Caroline Lizarraga is a San Francisco-based decorative artist whose goal is to create magically artful murals and finishes. Known for utilizing a hands-on approach, her amazing interiors are highlighted in public and private arenas, from Bay Area restaurants to luxury homes. She recently chatted with us about the starring role design has played in her past, present and future.
Interior Design: Noz Nozawa; Walls: Caroline Lizarraga; Photographer: Christopher Stark.
Gwen Donovan: How did you get your start as a decorative artist?
Caroline Lizarraga: I started out in fashion, and I always loved to redo furniture. I was a flea market rat and when I was about 19 or 20 I found a chair with good bones that needed finishing. I had a vision for it, and when a designer offered me $12,000 for it, I felt like a had a calling.
GD: Were you always a creative person?
CL: For sure, from early on my parents would laugh and say, ‘Yeah, she’s not going to business school.’ I was an elite gymnast when I was younger, so I designed my outfits, chose the music and choreographed the routines, which also took a lot of creativity. I found a restoration program in Florence, but it was not really what I wanted to do. I heard about a decorative artist in San Francisco teaching high-end techniques like chinoiserie and lapis, and it was love at first sight; once I found decorative painting, that was it for me.
Interior Design: Noz Nozawa; Walls: Caroline Lizarraga; Photographer: Colin Price.
GD: What inspires you?
CL: I go back to fashion, art books, modern abstract artists like Rothko, being in nature, and I also travel tons and find inspiration there. I’ll look at tree bark and think ‘That would make an interesting wall finish.’ I’m never not inspired.
GD: Do you use a different approach when designing abstract patterns vs creating graphic images in your wall murals?
CL: When it comes to creating graphic images like trees, I think ‘How do I produce that in a way that’s pleasing to the eye?’ Abstract is different, you work with a palette differently, using different textures, sheens and layering. It’s not as obvious as graphic art; you try a little harder to pull something out of your hat. I’m a risk-taker but many clients aren’t. They’ll just say paint a tree, but if it’s an abstract tree mural you have to dissect it in a different way.
Interior Design: Noz Nozawa; Walls: Caroline Lizarraga; Photographer: Christopher Stark.
GD: Do your clients come to you with specific ideas, or do they rely on you for a theme?
CL: Every project is totally different; many clients see me on social media and want an exact replica of something they saw posted. A lot of times I’ll push back on it, I want to customize it even if I’m using something I’ve already done as a starting point. I’ll ask my client ‘How do we make this more you?’ since I strive not to do the same things twice. I’m very lucky because I have a lot of freedom with projects now that I didn’t have 10 or 15 years ago.
GD: Have any projects become your favorites?
CL: I met Dita Von Teese and worked with her on her house in LA. She really allowed me to be creative and is a strong businessperson in her own right. It was a dream project where we worked on every room, using finishes like dripping diamonds, metallics and malachite walls. I also enjoy working with chefs and telling a story about their food and their restaurants; it’s collaborative, fun, and a breath of fresh air to be involved with others.
Interior Design: Rajni Alex Design; Walls: Caroline Lizarraga; Photographer: Marco Ricca.
GD: Do you have any future projects to share?
CL: Last year I began hosting trips to Italy with Curiosare, a new part of my business. We bring small groups of 6-12 people to a villa in Puglia and stay for a week in May. There are decorative art classes, cooking classes, architectural tours and more, and we’re like a little family while we’re there. I’m doing two separate weeks this May. It’s like a summer camp for adults!
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