Custom Wall Murals: The Interior Design Trend of 2026
In 2026, custom wall murals are emerging as a major interior design trend. More and more people are moving beyond framed prints and mass-produced posters, and choosing to turn entire walls into works of art.
In homes, offices, boutiques, spas and hotels, bespoke murals are becoming a powerful way to personalise a space, give it a strong visual identity, and create an atmosphere that feels truly unique.
For the past few years, I’ve been working with private clients, companies and brands to transform their spaces through abstract, custom-painted wall murals. In this article, I’d like to share my vision of mural art, what it can bring to an interior, and how we can imagine a project together if you’re considering one for your own space.
Hand-painted mural above the bed in a Parisian apartment
A custom mural is more than decoration
It’s easy to think of a mural as “just a big decor piece”, but to me, a custom wall mural is much more than that.
It’s:
a presence in the room – something you feel even when you’re not looking directly at it;
a rhythm – a way of guiding the eye and structuring how you experience the space;
a daily relationship with art – not an object you hang and forget, but a work that becomes part of the architecture itself.
Where a framed artwork can be moved, replaced or stored away, a mural is anchored in the place. It becomes part of the story and identity of that room.
This is one of the reasons why custom murals resonate so strongly with current interior design trends: people are looking for spaces that reflect who they are, rather than interiors that look like everyone else’s.
A dialogue between architecture, light and colour
What I love most about creating abstract murals is the quiet dialogue they create between:
the architecture of the space and the shapes I paint,
the light and the way it changes throughout the day,
the people who use the space and what they want to feel there.
I never design a mural without taking the space into account.
I look at:
how the light moves across the wall from morning to evening,
how people move through the room, where they sit, where they pause,
what materials are already present – wood, concrete, textiles, metal, glass…
From there, I compose a contemporary abstract mural that resonates with the existing space, while bringing in something new: a more sensitive, poetic, interior dimension.
In that sense, a custom mural is not a trend piece that you’ll grow tired of in a year. When it’s deeply connected to the space, it ages gracefully with it.
What kinds of spaces are ideal for a mural?
One of the reasons custom murals are becoming such a strong design trend in 2026 is their flexibility. They work in many different environments:
In a home or apartment
a living room feature wall
a dining area backdrop
a bedroom wall behind the bed
an entrance or hallway that needs character
In offices or coworking spaces
a meeting room that should feel inspiring rather than sterile
a break area or lounge
a reception or waiting area where first impressions matter
In spas, wellness spaces or yoga studios
a mural can support a feeling of calm, softness and grounding.
In restaurants, cafés or hotels
a mural can become a strong visual signature, something guests remember and associate with the place.
In boutiques or showrooms
it can create an immersive atmosphere that highlights products without overshadowing them.
In every case, the goal is the same: to transform a blank wall into a space of emotion and identity.
My universe: abstract, sensitive, organic murals
I am an abstract painter, and my work often explores:
pigments and layered colours,
organic and structured forms,
the idea of edges, thresholds and fragments,
a sense of inner landscape or memory.
In my murals, this universe expands to the scale of architecture.
The shapes I paint are often abstract, evoking maps, landscapes, lisières (edges), or internal geographies rather than literal scenes.
I don’t paint characters or figurative scenes.
Instead, I create sensitive abstract landscapes that leave space for each person to find their own meaning.
This is also what makes murals so timeless: you don’t “finish” reading them. You can come back to them each day and notice something new.
How does a custom mural project work?
Every mural project is unique, but the process usually follows a few clear steps.
1. First conversation
We start with a conversation (by email, video call, or in person) where you tell me about:
your space,
the wall you’re thinking about,
what you’d like to feel when you enter the room.
You don’t need to have a precise idea.
A simple “This wall feels too empty, I want it to live” is often enough.
2. Photos, measurements and context
You send me photos of the space, along with the wall dimensions.
When the project requires it and if it’s feasible, I can also visit the site to better feel the atmosphere.
3. Intention and colour palette
Together, we clarify:
the emotions you want the mural to convey (calm, energy, softness, strength…),
the colour palette (muted, vibrant, warm, cool, contrasted…),
how the mural should interact with the existing furniture and materials.
4. Artistic proposal
I then prepare an artistic direction: a sketch or visual mock-up, references, and a colour palette.
We refine this together until it feels right.
5. On-site painting
I come to paint the mural directly on your wall.
Depending on the size and complexity, this may take anywhere from one to several days.
6. Protection and finishing
Lastly, I apply a suitable protective layer, adapted to the type of space (private home, high-traffic area, proximity to water, etc.).
The result is a unique mural, created specifically for your space, in harmony with your daily life and the identity of the place.
Why custom wall murals are a strong trend for 2026
Several movements are converging:
the desire for more personal interiors, far from “copy-paste” Pinterest homes;
the wish to live with original art, not just reproduction prints;
the increasing importance of well-being at home and in the workplace;
and, more broadly, the search for spaces that tell a story.
Custom wall murals are at the crossroads of all these needs.
They combine art, architecture and interior design in a very direct way.
When a mural is tailored to a space, it doesn’t just follow a trend – it helps create a lasting identity.
Let’s imagine your inner landscape
I’m Julia A. Etedi, an abstract artist.
I create original abstract paintings, custom wall murals and unique pieces that I offer for sale and on commission.
If you have a wall that feels like it’s “asking for something” –
or if you’re thinking about bringing this 2026 interior design trend into your home, office or boutique in a meaningful way –
I’d be delighted to talk with you.
You can:
explore my visual universe through the artworks available on my website,
or write to me directly at: julia@juliaetedi.com
Tell me about your space, your wall, your atmosphere.
Together, we can imagine the mural that truly belongs there.