Cover Tara Soriano with her mural at a private home in Forbes
Tara Soriano with her mural at a private home in Forbes
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Enter the whimsical world of artist Tara Soriano’s personalised hand-painted murals
The creative spirit manifests itself differently; Tara Soriano’s career is a testament to that. From studying interior architecture to gemology, she dove into every artistic pursuit that came her way. However, with encouragement from her friends and family, she started making murals. She fell in love with its boundless possibilities, turning mural painting into her career.
In Soriano’s own words, the art of mural painting is a collaborative process. “Clients approach me, already wanting something unique for their spaces,” she shares. “They want artworks that reflect their personalities and interests.” A clear direction streamlines the process, ensuring that their shared vision comes to life.
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Above Tara Soriano working on a home mural
Above Tara Soriano working on a home mural
Tara Soriano working on a home mural
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Soriano further personalises each mural with personal elements like the owners’ pets, zodiac signs, or favourite fruits. The infinite possibilities make each project a joyful exploration of people’s different identities.
For Soriano, the outcome is “a harmonious middle ground, where my artistic vision aligns with the homeowner’s desires.” Aside from these home murals, she is designing one for Starbucks’s second Community Store in the Philippines, for the benefit of Mano Amiga Academy students.
Above Tara Soriano's mural at a house in Ortigas
Tara Soriano's mural at a house in Ortigas
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What factors should homeowners consider when they choose a location and size for a mural in their home?
Available wall space, natural lighting, and the overall design aesthetic of the room should be considered. It’s important to choose a location that allows the mural to be the focal point and aligns it with the flow and function of the space.
The size of the mural should also be proportionate to the wall and room, to make sure it enhances rather than overwhelms the surroundings.
What are common areas of the home that people commission murals for?
Some common areas include dining rooms, bedrooms, nurseries and entryways. Each area presents its opportunities for creative expression and can be transformed into a captivating visual experience.
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Above Home mural by Tara Soriano
Home mural by Tara Soriano
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What are the different steps you go through in working with homeowners on a mural project?
The process typically involves several steps. Collaboration and communication with the homeowner are key to eliciting their satisfaction. First, I engage in a thorough consultation to understand the homeowner’s vision, preferences and budget. I ask for measurements, pegs and their preferred colour palette.
Then, I create a concept and present it for approval, making any necessary adjustments based on feedback. Once the design is finalised, I proceed with preparing the wall and finally painting it with great attention to detail.
How durable are the materials you use in your murals? What tips do you have for homeowners for maintaining the vibrancy of their murals over time?
The materials I use for my murals are carefully selected for durability and longevity. I use high-quality acrylic paints that are fade-resistant and offer excellent colour retention.
To maintain the vibrancy of a mural, homeowners should avoid direct sunlight exposure, clean the mural gently with a soft cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on it.
Above Tara Soriano's mural at Salum Resort, Dumaguete
Tara Soriano's mural at Salum Resort, Dumaguete
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In your experience, how do murals impact the atmosphere of the home?
They can create a sense of depth, warmth and visual interest. A well-designed mural can completely transform a space, making it more inviting, inspiring and personalised.
It adds a touch of artistic flair and becomes a conversation starter, leaving a lasting impression on both residents and visitors.
Do you have any favourite recent projects? What was the design process for it like?
I would say a mural inspired by the beauty of European landscapes. The design process involved photos of the clients’ visit to an Italian countryside. Our goal was to immortalise their love for Italy.
We worked together to incorporate a variety of shades and tones of sage with trees and animals into the mural. The result was a breathtaking depiction of nature that brought a sense of tranquillity and serenity to the room.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
