The Beatles' ever-popular song 'In My Life,' is an earnest reflection on the importance of remembering the mundane 'people and things' we interact with daily. A painted door in Paul McCartney's studio embodies the design version of this philosophy.
By using art to transform the most banal parts of his home (what's more humdrum than a door?), Paul shows his appreciation for the everyday in a move I find spectacularly inspiring. Photographs of the songwriter's music room taken by his daughter Mary McCartney reveal the four-paneled gateway has been painted with intricate Eastern-inspired murals. A blue floral design grows across the center lines. A brass doorknob looks carefully chosen.
Paul's space contains lessons beyond how to organize a music room; principally, it's a masterclass in romanticizing your life through design. As a young woman in my mid-20s, I am constantly thinking about ways to make every day feel more magical, and an unexpected mural is the perfect place to start.
Shop the Studio Edit
Nothing is cooler than spinning vinyl on the record player. Store your records in style, like Paul, with this perfectly sized, specialty wooden stand. It has a plug in the back, allowing you to keep the records rolling with ease.
This capiz shell pendant brings an elevated rock-n-roll sensibility to any room where it is used. It would look so beautiful with the warm woods of a studio like Paul's space.
Floral pillows add the stylish country chic feel to any sofas, it instantly makes a space feel warmer and more welcoming. This embroidered chambray pillow looks so delicate and luxurious. No one would guess it only costs $12 at Walmart.
First, the best thing about a wall mural idea as a form of self-expression is that it can be installed anywhere on any budget. For instance, Paul's door mural is a contrast to the multi-foot paintings we tend to see in design magazines stretching across dining room walls. This kind of micro-mural could be installed in any room, as long as there is a door present.
For me, however, the mural trend is about more than the painting itself; it's a mindset that can be applied across the home. I am taking it as permission to opt for the louder, more design-led cushion over the neutral one that might be more expected for guests. It's inspiring me to buy more interesting tea towels and cooking tools, to elevate even the most unglamorous activities that I do every day.
Creating mood-boosting design is all about a perspective shift towards colors, materials, and patterns that spark joy. Today, I'm choosing to follow Paul McCartney's example.
