Biophilic Design — How to Bring Nature Indoors Through Art and Wallpaper
Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Into Your Home Through Art
Biophilic design — the practice of connecting built environments to the natural world — is one of the most significant trends in contemporary interior design. It is supported by substantial research: our wellbeing, cognitive performance, and stress levels are all measurably improved by connection with nature. In homes, biophilic design incorporates natural materials, plants, natural light, and nature-inspired art and wallpaper. At Olive et Oriel, our botanical prints, landscape photography, and nature-inspired wallpapers have been helping Australians create biophilic spaces since 2015.
This guide explores biophilic design principles as applied to wall art and wallpaper — the most accessible and impactful way to bring the feeling of nature into any interior.
The Science Behind Biophilic Design
Multiple studies have demonstrated that exposure to nature imagery — including photographs and art prints of natural subjects — produces measurable reductions in stress and anxiety. Hospital patients with views of nature recover faster; students in classrooms with nature imagery perform better. In a home, nature-connected art doesn't just look considered — it actively contributes to your wellbeing. This is the powerful case for choosing botanical art prints and landscape canvas photography as a deliberate wellbeing investment.
Nature Art That Works Best for Biophilic Spaces
The most effective biophilic art depicts the natural world with authenticity and scale. Large-format landscape photography — forests, mountains, the ocean, open skies — creates a sense of spaciousness and connection even in small rooms. Botanical art, particularly large-scale botanical prints that bring the detail and texture of plant life into a room, is equally powerful. Browse our extra large nature prints, our framed botanical art, and our matching nature sets.
Room-by-Room Biophilic Art Guide
Living rooms benefit most from large-scale landscape photography or oversized botanical prints — pieces that create a sense of visual depth and connection with the outside world. Bedrooms suit quieter nature art: soft botanical illustration, gentle forest photography, or calming abstract art in forest green and warm earth tones. Home offices — where biophilic design has the most documented productivity benefits — suit landscape photography of open spaces and natural vistas. For any room, our team at help@oliveetoriel.com can provide personalised art recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is biophilic design?
Biophilic design is an approach to interior and architectural design that intentionally incorporates connections to the natural world — through natural materials, plants, natural light, and nature-inspired art and imagery — to support human wellbeing.
What type of wall art works for biophilic design?
Large-format landscape photography, botanical illustration, nature photography close-ups, abstract art inspired by natural forms, and ocean and forest imagery all work effectively for biophilic design. Scale matters — larger pieces create more powerful connections.
Does looking at nature art actually improve wellbeing?
Yes — multiple peer-reviewed studies confirm that exposure to nature imagery produces measurable reductions in stress hormones, lower heart rate, and improved mood.
What colours are associated with biophilic design?
Natural greens (sage, forest, moss), warm earth tones (ochre, terracotta, sand), sky blue, and soft warm whites are the most naturally biophilic colours.
How many nature art prints should I have for biophilic benefits?
Even one high-quality, large-scale nature print in a room produces measurable biophilic benefits. Greater exposure amplifies the effect. The key is quality and scale rather than quantity.
