Painting a Mural in My Narrow Hallway Without Making It Feel Claustrophobic

I've been itching to add some personality to my super narrow hallway, which is about 3 feet wide and gets minimal natural light. I want to paint a mural that brings in some color and interest, but I'm worried that going too bold or dark will make the space feel even tighter and more cramped. I've tried painting one wall a soft pastel before, but it just looked dull and didn’t really change the vibe. This time, I’m thinking of doing something more artistic - maybe a nature scene or abstract shapes - but still want to keep it airy and welcoming. I was wondering if anyone has experience with murals or wall art in tight spaces? How do you balance detail and color without overwhelming the area? Do lighter colors with fine detail work better than bolder strokes or vice versa? Also curious if any particular finishes or paint types help reflect light or add depth? Would love to hear how you’ve approached brightening up narrow or dark hallways without making them feel squeezed in!