wall would make it feel more serene, as would some more subdued wallpapers.
I think your mural is beautiful, maybe you are having trouble because it isn’t your usual style. I know from experience we are our own worst critics. I agree with one of the other comments, that if you aren’t happy with it, you will never be completely happy with this room. It’s a big decision, but like you said, you enjoyed painting it and you learned a lot, so that is a huge plus. Looking forward to hearing your final decision..
I think of you every time I watch an episode of the PBS show “All Creatures Great and Small”. The graphics during the shows intro reminds me of your mural.
Hi Marion, I just wanted to ask you if you ever felt this way about the mural in your previous home? (it was a lot more subdued) maybe this style is just not suitable for you for the long term. I personally feel there is not a better place for a mural than in a dining room, and to have the talent to have done it yourself is over the top! I’m sure it’s quite a conversation piece when guests arrive. It also showcases your tremendous talent as an artist. Best of luck with your decision.
This post makes me think of your blog on “stuff”. While the mural is beautiful, crisp painted walls or some wallpaper options might be less busy/ look like less “stuff”. Only you can decide what is best for you and your family’s home and you will make the right decision.
I’ve met my stuff threshold however I must be very careful because I tend repurchase things I love all over again.. Your beautiful mural has been met with such mixed thoughts.. I have a sixth sense that when we know we know.. you’ll get there and either way the room will speak of you and your beautiful essence~ and the rest of us.. we will either have an old memory or a new one.
Be well 🙂
I understand your point of view, but if I may be honest about this mural…I liked the one in your previous house so much more. It spoke to me and this one here is not. It is not dreamy and less realistic if you know what I mean ?
But that is art and everyone is reacting differently about art. Follow your hart and it will be ok 😉
There is a concept called Sunk Cost Fallacy that talks about how we keep going down the wrong road because of how much we have already spent in time, money or emotional investment, believing if we just keep going we will eventually arrive at a place we are happy with. Which is generally not how it turns out. While I loved the mural and the process and understood your goals, I never felt like the mural was “you” or a fit for the house and furnishings. I think you can paint or paper over it with no regrets no matter how long it took. You learned something, enjoyed the process and it showed you what you wanted and didn’t want. Onward and Upward
While I think this mural is beautiful, I agree with others that maybe it is too rich of colors and style compared with your last house’s mural that was soft and subtle. I agree that this one does seem busy with added the artwork, ornate furniture and blue wall color all in that same room. Maybe a white wall color would make the mural more of the star of the room. I know whatever you decide will be beautiful!
Just give a small part a glaze first, to see the effect. You never know.
The price of mural wallpaper can stop your heart, and before I read the article through I thought that this was a mural wallpaper on the walls.
I love it because I live in an area that was established before the American Revolution and wallpaper murals with Tuscan villas or castle ruins just don’t seem to ‘fit’. Have you thought about adding animals to the landscape – deer, fox or rabbits?
Will you be adding molding to the ceiling and/or painting the ceiling one of the lighter shades of blue from the mural?
The bottom line is that this is YOUR dining room and YOU need to love it.
One touch a friend added to her mural painted walls was a whimsical mouse hole painted onto the baseboard with a cheeky little mouse ‘inside’ its decorated home.
I love your attitude about the whole thing. I believe as a creative person of any kind you must be agile and look at things differently, accept change as growth and like you said…enjoy the journey of the project. It is more than the end result. It’s like painting a portrait and then selling it…you start over again and are excited and renewed to begin another!
It’s bothering you enough that you cannot finish this mural. Sand it down, prime and paint, and sit a while before you begin again. You may like the simplicity of plain paint.
This home is very different from your previous home. The rooms don’t appear as large, so this mural seems to hover over you.
Less is more.
You have a wonderful design sense and your mural works. It just seems to be too strong for the room. You are leaning into a muted 3 value design for the wall. I’m not crazy about the repeat pattern of the wallpaper, but I like the 3 value idea. What if you keep the mural but knock down the values into the 3 that work so well in the wallpaper? I wonder if putting a thinned out blue gray paint over it would knock it down? You could play with the image in photoshop going tonal then apply the tones to the mural you have?
Just spitballing because your art has good design and works 🙂