Murals and tromp l'oeil, done on a grand scale, are either magical - or a complete disaster.

In the Painted house, Graham Rust offers an array of designs in differing styles which anyone thinking about interior murals will find worthwhile studying. Not everyone will want to copy the 'grand home' ideas presented (and certainly even if they wished, not everyone has the high ceiling essential for several) but elements of them could be used - faux bookshelves in an awkward corner for example, or drapery painted on a wall where even narrow curtains would normally bunch, a pair of small dogs under a tableseat or a bird perched above a window.

If you are considering something like this, then 'The Painted House' is worth a look for ideas in HOW to design for a space. Examples for illustrated wall panels, floor to roof, ceiling, above chair-rail/panels, around windows, faux alcoves are all given rather than just a picture of the mural in isolation, as well as some practical hints on how to create the work. ( )