| What could be more tranquil than an underwater | | | | trompe l'oeil painting. In a kid's room you could |
| world? Murals that create the impression of being | | | | paint portholes which afford glimpses of a magical |
| under the sea or beneath the surface of a lake or | | | | underwater realm. The room itself then 'becomes' |
| river can be perfect for a peaceful bedroom, a | | | | a ship or submarine, which may appeal especially |
| rustic beach cottage or a child's room. The water | | | | to boys. Little girls might like trompe l'oeil windows |
| theme also goes well in bathrooms and can | | | | that give the impression of looking on to a sandy |
| complement outdoor areas, for example, around | | | | sea floor where mermaids frolic. |
| a swimming pool. Here are some ideas and tips to | | | | Mural Painting |
| stimulate your imagination. | | | | Whichever design you choose you will be able to |
| Inspirations | | | | find a stencil to suit your needs. Reusable stencils, |
| There are many ways of achieving an | | | | or transfers that allow you to mark a design on |
| 'underwater look', depending on the style you go | | | | to the wall ready for painting, can make life much |
| for. A child's room may invite cartoon-style, | | | | easier for those who lack confidence in their |
| whereas you will probably want a different look | | | | artistic skills. |
| for a bathroom, living room or adult bedroom. | | | | You can also create a mural from a picture or |
| Murals in a child's rooms will use different imagery. | | | | photograph of your choice. Divide your image and |
| With 'Pirates of the Caribbean' popular with kids, | | | | your wall space into corresponding squares and |
| you might want to depict shipwrecks and chests | | | | trace out your design block by block, amplifying |
| of sunken treasure. A humorous treatment | | | | the scale and measuring to make sure you're on |
| works well in kids' rooms - and a bit of whimsy | | | | track - or use one of the computer programs |
| can be fun in the bathroom too. | | | | that will do it for you. |
| In a living area the tranquil look that an aquarium | | | | The way to start painting your underwater vista |
| creates can be simulated in paint. Tropical fish in | | | | is to mark out your 'horizon' or equivalent. You |
| bright colors, swimming through gently waving | | | | might have two zones: the sea or riverbed and |
| underwater grasses, can look exotic as well as | | | | the water above. Using a roller for a larger space, |
| peaceful. If fish aren't your thing, there are other | | | | cover these areas in the desired background |
| options. A sea or riverbed strewn with delicate, | | | | color(s). You can then get going on the details of |
| pastel seashells can make for a subtle underwater | | | | shells and submerged rocks, as well as decorative |
| scene that will go well in a variety of rooms. | | | | touches such as light slanting through the |
| Remember too that your underwater mural | | | | underwater plant life. |
| doesn't have to be blue. Soft greens and even | | | | If your underwater mural is in a bathroom, make |
| shades of brown can also create a relaxing | | | | sure you buy paint that is waterproof and if it is |
| ambiance. | | | | located outdoors, sun- and weather-resistant. For |
| For a bit of fun, you could experiment with | | | | a long-lasting finish, remember to seal it carefully. |