A Sea of Tiles - Outdoor Octopus Mosaic Mural for a California Home
Inspired by art, this California homeowner’s vision for aquatic-themed artwork is now a reality, transforming their backyard wall in Encinitas. Read about the process that brought this ocean-inspired mosaic to life.
When Tom from Encinitas, CA, reached out, his vision for a custom mosaic centered around the ocean. He was deciding between two ideas: a school of fish in soft colors or a bold octopus inspired by an artwork by Iris Scott. Both designs were tied to the sea, but the octopus ultimately captured his imagination. Its dramatic lines, fabulous tentacles, and bold color palette felt like the right fit for the open space in his backyard.
This wasn’t a quick decision—Tom spent time imagining how each option would look on the wall. He wanted more than just decoration; he wanted a centerpiece that would add personality to his outdoor space. Once he chose the octopus, the creative process began.
Turning a Painting into a Mosaic
Reinterpreting a painting into a mosaic is no small task. A painting like Iris Scott’s has fluid brushstrokes, subtle gradients, and a sense of motion that can feel almost alive. Bringing that same energy into a structured medium like mosaic tiles required careful planning and a deep focus on detail.
The design’s foundation was laid by breaking down the artwork into layers of color and texture. We selected glass tiles in vivid shades of blue, orange, and purple to recreate the octopus’s movement and vibrancy. Its tentacles were a focal point—they had to feel dynamic, like they were flowing across the wall, while staying balanced within the overall composition.
Why Choose Murano Glass Tiles for Mosaic Artworks?
Practical considerations also played a big role. The ocean-themed mosaic was destined to live outdoors, so we used weather-resistant materials designed to withstand UV exposure, coastal moisture, and seasonal changes. This way, the colors and finish would stay just as striking for years to come.
Visualizing the Vision: Complimentary 3D Renders
One of the ways we ensure our clients feel confident in their mosaic decisions is by providing complimentary 3D renders. Before diving into production, we create detailed visualizations that help bring the proposed design to life. These renders are invaluable tools, giving clients like Tom the chance to see how the mosaic will look in their actual space—before a single tile is laid down.
For Tom, the render helped solidify his choice. We sent him multiple visual options, showing the octopus design in different perspectives and with variations in color balance and layout. It wasn’t just about seeing the design on paper; it was about being able to compare how it would interact with his wall, the surrounding space, and the outdoor lighting.
This process allows for a seamless collaboration, ensuring everyone is on the same page. It’s a great way to work through design ideas, make adjustments if needed, and give clients the assurance they’re making the right decision. The render helps turn abstract ideas into a tangible preview, making the final piece even more exciting when it’s installed.
A Collaborative Journey
While Tom’s primary role was providing guidance on the initial concept, much of the color selection and fine-tuning was done internally by our design and production teams. There were extensive discussions about the palette to make sure it would translate well onto a large-scale outdoor installation. We adjusted the shades and tones to match not only the original artwork but also the lighting and scale of Tom’s backyard wall.
As production moved forward, Tom stayed connected to the process, receiving regular updates and images. His involvement was key to ensuring the final piece was something that reflected his initial vision while embracing the inherent beauty of the mosaic medium.
Bringing It All Together
The mosaic was completed and delivered to Tom, ready to make its mark on his backyard wall. While installation has yet to take place as of now, Tom was thrilled with the piece when it arrived. The design—vibrant and bold, with every detail meticulously crafted—looked just as stunning as envisioned.
While we’re eagerly anticipating the moment the mosaic is installed and fully comes to life on the wall, Tom’s positive response already speaks volumes. The piece has exceeded his expectations so far, and we can’t wait to see it in its final setting, glowing under the outdoor light.
We’ll be sure to update this post once the installation is complete, but for now, the mosaic is already standing out as a vibrant addition to his backyard design. Stay tuned for more photos and feedback once it’s up on the wall.
A Statement Piece with a Personal Touch
Tom’s octopus mosaic isn’t just art—it’s a story. It reflects his connection to the sea, his thoughtful approach to design, and his willingness to collaborate on something truly custom. It’s now (set to be) a centerpiece that brings his outdoor space to life, sparking conversations and adding a personal touch to every gathering.
For us, projects like this are what make custom work so fulfilling. Each mosaic is a collaboration, not just between the client and the artist, but between imagination and craftsmanship. And this one, with its dynamic lines and vibrant colors, stands out as a testament to what’s possible when ideas and artistry meet.
If you’ve been dreaming about adding a unique mosaic to your space, we’d love to help bring your ideas to life. Whether it’s ocean-inspired art or something entirely different, our team is here to make it happen. Reach out for a free consultation, and let’s start crafting something extraordinary together.