On the subject of wall decor, the standard go-tos are a brand new coat of paint, framed artwork, or wallpaper. However a mural can remodel a room as nicely or higher than any of the extra apparent options.

Calgary-based artist Rachel Lyon has been portray murals for a decade. In that point, she’s seen enterprise from commissioned residential work enhance.

“The final three or so years has been more and more busy,” she stated. “Whether or not that’s as a result of I’m rising my enterprise or gaining a bit extra notoriety, I’m unsure. I dwell in a metropolis that actually helps the humanities and public artwork, so I feel that helps as nicely.”

In Vancouver not less than, exterior murals have been showcased within the annual Vancouver Mural Competition, which got here to an in depth in 2025 after a nine-year run. Quite a few native artists and companies, together with Natalie Approach, Kim Hunter and Studio Muze, settle for residential mural commissions.

Lyon finds that some folks must wrap their minds across the thought of a mural over extra typical residence decor concepts.

“Typically, individuals are anxious that they could change their thoughts, or outgrow it. Or they’re anxious about resale worth. However once I purchased my home there have been three kids-themed murals and we don’t have children. We simply sanded them, primed them, and painted over them. You’ll by no means know they have been there. It truly is simply paint.”

Surprisingly, most of her residential work hasn’t been dinosaurs and clouds.

“I’ve accomplished just a few children’ rooms, however I’ve accomplished extra powder rooms, visitor rooms, dwelling rooms — extra adult-themed areas. Which may simply be the type of my artwork. A few of my muralist friends do tons of youngsters’ rooms, so it’s positively getting extra in style with households.”

Her type tends in direction of “botanicals and nature parts — vegetation and flowers — however nothing too on the market.”

Often, her purchasers have some thought of what they need.

“Some will ship over a Pinterest board or they’ve a color palette in thoughts.”

Whether or not the consumer comes with their very own concepts or not, the mural will probably be one-of-a-kind.

“Each consumer I tackle will get a customized design. They don’t decide from a preset e-book of designs. I work with them on their inspiration and what they need, they usually see every part mocked up digitally earlier than I even contact the paint, so that they have an thought of what they’re getting.”

It takes her about one to 2 days to color 100 sq. ft.

“It is dependent upon the extent of element. If it’s additional detailed, it’s going to take longer. If it’s less complicated, it may very well be accomplished in someday. Each artist is totally different, however that’s sort of the candy spot for me.”

Whether or not on the road, in a foyer or in somebody’s home, mural portray is normally accomplished in public. She has acquired used to folks watching her work.

“It was sort of unusual at first, however I’ve grown to adore it. Most individuals are so supportive and simply genuinely curious. It positively provides time while you’re portray in busy public locations as a result of folks need to chat. Typically it’s a brand new enterprise entering into and individuals are interested in what’s occurring of their neighbourhood. They simply have questions.”

For these on the fence about hiring a muralist for his or her residence, she notes that “It’s totally different than having a canvas in your wall. It’s one thing that sparks a sense — normally pleasure. That’s why folks need murals: one thing that makes them really feel good. And it’s one thing you get to expertise daily.”

For her look on the

BC House + Backyard Present

— her first, although she’s appeared on the Calgary and Edmonton editions — she’ll create a bit for a Vancouver non-profit. Two native artists, Susan Phan and Angel Kao, will assist paint the piece, which will probably be on skinny plywood so it’s moveable and may be simply utilized to a wall.

On the time of this writing, Lyon wasn’t but positive what the topic will probably be, although she has some concepts.

“Figuring out me, it is going to be one thing home-and-garden impressed. Spring’s coming, so most likely one thing florally that provides that ‘we’re over winter’ vibe.”

The BC House + Backyard Present 2026 runs from March 12 to fifteen on the Vancouver Conference Centre West. Discover the Foremost Stage and Cooking Stage schedule, a rundown of options and workshops, plus present hours and tickets at bchomeandgardenshow.com