Arpy Dabbaghian
Decorative Painter | Muralist | Fine Finishes Specialist
I am a professional decorative painter specializing in trompe l’oeil, fine art murals, and custom decorative finishes. With a background in interior design and specialized training in the decorative arts from Paris, I bring a refined European influence to every project.
My career began in 1995 in Lebanon, then continued in Paris, where I contributed to prestigious projects such as Hotel George V, Hotel Elise Matignon, and Le Château d’Étoges. Eventually, I brought my passion and expertise to Los Angeles, where I established L’Artist in 2002.
Since then, my work has enhanced elegant residences, boutiques, and hospitality spaces across Southern California, as well as in Paris, Lebanon, Damascus and Jordan. My clients include interior designers, architects, design firms, contractors, and private homeowners.
My services include:
- Hand-painted murals
- Trompe l’oeil
- Faux finishes
- Decorative plasters
- Traditional frescoes
- Hand-painted furniture and architectural elements
My work has been featured in This Old House magazine and showcased in multiple years of the Pasadena Showcase House of Design.
Drawing from my Mediterranean roots and Parisian experience, I create timeless, custom artistry that bridges classic and contemporary styles—crafted to suit each client’s unique vision.
Clients Say
I can't say enough good things about working with Arpy. From the initial consultation to the final touches, she was a dream to collaborate with. Her artistic talent is undeniable – our home has been transformed into a beautiful and unique space. Arpy has a remarkable eye for design and was invaluable in helping us make selections and come to decisions. She also provided excellent guidance and advice whenever we felt unsure. What truly impressed me was her attention to detail and her skill in working with various modalities and surfaces, including our walls, plaster, ceiling, and wood. Beyond her talent, Arpy is also a wonderful person, making the entire experience enjoyable. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to elevate their home with artistic design and painting. - Natalya Mishina
Working with Arpy is such a joy and privilege. She is a total pro with amazing old world artisan gifts and processes. She’s done some of the most extraordinary gilding for me, and I’ve worked with the best throughout the world. If you’re lucky enough to get on her calendar, run, don't walk! Rod Winterrowd, Owner of Rod Winterrowd Inc. - Rod Winterrowd www.rodwinterrowd.com
My name is Fasha, and I am an architect. Before meeting Arpy, I had worked with several artists for at least 22 years. While these artists were adequate at best, I cannot honestly say that I was always pleased with their work. Then, a contractor that was working for me introduced me to Arpy.
Since I didn't have good experiences with other artists, I was a bit apprehensive, but I thought I would give Arpy a chance. When I returned after asking her to do a mural on a very high ceiling in a tall building, I was stunned by not only how much she had accomplished, but the quality of her work was mesmerizing! She had not only done everything I asked but used her true artistic skills to add a bit more to the art, and the outcome was stunning.
For the past 22 years, I have had the privilege of working with Arpy on many projects--both exterior and interior of buildings, from doors, to ceilings, to frescos, to furniture, to many other things. Not only is she incredibly talented and does remarkable work, but more importantly, she completely understands the chemistry of the paints and all the materials she uses (frankly, I'm not sure what they all are!) in her artistic profession. All I know is when she completes a project, the end result is just magical.
I sometimes reflect back to some of the things she made for me over the years: for example, a door I had asked her to design, which gets morning sun and some rain exposure too. Sixteen years later, it almost looks like it was done yesterday. Similarly, I have asked her to do some classical work, which she completed fantastically. I have asked her to do very modern graphics on ceilings, and she comes through time and time again with precision. Once I took a standard black color piano, and asked her to paint it as if it were an old wooden piano. After only one day, when I checked back with her, I couldn't believe how magnificent the piece looked.
As for her personality, she is charming, always smiling, most positive, genuinely takes pride in her work, and is always extremely understating and attentive.
It is a joy to work with this most talented and very special lady.
- Fasha Mahjoor
