Home Decor

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting a Nursery Mural

The author reflects on their journey of creating a meaningful nursery mural for their son, transforming blank walls into a vibrant space symbolizing love and growth. Each color choice represents resilience and emotional depth, while the mural serves as a backdrop for cherished memories. Despite selling the house, the memories remain forever in their heart.

Some walls are more than just walls. They hold echoes of laughter, midnight lullabies, and whispered dreams. They absorb the weight of our struggles and the warmth of our triumphs. This room—the first space I ever truly made my own—was more than just a nursery. It was a canvas of love, growth, and transformation. And though I no longer own the house it lived in, the memories remain, painted into my heart as permanently as the colors on the walls.

A Journey in Color: Creating a Space for My Son & Myself

When I found myself truly on my own for the first time, my world was both thrilling and overwhelming. I had a home, a growing baby to love, and a blank canvas in the form of beige walls staring back at me. I wanted to create a space that felt bold yet soothing, modern yet timeless, playful yet grounding—a space where my son could dream as he grew.

This mural became more than just a design—it was a reflection of my journey into motherhood and independence. Late nights with a paintbrush in hand, I’d glance over at the crib and imagine my son growing up in this space, surrounded by the mountains I painted for him, symbolic of the challenges we’d face together and the peaks we’d one day conquer.

Empty nursery before painting, featuring plain beige walls ready for a transformation.
Before the transformation – this blank space was waiting for something special.

The Colors That Held My Heart

Every shade carried meaning, chosen not just for aesthetics but for the story they told…(and a little bit for the fabulous paint name):

🎨 Moody Black Evergreen – A deep, grounding presence, much like the strength I was trying to embody. 🎨 Rhino, Sage Gray, Night Blooming Jasmine – Soft layers of mountains, a visual metaphor for growth, resilience, and the ever-changing journey of motherhood. 🎨 Sandstorm – A neutral, warm balance—a reminder that even in life’s storms, there is warmth and light.

Moody green, layered grays, and warm neutrals--color swatches for a geometric nursery mural
The Behr paint colors that brought this vision to life. #GeometricMural

The process was slow and methodical—measuring, taping, painting in layers. Some nights, I’d catch myself getting lost in the motions, reflecting on how much this space meant. I had always wanted a moody wall in my young adulthood but was warned that dark colors would shrink a room, making it feel smaller and closed in. Taking the risk anyway, I was amazed by the transformation—the deep Moody Black Evergreen wall didn’t make the nursery feel cramped at all. Instead, it created a striking contrast that expanded the space, adding depth and making the lighter elements pop. It became a focal point, adding an element of drama while still feeling cozy and intentional.

Gray mountain layers being painted in a geometric nursery mural.
Slowly but surely, the mountains take shape. Each layer adds depth and meaning. 🏔️

Step-by-Step: How I Created This Mural

🛠️ Materials Needed:

  • ✔️ Painter’s Tape[Buy Here]
  • ✔️ High-Quality Paintbrushes & Rollers[Buy Here]
  • ✔️ Level & Measuring Tape[Buy Here]
  • ✔️ Behr Paint Colors:
    • Black Evergreen
    • Rhino
    • Sage Gray
    • Night Blooming Jasmine
    • Sandstorm
    • Midsummer Gold

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🎨 Step 1: Prepping the Wall

  • Wiped down all walls to remove dust.
  • I used a level and measuring tape to lightly sketch out the mural design with a pencil.
  • Applied painter’s tape along the geometric lines.

🎨 Step 2: Painting the Layers

  • Started with the deepest color wall first (Black Evergreen).
  • Let it fully dry before moving to the lighter colors.
  • Carefully peeled off one tape section at a time, adjusting for clean lines.
  • The order that I painted first (1) Rhino – middle mountains since this was the most significant painting space, (2) Night blooming Jasmine – back mountains, (3) Sage Gray – front mountains, (4) Midsummer Gold – sun

🎨 Step 3: Final Touches & Details

  • Peeled off all the painter’s tape (most satisfying moment ever!).
  • Touched up any areas where the paint had bled through.
  • Stepped back… and fell in love.

Painter’s tape being removed to reveal sharp lines in a geometric nursery mural.
That satisfying moment when you peel the tape and see those perfect lines! ✨

Common Mistakes to Avoid & Pro Tips ❌✅

🚫 Not using quality painter’s tape – Cheap tape leads to bleeding and messy lines. 🚫 Skipping wall prep – Dust, grease, or old paint can cause uneven application. 🚫 Removing tape too soon – Always let the paint dry before pulling it off!

Take progress pictures! If you need to retouch, you’ll know exactly where you left off. ✅ Use a small brush for edges – It helps with fine details and touch-ups. ✅ Seal the paint – A matte clear coat can help protect your mural from fading or chipping over time.

A Room Full of Firsts 💛

This room was where I rocked my son to sleep for the first time. It was where his laughter first echoed, where he took his first wobbly steps across the floor. It was where I whispered to him in the quiet hours of the night, promising that no matter what, I’d always create a safe place for him.

Selling this home was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. The moment I closed the door for the last time, I felt the sting of loss—but also the weight of gratitude. This home gave me more than I could have ever asked for.

Want to Paint a Geometric Mural? Save This Guide!

If you’re considering adding a bold yet meaningful statement to your home, this project was truly worth every moment. Grab everything you need and make it happen!

💬 Tell me in the comments: What’s one space in your home that holds the most meaning for you?

📌 Pin this for later!

Before and after side-by-side of a DIY geometric nursery mural transformation.
Who else loves a dramatic home transformation? 🎨✨ #DIYMural

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