MI CASA MEXICAN RESTAURANT
BRINGING CULTURAL IDENTITY TO A RESTAURANT EXTERIOR THROUGH BOTANICAL SILHOUETTES
Mi Casa, a Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Dupont Circle, approached me with the goal of increasing street visibility while maintaining a clean, welcoming atmosphere for diners. The exterior wall faced a busy pedestrian area, and they wanted it to function as both a visual identifier for the restaurant and a subtle backdrop that enhanced the dining experience rather than overpowering it.
The vision was clear: create a mural that felt minimal yet scenic, something guests could enjoy as they arrived, waited, or sat outside. The artwork needed to bring a sense of Mexico into the space-not in an overly literal or busy way, but through thoughtful design choices that felt authentic, calm, and intentional. Native Mexican plant silhouettes were a key request, helping ground the mural in cultural reference while keeping the overall look refined.
Before the mural, the façade lacked a strong visual presence from the street. While the restaurant itself had character, the exterior didn’t fully reflect the warmth, culture, and identity found inside. The challenge was to elevate visibility without distracting from the experience of dining and conversation.
My solution was to design a botanical silhouette mural inspired by native Mexican plants, using layered forms and a muted, cohesive color palette. By keeping the composition minimal and flowing, the mural adds depth and movement to the wall while remaining visually calm. The silhouettes subtly frame the building and signage, drawing attention to the restaurant without competing with it.
The final result creates a strong yet understated presence. From the sidewalk, the mural helps Mi Casa stand out in Dupont Circle’s busy streetscape. For guests dining outside or entering the space, it serves as a scenic backdrop that feels transportive-bringing a quiet sense of Mexico into the environment through nature, form, and balance.
This project is an example of how a thoughtfully designed exterior mural can enhance brand visibility, reinforce cultural identity, and elevate the overall experience of a space without overwhelming it.
