A poolside mural by Zee van Gils
Dutch born and Cornwall based artist Zee van Gils brings her signature coastal blooms to life in the gorgeous poolside mural at The Beach House, Mawgan Porth. Inspired by the colours of the coastline, Zee shares how she transformed the poolside area into a playful celebration of the shoreside.
I’m a Dutch-born artist based in North Cornwall, creating abstract artworks inspired by the textures, colours and ever-changing moods of the natural world. My journey began in a tiny surfboard shaping bay in Lombok, Indonesia, where a love of surfing and a deep connection to nature sparked my creative path. In my studio here by the Cornish coast, I draw on my own memories and visuals of the sea, sky, and earth to create layered, light-reactive pieces that blend aerial and underwater perspectives.
Alongside my fine art, I also paint large-scale floral murals and have been fortunate to collaborate with brands such as Volkswagen and Album Surfboards. My work, now held in collections across more than twenty countries, is an invitation to pause, reconnect, and find calm in nature’s rhythm.
Interior designer Nicola O’Mara contacted me in 2020 on behalf of her client with the idea of a large scale mural to frame the pool. I was really excited to get back into mural painting, especially in such an epic location. My poolside & staircase mural design was inspired by a playful interpretation of coastal flowers, coral and seashells. We collectively decided on the cool hues of blues and pinks with a hint of warm coral orange, extending the colour palettes of the interior decor to the outdoor area.
To ensure longevity, I used only the highest-quality exterior paints, finishing with a matte UV-protective clear coat to protect the artwork from the harsh coastal elements.
Fast forward to 2025—Nicola and the homeowner reached out again to extend a minimalist version of the mural across the newly refurbished BBQ area. For these three walls, we kept the background a crisp white and used warm coral orange, soft coral, and deep blue to create playful, organic shapes with clean lines.
The orange tones complement the new sun loungers beautifully, while the blue ties everything back to the original poolside mural.
Mawgan Porth is one of my favourite spots—just ten minutes from where I live, it has everything you need for a day of surfing and connecting with nature. The beach is framed by dramatic cliffs, dotted with wildflowers and gorse, and one of my go-to walks is the route from Mawgan Porth to Bedruthan Steps (with a little treat from one of the cafés on either end, of course).
You’ll also often find me wandering through the wooded areas around St. Mawgan, following streams and crossing fields in search of wild garlic in spring. During the moodier months, nothing beats a windswept beach walk here—getting sandblasted on the shore, then warming up with a hot chocolate afterwards.
The Beach House genuinely is one of the most iconic homes I’ve stepped foot in; it’s so playful, calming and full of character. It’s spacious yet cosy – and let’s not forget the epic views. Nicola has done an incredible job as always, with her signature layered textures and calming colour palettes.
Every corner is different but it all ties in together. In the living room you’ll also find one of my 80cm round abstract artworks above the fireplace. I can imagine having a super relaxing holiday here; whether it’s a multi-generational family reunion or a surf retreat with a bunch of friends.
I always loved painting here, it’s a very quiet and private area. Most days I didn’t even bother listening to music while painting; I just enjoyed the peace and birdsong.
Book your stay at The Beach House, Mawgan Porth
See more from Zee:
www.underthezee.com | IG: @underthezee
Zee also welcomes studio visits by appointment (Porth/St. Columb Minor area).
