Murals
I have gathered is that they lessen the claustrophobic feel of the bathroom and enhance the experience, more than being a negative feature. A large mural of a map of the world in a bathroom can also be a wonderful conversation starter about the places people enjoy visiting or would like to visit. I personally find the predominance of seaside themes in bathrooms somewhat predictable, but I know many love them! Long narrow hallways can easily be
lifted by features which create a sense of an outside walkway or a brick wall effect wallpaper, as illustrated overleaf in a Butterfly Home in Devon. While these are ‘fake’ bricks, the effect is realistic and the flower basket additions add character.
The writing on the wall I particularly like murals or decals on walls which include verses of poems or songs, especially if they connect with the location, though quality and durability can be an issue with these. In one home, the hallway which leads to the garden has the words of the song ‘English Country Garden’ as well as an array of garden related images. In another home, the “I’m forever
Southern Healthcare hallway
blowing bubbles” words are just outside the bathroom. Lyrics are likely to prompt people to sing
as they walk down a hallway, and quotes or poetry might offer pause for reflection. However, some of the commercial versions of these can tend to be quite sentimental, which will not be to everyone’s taste.
Not one size fits all Here of course lies the central problem when choosing murals in a group living situation. It is a group of individuals who will have different things which are likely to appeal. I would love a mural of the Star Trek Voyager crew, as this has been a television series I have followed avidly since my 20s, and with which I have very positive associations. However, for those who do not know the series, an image of a Talaxian or a Klingon ‘alien’ character might be very alarming! Those thinking about choosing murals might therefore need to default to more generic and ‘safer’ topics which are likely to appeal to the majority. This is why murals related to the sea, to gardens, and to children and animals are the most common themes. If you are trying to make it feel more like a real home, some might argue that photographs and paintings in frames are much more ‘home like’ and more ‘adult’ than murals. However, they do not cover as big a space or have as immediate an impact as more large-scale murals.
A disguised elevator and exit door 30
Context is everything So, what can we conclude in relation to what is positive or problematic in relation to the increasing use of murals in care homes? It seems that context is everything, and so often the very best murals have been chosen and created in consultation with people living and working in a home, as in the St Brendan’s example above. Thought being given to images which help people in terms of orientation to the function of the room or the direction of the hallway to help with wayfinding are surely a good addition. Ultimately the ‘proof is in the pudding’ as
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com May 2024
Belmont House Butterfly Lane, Toronto, Canada
Old Rectory Care Home, Southern Healthcare, Exeter, UK
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