Mural Art as a Driver of Value and Wellbeing in Real Estate Projects

Breaking the Monotony: How Mural Art Enhances Value and Wellbeing in Real Estate Projects

A few years ago, I was involved in redesigning a residential lobby in Mexico City. Like many recent developments, the building suffered from impersonal, lifeless spaces. The solution came from a local mural artist proposing an abstract piece inspired by native flora. It not only transformed the space’s perception but also boosted visits and inquiries while quickly becoming embraced by the community. The mural evolved into a strategic asset beyond mere decoration.

Murals: More than Art, a Strategic Tool in Real Estate

Murals, whether in residential or commercial areas, are redefining how residents and visitors connect with their surroundings. Their rising presence in real estate projects reflects far more than aesthetics—it answers the need for differentiation, user experience, and local branding.

Premium real estate brands use mural art as a primary visual differentiator.
Community areas and waiting zones gain warmth and memorability through large murals.
The buying or renting experience becomes more personal, enhancing emotional bonds with the property.

When applied strategically, murals boost community ties, strengthen brand identity, and increase the symbolic capital of properties. But do they truly affect market value?

Concrete Evidence: Do Murals Raise Real Estate Value?

Recent studies show that incorporating public art, particularly murals, correlates with increased perceived value of homes and businesses. According to the Arts & Economic Prosperity V report by Americans for the Arts, public art nearby can boost adjacent property values by 10 to 20 percent in certain US cities, while also significantly increasing visitor traffic and local economic activity.

A study by Transportation for America revealed that projects integrating art not only enhanced the physical environment but also gained stronger social acceptance and organically increased the value of neighborhoods previously seen as uninviting.

Faster sales and occupancy rates: properties with impactful murals typically move quicker.
Higher willingness to pay premiums for distinctive environments and experiences.
Strengthened brand positioning and enhanced storytelling for projects.

Wellbeing, Perception, and Emotional Connection to Spaces

Mural art is not only justifiable as an ROI element; it directly influences the wellbeing of users and visitors. There is extensive evidence, including from Design & Wellbeing, showing how physical settings and visual art can reduce stress, elevate mood, and deepen emotional attachment to spaces.

"It's not just about beautifying surroundings, but about creating spaces people want to inhabit and remember"

Perception of a mural spans from sensory stimulation—with fitting shapes and colors—to the pride of ownership sparked by art that connects with local history or collective creativity. Leading real estate developers now collaborate with artists to co-create identity and culture within projects, moving beyond the bland "neutral backdrop" mentality.

International Success Stories: New York, Melbourne, and São Paulo

In many mature markets, investing in murals has become a catalyst for urban renewal and real estate marketing targeted at investors.

Brooklyn: The “Notorious B.I.G.” mural revitalized the block and sharply increased residential and commercial rental values over subsequent years, according to NPR.
Melbourne: Its “laneways” program shows how artistic murals can be embedded in public policy to quickly enhance urban spaces and deliver proven returns.
São Paulo: Through the “Cidade Mural” initiative, residential and commercial buildings compete to attract talent via unique visual identity and community participation in the murals.

These examples, supported by qualitative assessments and financial metrics, highlight a global trend of integrating murals as an added value and urban transformation driver.

How to Choose the Right Mural for Your Real Estate Project

From my experience, this process blends design, strategy, co-creation, and logistics. Here are some key tips for selecting the perfect mural:

Clear goals: decide if the aim is to attract people, strengthen community, tell brand stories, or establish differentiation.
Integrate seamlessly with architecture and interior design: include the mural from conceptual stages, not as an afterthought.
Artist selection: balance artistic reputation with local relevance, while welcoming collaborative approaches.
Community involvement: open consultations or votes can enhance the sense of ownership.
Materials and durability: use proper techniques and supports suited for exposure and local conditions.
Communication strategy: promote the mural as a valuable asset through media, events, and digital channels.

There are no universal formulas. Some developers prefer figurative murals that tell local stories; others opt for abstraction connecting with nature or digital art. Visualization tools like Deptho Interior Design allow previewing the visual impact of murals before implementation, making collaborative decisions easier.

Connecting Murals with Design, Wellness, and Innovation Trends

Murals today interact with biophilic materials, dynamic lighting technologies, and neuroaesthetic strategies. They can activate low-traffic zones or social spaces, support interactive installations, and feature in launches or branding campaigns.

For example, I have witnessed how phosphorescent paint or integrated LED sensors can transform the ambiance, crafting multisensory experiences with lasting impressions. Some firms even incorporate augmented reality over physical murals for smartphone-driven interactions.

Mural art aligns well with sustainability, space reutilization, and accessibility strategies—topics we have covered in other blog posts like adaptive reuse of buildings. A mural can breathe new life into previously overlooked surfaces, integrating a location’s past and present.

Practical Tips: Effective Integration of Murals in Your Project

Consider murals from the project’s inception, not as an afterthought.
Leverage rendering and virtual visualization tools like Deptho Sketch to Image to test color, form, and size variations before final commissioning.
Include conservation and maintenance costs in your budget.
Communicate the mural’s value to your target audience by highlighting its story, technique, artist, and collaborative processes.
Explore expanding the visual narrative to other project elements such as signage, merchandise, and digital experiences.

Common Mistakes When Implementing Murals in Architecture and Real Estate

Throughout years of consulting, I've seen projects lose impact due to recurring oversights:

Treating the mural just as decoration—losing narrative strength and perceived value.
Failing to consult with conservation and materials experts, leading to premature wear.
Lack of communication after completion, missing out on PR and user engagement opportunities.

What Role Will Murals Play in the Future of Architecture and Real Estate?

With the rising demand for unique, customizable, and emotionally authentic environments, muralism—whether traditional or digital—is becoming essential in designing living, working, and leisure spaces. It also acts as a bridge linking architects, designers, artists, and end users.

Final Thoughts: An Invitation to Blend Art and Strategy

Whether for attracting buyers, raising quality of life, or leaving a mark on the urban landscape, mural art presents an innovative and differentiating opportunity yet to be fully tapped by many. For practical visualization ideas or fresh ways to transform spaces with technology, explore our Deptho tools and continue exploring our blog for more strategic insights.