I finally did it—I painted my first mural! 🎉
It’s something I’ve daydreamed about for years, but this one had a very special purpose: it was for my youngest child’s bedroom.

Now, if you know anything about him, you know he’s got opinions. Bold, flower-child 70’s vibes were his vision—think retro florals, warm colors, and that groovy-meets-whimsical aesthetic. I had my own ideas going in, but like any good creative collaboration, this project quickly became about listening, adapting, and creating something that felt just right for him.

Here’s a peek behind the scenes—and a few lessons I learned along the way.

💡 Lesson 1: Collaborate with Your “Client” (Even When They're 15)

I started with a sketch and a color palette I loved, but once I saw his reaction (“Hmm... I want more oranges. And some daisies.”), I knew I needed to let go a little. What we ended up with was so much better than I imagined—because it reflected his voice too.

That back-and-forth taught me something I’ll carry into future murals (and honestly, other parts of life too): art is better when it includes the heart of the person it’s for.

⏳ Lesson 2: Everything Takes Longer Than You Think

Before I even touched a paintbrush, we moved out furniture, pulled up carpet, and laid down a fresh base coat. Every step—from taping to transferring the sketch—took way longer than I expected.

But honestly? That slow pace gave me time to live in the process. It wasn’t just about finishing a mural. It was about creating a space where my son would wake up every day feeling joy.

🥽 Lesson 3: VR + Murals = Weird (But Cool)

This was my first time using our Oculus Quest VR goggles to view my sketch while working on the wall. It was weirdly awesome—like having a holographic blueprint floating in the air. I’m not sure I’d use it for a super-detailed piece just yet, but I’m definitely going to play with it more in the future.

💛 Lesson 4: Take Breaks (Seriously.)

If you’re like me and live with chronic pain, you know that pushing through can come at a cost. I didn’t take enough breaks, and I felt it. Between painting, rearranging rooms, and the general chaos of family life, I learned this the hard way: rest is part of the process. And next time, I’ll honor that better.

👨‍👩‍👦 Lesson 5: Get the Whole Crew Involved

This mural wasn’t a solo mission. My husband helped with priming and background coats. The kids helped with clean-up and ideas. And when I needed solo time to sketch or paint, the rest of the family stepped up with dinners, dog-walking, and brush-washing.

Creative projects never happen in a vacuum—so here’s your gentle reminder: accept help, ask for help, and celebrate the helpers.

📸 A Peek at the Final Mural

I’ll drop a few photos below so you can see how it turned out! It’s full of warmth, whimsy, and retro joy—kind of like a flower-child hug on the wall. 🌼✨

(And yes… I already want to paint another one. Kitchen wall? Studio corner? TBD.)

💬 Let’s Chat!

Have you ever tackled a big creative project that stretched you in unexpected ways?
Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what you learned in the process. 👇

And if you’re curious about how I dream up colorful, whimsical spaces (or want tips for adding everyday magic to your home), join my email list for cozy updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and joyful ideas straight from the studio. 💌