Transforming School Bathrooms with Inspirational Murals for Emotional Wellbeing
I’ve always believed that our surroundings have the power to shape our feelings, perspectives, and even actions. So, why should school bathrooms be any different? Too often, these spaces are overlooked and underwhelming – just a functional, forgettable part of the day. But what if we could flip the script and turn school bathrooms into vibrant, emotionally supportive spaces? That’s exactly what I’ve been doing with my school mural projects, and the results have been nothing short of amazing.
The St Joseph’s Ottoway School Bathroom Mural Project – A Little Inspiration Goes a Long Way
My most recent project was at St Joseph’s Ottoway, where I worked on two school bathrooms. The process was collaborative from the start, with the students sharing their thoughts, ideas, and designs through quotes and illustrations. I wanted to make sure the space reflected the students’ voices – after all, this is their space, and I wanted them to feel heard.
I gathered inspiration through student artwork, quotes, and doodles – sketches, colours, and symbols that captured their personalities and stories. After creating a few different mockup designs, we brought the teachers and students together to vote on their favourites. The girls chose a cute floral design paired with the statement "Kind hearts make happy schools" – a reminder that kindness leads to a supportive school environment. The boys picked a more geometric, collegiate design with the phrase "It’s cool to be kind" – celebrating that empathy and kindness are, well, cool.
The Impact – Why Transforming School Bathrooms Matters
The response to these school mural projects has been incredible, with both students and staff noticing the positive shift in energy around the school. What’s even more exciting is how the students are engaging with the space – they’re excited to be in a room that feels like theirs. The murals provide a moment of emotional connection during the day, reminding them that it’s not only okay to be kind, but that kindness is a huge part of creating a positive school culture.
These aren’t just words on the wall – they’re affirmations. They’re reminders that kindness, self-expression, and emotional awareness belong in every corner of a school, even in a space as unexpected as the bathroom. It’s easy to forget that these spaces, where students often find a moment of quiet or solitude, can play a massive role in their emotional wellbeing. When we invest in the spaces where students go to take a break – even just for a minute – we invest in their hearts and minds.
Why These School Mural Projects Matter More Than You Think
What’s so exciting to me about transforming these school bathrooms into supportive, creative spaces is the ripple effect it creates. It’s not just about the murals themselves; it’s about shifting the narrative around what school spaces can be. Whether it’s bathrooms, hallways, or quiet corners, emotional literacy and creative expression belong everywhere. These are the kinds of spaces that students carry with them – they impact how they feel, how they interact with others, and ultimately, how they grow.
The impact is real – and it’s happening one school mural at a time. By transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments, we’re empowering students to feel seen and heard, all while making school a more positive, inclusive place for everyone.
So, here’s my invitation: Let’s keep thinking outside the box (or the bathroom, in this case) when it comes to emotional support in schools. The more we create spaces that reflect care, connection, and support, the more we empower our students to feel seen and heard. And if you’re curious about how to bring this kind of work to your school, I’d love to chat about how we can make it happen.
The impact is real – and it’s happening one school mural at a time. By transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments, we’re empowering students to feel seen and heard, all while making school a more positive, inclusive place for everyone.
If you’re curious about how these school mural projects unfold and why they matter so much, I’ve created a reel on Instagram where I discuss the importance of these transformative projects in schools. You can check it out here. In the reel, I talk about how murals go beyond just brightening up a space – they become part of the emotional fabric of the school, supporting students' mental and emotional health, and fostering a culture of kindness and inclusion.
And as I look ahead to my next projects, I’m excited to collaborate with schools, communities, and organisations to create more of these impactful, colourful spaces. I’m currently seeking new opportunities for school mural projects, where I can continue to bring positive change and emotional wellbeing into more school environments. If you’re interested in having a mural project at your school or in your community, let’s connect and discuss how we can make it happen!