Serenity in Glass: Custom Misty Forest Heron Mosaic Mural for a Bathroom Backsplash

A nature-inspired bespoke mosaic mural designed for a tranquil bathroom setting, created in close collaboration with Lux Design Builds for a client in Washington

When art meets function, even a bathroom becomes a canvas. For Kristin, a returning client from Woodinville, Washington – this project wasn’t just about enhancing a space, but about bringing an atmosphere to life. Working alongside Vered Mirzai of Lux Design Builds, MEC was tasked with creating a serene mosaic backsplash to sit behind the bathtub — a striking focal point designed to inspire calm, stillness, and everyday escape.

The Original Vision - Misty Forest Heron

Kristin’s vision began with a reference from MEC’s own portfolio; the Misty Forest Heron Mosaic Mural. She was captivated by its ethereal atmosphere, where distant forest trees fade into a foggy morning light and graceful herons appear almost ghostlike in the mist. The muted color palette, intricate layering, and lifelike depth of that artwork spoke to her desire for a peaceful, nature-driven design. Kristin envisioned this piece not simply as decoration, but as an experience – something to be quietly enjoyed during a warm bath, with tones that reflect both natural tranquility and refined luxury.

Design Changes: Render Discussions and Alterations

With a clear inspiration in hand, our design team prepared the first render — a highly detailed digital interpretation of the final mosaic. From pattern layout to tile size distribution and forest layering, we offered a visual roadmap of how the finished piece would feel in the space. Kristin’s feedback was essential at this stage. We went through a collaborative review process, adjusting tones, heron positioning, and tree layering to ensure the mural felt both natural and balanced. MEC’s dedication to real-time updates allowed us to turn around design tweaks quickly and efficiently, without losing momentum.

Production: Crafting a Mosaic with Depth

The tile selection was informed by the original Misty Forest design but adapted to suit Kristin’s personal taste and her bathroom’s overall aesthetic. The chosen palette featured:

Soft neutral backgrounds: light ivory, beige, and pale grey to reflect early morning light.
Layered forest silhouettes: in tones of charcoal, slate, deep taupe, and ash.
Subtle heron detailing: rendered in gentle greys and muted browns for a blended, ethereal presence.
Reflective glass accents:providing occasional shimmer to mimic morning dew and diffused light.
Grounded underbrush tones: sienna, olive, and deep black anchoring the base with organic realism.

The Final Design: A Bathroom Oasis

Creating a custom mosaic for a bathroom backsplash required more than artistry – it required thoughtful engineering and careful planning. The space behind a tub is exposed to daily humidity and water contact, and as such, we selected materials that offered both visual elegance and long-term performance.

Once the design was locked in, our master artisans began the production phase. Every element of this mural was hand-cut and hand-placed – a process that requires intense focus, control, and a deep understanding of the artwork’s spatial composition.

Each heron and tree was brought to life through meticulous layering, color gradation, and directional placement of tiles to create the illusion of depth and atmospheric mist. This isn’t just pattern-setting – it’s visual storytelling in stone and glass.

The MEC Difference: Ensuring Precision and Perfection

The finished mosaic now sits beautifully behind Kristin’s bathtub – a serene forest vista captured in timeless materials. In daylight, the reflective glass tiles shimmer softly, mimicking the dappled light through morning mist. In the evening, the mural takes on a muted, calming tone – a perfect match for quiet reflection and relaxation. It’s a mural that anchors the space, transforming a practical wall into a peaceful retreat. Art meets architecture, and nature meets luxury.

Absolutely stunning!!!

Kristin Mantei

Homeowner

Bathrooms demand beauty, but they also require performance. MEC mosaics are built to thrive in moisture-heavy environments like bathrooms and spa rooms. Our tile selections, whether matte or glossy, glass or stone, are designed with both durability and elegance in mind.

From shower walls to vanity backsplashes and tub surrounds, we provide fully customisable designs that match your space, function, and personal style. Whether you want a high-shimmer finish or a soft, matte look, our mosaics are tailored precisely to your specifications. Take a look at the final images of the installed mosaic that Krisitin shared with us:

Thinking about your own mosaic project? Whether you know exactly what you want or need help finding the right design, we’re here to guide you through every step. Let’s create something you’ll love for years to come.