Imaginative Murals

Thank you so much for choosing an Imaginative Mural for your interior decor. With this mural, I have tried to capture the majesty and awesome beauty of the American West. It will add rugged charm and dramatic interest to your room. When coming up with ideas for murals, I try to think of places I would like to see from my window.

Painted in trompe l'oeil (deceive the eye) style developed centuries ago and popular again today, The American West will transform the space in which it hangs. It appears to be painted on parchment with tattered and burnt edges reminiscent of the map featured on the TV program Bonanza. The mural will work well in several types of rooms. I like the idea of placing it in a masculine office or den and building on the western theme. Have fun adding decorative touches such as Native American art. Mix textures like hand woven rugs, pottery and baskets (Fig. 1). Many collectibles are on the market depicting Native American life, cowboys and the pioneers.

Other themes can be developed with this mural such as wildlife in which your accessories can depict various animals of the West such as bear, elk, moose, buffalo, eagles and wolves. I like wildlife silhouettes cut from sheets of iron (Fig. 2). Perhaps you can emphasize the horses and add horseback riding gear to the room (Fig. 3). You can buy or build a shelf to which you affix horseshoes for hooks creating a coat rack. On top of the shelf, set a pair of interesting, old cowboy boots and behind them hang a rope or braided whip.

Decorative accessories are so abundant you will have no problem building a cohesive look. As for the walls, in addition to the mural, consider paint in earthy colors or wallpaper with rustic appeal. I have seen a room faux painted to look like a log cabin. Check your local stores on books featuring faux finishing techniques. You may just want to add a decorative border. Select one of many wallpaper borders on the market or even design your own with stencils or stamps. Use wood and organic materials to create a warm, cozy environment.

In the living room or den, I can imagine this trompe l'oeil mural next to a cozy leather chair with a plaid throw blanket upon it. In the bedroom, the mural could take the place of a headboard. Consider chunky pine furniture or graceful willow furniture. If you buy new or unfinished furniture, experiment with crackle finishes or distressing techniques to instantly age and add interest to new surfaces. Your local library will contain books of instructions and probably vast amounts of other ideas you can use to decorate.

If the painting needs to hang on a rough wall, simply mount it to masonite, liner, matboard, or black cored foamcore using adhesive like our EZ Up & Off Spray Adhesive. Cut it out. You then have several options for attaching the painting to the wall. Visit a home center or frame shop for ideas. Have fun decorating and remember to surround yourself with items that you love.

I'm sure you'll come up with a lot of ideas of your own. We would love to hear from you. Feel free to call or write.

Sincerely,
Trish Selgrath