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1. Use existing artwork for inspiration. "Go to the bookstore or art store and pick up a book you like. If you don't like something in the picture, you can always change it and do something different for that part," Douglas says.

2. Draw upon your home's style when it comes to design. "The house will tell you what it wants. Take a look at the colors you're using and the patterns," says Douglas. "The biggest areas are the master bed and bath, which are also very private. Sometimes people want to make a big splash in a foyer or kitchen."

3. Once you've selected a design, don't rush it. "My favorite words to tell people are 'Let's go slow.' It's easy to get carried away," Douglas says.

4. Know when to stop. "You can overkill a room with handpainting," Dawn points out. "Plus, you will be adding other things to this room, so don't overdo it."

5. If you're serious, go back to school. "The best thing to do is take a basic drawing class to learn more about perspective," Dawn suggests.

Douglas uses oil-based paints but recommends acrylics for beginning- and intermediate-level artists.

			For Gail's designs, he toned down the colors for a softer effect. "The colors were really muted because she didn't want them too intense," he explains.
			Inset at left: This floral bouquet was based on some of the homeowner's favorite blooms. To prevent the design from looking too stark on the wall. Douglas muted the colors by mixing them with white paint and applied them to an aged background that he created using different neutral shades.
5 Palette Pointers Douglas and Dawn are professionals whose work reflects their background, but they encourage would-be artists to try their hand at creating murals. Here are their tips for painting at home: 1. Use existing artwork for inspiration. "Go to the bookstore or art store and pick up a book you like. If you don't like something in the picture, you can always change it and do something different for that part," Douglas says. 2. Draw upon your home's style when it comes to design. "The house will tell you what it wants. Take a look at the colors you're using and the patterns," says Douglas. "The biggest areas are the master bed and bath, which are also very private. Sometimes people want to make a big splash in a foyer or kitchen." 3. Once you've selected a design, don't rush it. "My favorite words to tell people are 'Let's go slow.' It's easy to get carried away," Douglas says. 4. Know when to stop. "You can overkill a room with handpainting," Dawn points out. "Plus, you will be adding other things to this room, so don't overdo it." 5. If you're serious, go back to school. "The best thing to do is take a basic drawing class to learn more about perspective," Dawn suggests.


		Douglas uses a variety of techniques to create murals that appeal to his clients' personal tastes and environment. For homeowner Gail Probst, he took her penchant for floral displays and recreated them in a big way on her walls. One was 9 feet long and took him a week to complete. It would be difficult to match Douglas' artistry and detail work, but floral scenes can be copied. He suggests poring through garden books and magazines, finding an image you like and making a full-size photocopy. Rub the back with charcoal or pencil, then flip it over, position the copy where you want the design, then tape it to the wall. Trace the image, remove the paper, and the image will be transferred to the wall, ready to be painted.