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Transforming Dull Rooms: How a Mural Artist Can Add Interest to Your Space

I recently painted a mural in a residential elevator , and the transformation was extraordinary!



Elevators are often found in coastal homes, as many are raised and an elevator makes the main living space much more accessible. These small spaces are often forgotten when it comes to decorating, and can be rather uninviting.  They also tend to be quite small, making a residential elevator feel a bit claustrophobic. Many people use them solely to transport groceries or luggage, opting to take the stairs themselves. So when I was approached with the idea to make this residential elevator more inviting by creating an underwater scene, I jumped at the opportunity!  My client wanted it to feel like you were actually underwater, so we included the ceiling as well.


Getting Started with Your Mural Artist


As with any mural project, I started by collecting ideas from my client so I could get a clear vision of what they were wanting for their mural.  We discussed the cost, and I let them know how much detail I could include to fit within the given budget.  They sent me reference photos of various fish they would like to see in the scene, including a Hog Fish, which I had never heard of before.  It’s a very interesting looking fish, and turned out to be an important character in the scene, as there was a personal story about “That time we went Hog-fishing”. To anyone else using the elevator it will just be a part of the mural, but to my client, it is a memory of a great time spent with family.




Of course, there had to be an octopus, who takes center stage and anchors the mural.  We included a couple clown fish, some rainbow fish, a tiny sea horse, an eel and some colorful coral.  Oh, and a giant clam! I didn’t even know there was such a thing, but apparently there are giant clams that can grow to up to 4 feet and weigh over 500 pounds! The sea really is an amazing place, and I had so much fun researching for this mural.  


I prepared a design concept that included all of the players and presented it to my client.  I got the thumbs up, and we scheduled a time for me to come and paint the mural.  


Here are a few photos of the progress along the way!


  • The elevator is painted with several layers of varying shades of blue to create the desired effect of being under water. This image shows the elevator with the base coat painted and ready for details
    Getting the base coat ready for the details
  • Time to add a few fish! Myrtle Beach Artist, Michelle Ricalde, is ready to paint a few fish into this underwater scene
    Time to add a few fish!
  • Paying close attention to detail, Myrtle Beach Artist, Michelle Ricalde is shown here painting a Hog Fish into this underwater mural
    I paid special attention to the Hog Fish, since he was such an important character.


A Mural Artist's Big Reveal

One of the greatest parts of being an artist is getting to know the people I am working with.  Whether they are business owners, home owners, town council members, or short-term rental property owners, everyone has a story.  This project was no different.  I spent time with my clients, getting to know them and enjoying their stories. They enjoyed observing the mural's progress, learning about my process, and getting to know me and my journey as a thriving artist. It was an enjoyable process for all of us.  And once the mural was finished, they even had guests over for the big reveal!  It was a fun way to celebrate the end of our journey together, and they got to enjoy sharing their new, unique work of art with their friends. 


  • a Mural of an underwater scene in an elevator painted by Myrtle Beach Mural Artist, Michelle Ricalde, Jersey Girl Art
  • A painting of a Moray Eel on the sea floor by Myrtle beach mural artist, Michelle Ricalde
  • A partial view of the Oak Island elevator painted by Myrtle Beach Area Mural Artist, Michelle Ricalde. Painting of a Hog Fish, Moray Eel, Colorful coral and the sea floor
  • a corner of the elevator mural painted by Michelle Ricalde, Jersey Girl Art. Michelle is a Mural artist based in North Myrtle Beach, SC
  • A painting of an octopus painted by Mural Artist, Michelle Ricalde. Michelle is a full-time artist based in North Myrtle Beach, SC
  • A full view of the mural inside an elevator painted by Myrtle Beach area mural artist, Michelle Ricalde

My clients no longer have a drab, claustrophobic elevator. Now, when you open the door to the elevator, you get a fun surprise with hidden gems all around! This was a true transformation, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to bring this idea to life.


Do you have a dull corner of your home or place of business that could use a transformation? Murals can be customized to suit your vision and your budget! Contact me now to set up a free consultation to discuss your next project!

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