A Landscape Nursery Mural
Balancing Color, Connection, and Creativity: One Year Out
While I’ve never “nested” in preparation for a new addition to a family, I’ve often wondered what I’d be like if my partner and I decided to have kids. Would I crave a soft color palette, a nursery filled with cozy, “cute” little touches? Or would I lean into bold colors and shapes, creating scenes for imaginative play? Maybe I’d even try to encapsulate something deeply meaningful to us—like my love of dance or my husband’s fondness for fishing—in the hopes our child would grow to cherish our interests, too.
It’s wild how this nursery mural project from roughly a year ago blended all those possibilities. I was commissioned to create a nursery mural that tied together three cherished landscapes for new parents Candace and Kevin: Lake Tahoe, Siesta Key, and Kansas sunflower fields. Each of these places holds special meaning to them, and they wanted their daughter to grow up surrounded by the love and memories these locations represent.
This project wasn’t just one mural—it was three interconnected murals in one room. My goal was to make them cohesive while keeping each scene distinct. It was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking to take on something so large-scale, but the result? Worth every second.
Planning the Vision
As always, the process began with the theme. When Candace and Kevin shared their vision for the landscapes, I felt a spark of excitement. Murals for nurseries bring a unique challenge—there’s an extra layer of consideration because it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about how the space feels and develops alongside a growing child. (I’m also thinking about things like “what will it feel like during a 3:00 am feeding”, “what about after a nightmare and the child needs some extra love as they calm back down” and even, “how can this nursery grow with them through their toddler years?”)
Studies show that young children benefit from bold colors, shapes, and contrasts. I wanted to incorporate those elements while keeping the overall design approachable and calming. Instead of intricate details, I opted for a graphic style with simplified forms and bold, cohesive colors. Mocking up the designs in Photoshop became especially important here. I needed to ensure the color flow made sense throughout the room—no visual chaos, just harmony.
Designing with Color
This mural was all about balance: three unique landscapes, connected through a thoughtful color palette. Each wall had its own identity:
🌊 Tahoe: Bright and sunny greens, blues, and purples
🏖️ Siesta Key: Sunset hues of oranges, yellows, and blues
🌻 Kansas: Earthy greens, blues, and sunlit yellows
Each color appeared in at least two murals, creating flow and cohesion without feeling repetitive. These hues weren’t overly bold or muted—they struck a perfect balance, soft enough for a nursery but vibrant enough to bring the room to life.
The layering process was both meticulous and creative. Siesta Key, with its sweeping sunset, became the focal point, covering the largest wall. Tahoe followed, with its serene mountain scene, and Kansas’ golden fields wrapped up the journey. I was careful to leave spaces of stillness and calm so the room felt grounding, not overwhelming.
And then there were the personal touches: a mountain goat in a Tom Brady jersey (Kevin’s favorite), a beach bird that became reminiscent of their baby’s wild morning hair, and even a baby Jayhawk flying over the sunflowers. These playful details turned the mural into something uniquely theirs—a collaboration that told their story.
Restoration Through Creativity
So, why has it taken me a whole year to blog about this? The honest answer: mental health.
This time of year has a way of overwhelming me. Whether it’s the weight of seasonal depression or the end-of-year rush as clients scramble to finish projects (or throw last minute “new ones” at me), it feels like everything speeds up -not to forget to mention the dance world and winter show season. And while I’ve made strides in setting boundaries and addressing my people-pleasing tendencies, I still fall into the trap of overcommitting.
Ironically, I’ve worked more this year than ever, despite stepping back from other commitments. It’s led to burnout, breakdowns, and more moments of self-doubt than I’d like to admit. But this is where murals—and the creative outlet they provide—have been a lifeline.
Painting these walls becomes my own form of restoration. It reminds me of the importance of balance, both in art and in life. Just as the colors and shapes in this mural came together to create harmony, I’m learning (slowly but surely) to bring that same balance into my own world.
life is a Balancing act
This nursery mural is more than just paint on walls. It’s a story—a room filled with love, memories, and connection. From Tahoe’s cool blues to Siesta Key’s dreamy sunset hues to Kansas’ golden fields, every element was chosen with care to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and uniquely theirs.
I’m endlessly grateful for the trust Candace and Kevin placed in me to create something so personal. As someone who’s chosen not to be a parent at this time, projects like this hold a special place in my heart. Knowing I’ve contributed to a child’s earliest memories, even in a small way, is an honor I don’t take lightly.
As we navigate the holidays and the end of the year, I hope we all take a moment to reflect on balance—not just in how we care for others, but in how we care for ourselves. It’s not selfish to pour into your own cup; it’s necessary. Because when we’re full, we can show up as our best selves—for our families, our clients, and our communities.
So, here’s to filling your cup this season, however that looks for you. And if you’re finding it hard, know you’re not alone—I’m right there with you, figuring it out one brushstroke at a time.
Happiest and safest holidays,
Last Photos by: Photographs by Melissa Jean
