Transforming a Kitchen Wall into a Botanical Masterpiece
For the past two weeks, I’ve been working on something a little different—a hand-painted botanical wall mural in a kitchen! This project was both exciting and challenging, bringing together Australian native and European plants to create a unique, elegant composition. The goal? A balance between detailed botanicals and a touch of chic, perfectly blending with the space and its surroundings.
Building the Vision Together
My clients came to me with the idea of a painted wall behind their kitchen’s cooking area, sink, and heat table. They wanted something that reflected both their cultural backgrounds—a mix of European (Italian) and Australian native influences. Their home had been beautifully renovated, and they were looking for something discreet, sophisticated, and decorative to complement the space.
I started by creating a few drafts in Procreate, sending them 2–3 design propositions.
We then narrowed it down to one, adjusting the composition to match the kitchen’s layout. Together, we settled on a blend of banana leaves, lemon tree branches, waratah, eucalyptus, and more. A few leaves would flow out from behind the sink, while delicate flowers would frame the area where their olive oil and condiments would be placed.
Once we agreed on the arrangement, I painted mini samples to refine the details—showing how gold outlines would add an elegant touch and how the shades of green would vary to bring depth and life. I opted for pastel, desaturated tones to keep it soft yet uplifting, avoiding pure black or grey for shadows. Instead, I carefully mixed colours to achieve rich, natural tones.
The Process: From Blank Wall to Botanical Beauty
Every mural starts with a vision, and this one was no exception. The challenge was to make sure the design complemented the kitchen’s layout, colours, and atmosphere. Since the mural would be placed above the sink and cooking area, it also needed to be durable and easy to clean.
Here’s how I brought this botanical dream to life:
- Prepping the Wall – I started by applying a coat of gesso primer to ensure a smooth, paint-ready surface. This step is crucial for durability and colour vibrancy.
- Creating a Lime Wash Effect – To give the background a soft, natural texture, I used a lime wash technique, which added depth and warmth to the wall.
- Sketching the Design – Before diving into the painting, I carefully mapped out the composition to ensure the placement of each plant and flower flowed harmoniously.
- Painting the Botanicals – Using acrylics, I built up delicate layers of leaves, stems, and petals, blending Australian native flora with European blooms. I also incorporated gold accents for a refined, elegant touch.
- Sealing with Satin Polyurethane – Since the mural was in a kitchen, I finished it with a satin polyurethane varnish to protect it from moisture, stains, and everyday wear. This kept the artwork safe without losing its natural look.
The Experience: A Return to Large-Scale Painting
Working on a wall is such a different experience from painting on canvas or paper—it’s freeing, immersive, and totally shifts your perspective. I hadn’t done large-scale acrylic murals in years, and this project brought back so many great memories. That said, my neck and back weren’t as thrilled about the process! 😂
A fun bonus? The clients were away on a trip, so I had the whole house (and their pool!) to myself. It was the perfect setup—painting all day and stretching out my back in the water in between layers. The dream job!
When they returned, they were thrilled with the final result—a huge relief! Seeing their reaction reminded me why I love creating custom art that transforms spaces and makes people happy.
See the video of the process here
Would You Love a Custom Mural?
If you’ve ever thought about bringing botanical beauty into your home with a hand-painted mural, I’d love to chat! Whether it’s a kitchen, living room, or any space that could use a touch of art, a custom mural can completely transform the atmosphere.
🌿 Visit blule.fr to see more of my work or get in touch!
Let me know—would you ever paint a mural in your home? 😊🎨✨