Wallpaper design tunes into humanity’s need for nature connection

As the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living continue to blend, interior designers are tapping into an innate human desire for connection with the natural world through the revitalized art of wallpaper design.

Long relegated to the realm of dated florals or geometric banality, contemporary wall coverings are experiencing a renaissance. From bold botanical prints to organic shapes and earthy tones, the latest designs aim to bring the calming essence of nature into built environments.

“Our spaces are vital containers that can nurture, heal and inspire us if we treat them so,” says Sarah Rigano, a “vibrational designer” who prioritizes how interiors can support clients’ emotional and spiritual needs. “Someone seeking grounding or anxiety reduction may be drawn to organic shapes and muted colors reminiscent of the natural world.”

Laura Guido-Clark, former creative director at Herman Miller and founder of color consultancy Love Good Color, identifies four aesthetic threads linking contemporary wall coverings:

Vertical vs horizontal lines, with horizontal patterns subconsciously perceived as more calming, representing open vistas where threats can’t hide. Vertical motifs can connote grandeur or spirituality.

Emotional resonance triggered by familiarity with natural forms, eliciting innate positive associations with flora and fauna.

A blend of organic, flowing shapes found in nature contrasted with rigid, ordered geometric patterns reflecting human influence.

Color psychology, with monochromatic or analogous palettes imparting serenity while vibrant, contrasting hues create energetic dynamism.

“I’m excited because I believe these wallpapers signify our innate desire for connection with nature – perhaps our need for that emotion in current times,” reflects Guido-Clark on an array of designs from renowned brands and independent illustrators.

As the world grapples with climate crisis, the warming aesthetic trends in wall coverings reflect a universal yearning to reestablish bonds with the natural environment. By symbolically inviting the outdoor elements in, these immersive designs offer momentary respite and reconnection within human-made spaces.