Family Curiosity Wall

Creative Direction, Mural Art, Interior Styling

Summer 2023 

At IS Design Labs, I believe in strategic design that builds a foundation for connection - even in our own homes. For this personal, residential project, the initial intention was practical yet meaningful: to tie the dining area together. I wanted to unite the existing elements of the space, drawing from the cork flooring, dining area furniture, even the colours of our placemats, to create a cohesive, modern, welcoming environment. But a home needs to tell an authentic story, so it was equally important to incorporate our core family values alongside something quirky and fun that we could relate to as a family. Additionally, my deep love for nature dictated that the space needed to feel organic and alive. The result is a space that sets a minimalist, Scandinavian vibe while remaining distinctly personal.

The Design Strategy
Strategic design is about pathing a journey, and this mural guides the eye through a layered, highly customized landscape.

The Palette & Nature: Integrating the mural with the room's warm white walls and natural cork flooring required careful planning. The colour combination was a bit tricky and took some experimentation. By uniting the room's existing accents with my love for the outdoors, I developed a palette of earthy greens, terracottas, and creams, incorporating direct nature elements like the painted birds in flight, all entirely hand-painted by me. The result is soft and nature inspired.

The Logic: To anchor the room's purpose, I wove subtle, tone-on-tone typography into the background, adding in some subtle family values without disrupting the modern aesthetic. Furthermore, I integrated a functional herbs wall, strategically mounting the planters at a height the kids can easily reach to foster their own connection to nature and our meals.

The Imagination: We wanted to infuse the space with curiosity, so I built in a subtle easter egg - something not everyone will get, but that holds special meaning for us. At first glance, it is a serene landscape. But to those who look closer, the sweeping waves subtly echo the sandy dunes of Tatooine. The three round mirrors nestled among the accessible herb planters represent its three moons, and stepping quietly into the frame are the shadowy, larger-than-life legs of Chewbacca. It is a playful secret that elevates the space without compromising the room's sophisticated feel.

The Experience
By bridging art, interior styling, and interactive elements for the kids, this mural proves that you can have a highly curated, modern space that still doesn't take itself too seriously. It is a perfect example of how an agile, imaginative approach can transform a functional dining area into an experience that communicates, touches, and influences everyday family life.