How natural interior design enhances well-being – and the role wallpaper plays in it
In an increasingly urbanized world, the desire for nature and deceleration is becoming more central within our own four walls. Biophilic design – the nature-inspired approach to interior spaces – is far more than just a passing trend.
It is a design concept supported by scientific evidence and has become a core element in modern interior concepts. Particularly interesting: Wallpaper can be used strategically to support the principles of biophilic design.
What exactly is biophilic design?
The term "biophilic" comes from ancient Greek and roughly translates to "loving nature." The concept is based on the insight that humans have a deeply rooted connection to nature – an evolutionary legacy that still affects our well-being today. In interior architecture, this means that spaces are designed to either include natural elements or imitate them visually and atmospherically.
Three dimensions can be distinguished:
Direct connections to nature – such as plants, daylight, or natural ventilation.
Indirect references to nature – through organic shapes, natural materials, or earthy colors.
Spatial experience and emotional impact – how a room feels to us, for example through a sense of protection, visual depth, or changing light moods.
Wallpaper as a tool for biophilic design
When it comes to biophilic interiors, large indoor plants or wooden surfaces are often the first things that come to mind. Wall design, however, is frequently overlooked. Yet wallpaper offers a powerful and versatile way to bring nature into the room – both aesthetically and atmospherically.
1. Nature-inspired patterns and color palettes
Wallpaper with floral, botanical, or landscape motifs brings nature directly into the space – be it a lush jungle, delicate floral sketches, or a calming water scene. The color schemes of these designs typically feature muted greens, browns, blues, and sandy tones, which evoke calmness and balance.
2. Texture and tactile appeal
Materiality also plays a key role: textured wallpapers, embossed surfaces, or textile finishes create sensory depth that goes beyond the visual. Especially effective are wallpapers with matte, slightly irregular textures that mimic natural materials like stone, bark, or linen.
3. Zoning and retreat areas through wall design
Biophilic design does not mean covering an entire room in green. Often, a single well-chosen wallpaper feature is enough to define specific zones – a quiet reading corner, a calming wall behind the bed, or an inspiring backdrop in a home office. Targeted wall design can help create emotional structure within a room – without requiring structural changes.
Design that resonates – inside and out
It is no secret that our surroundings influence our mood and behavior. Studies have shown that nature-oriented design principles like biophilic design can lower stress levels, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. Especially in urban environments where access to real nature is limited, thoughtfully designed interiors can provide a valuable counterbalance.
Conclusion: Wall design as a contribution to natural living
Implementing biophilic principles doesn't have to start with architecture – often, a single design impulse is enough. Wallpaper offers an effective and stylistically diverse way to bring a sense of nature into interior spaces. Whether as a bold statement wall or a subtle accent: The right wallpaper does more than set the tone – it creates a tangible connection to nature, right where it's needed most.
