For much of the last decade, interior walls were treated as neutral infrastructure. Soft palettes and uniform finishes dominated residential and hospitality spaces, offering visual calm but little individuality.
In 2026, interior design is moving beyond restraint. Murals are returning as a defining design element, not as surface decoration, but as intentional, narrative-driven wall art that shapes how a space is experienced.
This resurgence reflects a broader cultural shift toward interiors that feel expressive, layered, and emotionally engaging rather than purely minimal.
Murals as Architectural Design Elements
Unlike wallpaper or paint, murals operate at an architectural scale. They influence how a room is read, how movement flows, and where the eye settles.
Contemporary mural design allows a single wall to carry atmosphere, material depth, and visual identity, reducing the need for excessive décor. When integrated thoughtfully, murals become part of the spatial structure rather than an applied finish.
At Baaya Design, murals are developed as spatial interventions. Textile-based wall works, handcrafted panels, and material-led installations are designed in dialogue with architecture, ensuring the wall contributes meaningfully to the overall interior language.
Personal Expression Is Driving the Mural Revival
A key reason murals are returning is the growing rejection of generic interiors. Homeowners and designers are seeking spaces that feel authored rather than assembled.
Murals provide a rare opportunity for customisation at scale. They can reflect personal narratives, cultural references, abstract ideas, or emotional tone in a way that standard wall finishes cannot.
Baaya’s bespoke mural artworks and narrative wall panels are often shaped through collaborative conversations, allowing the final work to emerge from context rather than trend. This results in wall art that feels specific, rooted, and inseparable from the space.
The Shift Toward Curated Maximalism
Interior trends in 2026 are embracing visual richness again, carefully and intentionally. This movement toward curated maximalism prioritises depth, texture, and boldness without visual overload.
Large-format murals play a central role in this shift. They introduce complexity through material and composition while maintaining spatial clarity.
Baaya’s textile murals exemplify this approach. Layered fabrics, embroidery techniques, and tonal variations create richness without clutter, allowing the wall to anchor the space rather than dominate it.
Murals as Mood and Wellness Tools
As homes increasingly function as sanctuaries, murals are being used to shape mood rather than create spectacle. Nature-inspired and biophilic murals are particularly prominent, responding to a desire for calm, grounded interiors.
Rather than literal imagery, contemporary murals often interpret natural systems abstractly, through organic forms, restrained colour palettes, and tactile surfaces. This approach creates visual rest while maintaining interest.
Baaya’s biophilic wall installations draw from ecological patterns and material sensibility, offering a subtle yet immersive presence that supports wellbeing and spatial balance.
The Return of Craft in Wall Art
Another reason murals are trending in 2026 is the renewed appreciation for craftsmanship. In contrast to mass-produced finishes, handcrafted murals carry visible evidence of process, time, and skill.
This human quality introduces depth and authenticity into interiors. Slight irregularities, layered finishes, and material variation give the wall a sense of permanence and value.
Baaya’s copper enamel wall panels demonstrate how material-driven murals can function as both art and architecture. Each panel carries tonal shifts and textural nuances that emerge through hand-finishing, reinforcing the uniqueness of the space.
Technology Has Expanded Mural Possibilities
Advancements in digital printing, modular systems, and installation techniques have made murals more versatile and accessible. From permanent installations to adaptable wall panels, murals can now be integrated across residential, hospitality, and even temporary interiors.
While technology has broadened execution methods, the most impactful murals remain concept-driven. At Baaya, technology supports precision and scale, but the narrative and material logic always lead the design.
Scale, Spatial Impact, and Longevity
Beyond aesthetics, murals are powerful spatial tools. They can visually expand compact rooms, anchor large interiors, and guide movement through a space.
The most successful interior murals are not visually demanding. They settle into the architecture, becoming part of the daily experience rather than a momentary focal point. This integration is what allows murals to endure beyond trends.
The Baaya Design Approach to Murals
At Baaya Design, murals are conceived as integral components of spatial storytelling. Each wall is approached with a clear question: What role should this surface play in the space?
Through close collaboration with architects, interior designers, and artisans, Baaya murals evolve alongside the architecture, resulting in wall art that feels embedded, intentional, and contextually grounded.
Why Murals Matter in 2026 Interiors
Murals are returning not as a stylistic trend, but as a response to how people want to inhabit space today. They represent a shift toward interiors that value expression, craftsmanship, and atmosphere over uniformity.