It is a design approach supported by scientific evidence and firmly established in modern interior concepts. Particularly interesting: Wallpaper can be used strategically to support the principles of biophilic design.
What exactly does biophilic design mean?
The term biophilic originates from Ancient Greek and roughly translates to “loving nature.” The concept is based on the understanding that humans have a deeply rooted connection to nature — an evolutionary legacy that still influences our well-being today. In interior architecture, this means designing spaces that incorporate natural elements or imitate them visually and atmospherically.
Three key dimensions can be identified:
Direct connections to nature, such as plants, daylight, or natural ventilation.
Indirect references to nature, through organic shapes, natural materials, or earthy color palettes.
The experiential quality of a space, meaning how a room affects us emotionally — for example, through a sense of comfort, visual depth, or changing light conditions.
Wallpaper as a tool in biophilic design
When thinking about biophilic design, large indoor plants or wooden surfaces often come to mind first. Wall design, however, is frequently overlooked. Wallpaper offers an effective and aesthetically versatile way to bring nature into a space — both visually and atmospherically.
1. Nature-inspired motifs and color schemes
Wallpapers featuring floral, botanical, or landscape motifs bring nature directly into a room — whether it’s a dense jungle, delicate floral drawings, or a calming water panorama. These designs often rely on muted tones of green, brown, blue, and sand, which promote calmness and balance.
2. Texture and tactile experience
Materiality also plays an important role: textured wallpapers, embossed finishes, or textile surfaces add sensory depth that goes beyond the visual. Particularly effective are matte, slightly irregular textures that mimic natural materials such as stone, bark, or linen.
3. Zoning and retreat spaces through wall design
Biophilic design doesn’t mean an entire room has to be “green.” A single well-placed wallpaper can be enough to define specific zones: a quiet reading corner, a relaxing wall behind the bed, or an inspiring home office setting. Thoughtful wall design can help structure a room emotionally — without the need for structural changes.
Design that has impact — both inside and out
It is no longer a secret that our surroundings influence our mood and behavior. Studies show that nature-based design principles like biophilic design can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance subjective well-being. Especially in urban environments where access to real nature is often limited, designing our living spaces with nature in mind can offer an essential counterbalance.
Conclusion: Wall design as a contribution to natural living
Implementing biophilic principles doesn’t have to start with architecture — often, a simple design impulse is enough. Wallpaper offers an effective and creatively flexible way to bring a tangible connection to nature into a space. Whether used as a bold feature wall or a subtle accent, the right wallpaper not only sets the mood — it brings nature closer, right where it’s needed most.
