Nature, Healing, and the Wonder of Biophilic Design

The Growing Allure of Moss Art With Robin Frey

At first glance, moss might seem like an unlikely artistic medium. But in recent years, moss art has blossomed into a popular and uniquely organic form of botanical expression, captivating artists, designers, and nature lovers alike. From hotel lobbies and office spaces to cozy home interiors, these lush green installations bring tranquility and natural beauty indoors.

Moss art is more than decoration—it’s a celebration of nature’s quiet elegance. Rooted in biophilic design, this art form seeks to reconnect people with the natural world through texture, color, and life. In Japanese culture, moss holds deep symbolic meaning: it embodies beauty, humility, and simplicity. It’s also closely tied to wabi-sabi, an aesthetic philosophy that embraces imperfection and transience.

For Robin Frey, founder of Wonder Moss, moss art became both a calling and a lifeline. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Frey spent much of her childhood immersed in nature. “Since I was seven years old, I was out in nature a lot,” she recalls. But it wasn’t until she was laid off from a demanding marketing job that she returned to the forest in a more profound way.

After the layoff, being in the forest helped ground her and she says, “I love it as a medium to work in, and I wanted to bring that empowerment inside.”

What started as a personal journey through healing and rediscovery has evolved into Wonder Moss, a business dedicated to handcrafted moss wall art for homes and commercial spaces. Frey’s work blends artistry, natural elements, and wellness—offering custom pieces that bring the calm of the forest into any environment.

Moss, as it turns out, is not just beautiful; it’s also therapeutic. Often recognized as a healing plant, moss can lower stress levels and evoke feelings of tranquility and wellness. “When I look at moss art, it lifts my mood and makes me feel alive,” Frey says. “It fosters a sense of calm and peacefulness you get when you go for a walk in the woods.”

Each piece Frey creates is made from real, preserved moss sourced from North America. Through a sustainable process, the moss’ natural moisture is replaced with a plant-safe glycerin solution, allowing the moss to retain its look and feel for up to ten years with no watering or sunlight required.

Frey offers transparency about the materials she uses—ranging from reindeer moss and pillow moss to hickory branches, tallow berries, and hanging Amaranthus. Every installation is a one-of-a-kind blend of textures, colors, and natural elements. Clients can even request custom designs that reflect personal landscapes, memories, or desired moods.

“You don’t have to be a nature lover to appreciate the serenity moss art brings,” Frey notes. “It’s about creating an emotional connection–bringing the outdoors in.”

Beyond the artwork itself, Frey shares her passion through educational content on WonderMoss.com, where she guides readers in using natural materials to create peaceful, nature-inspired interiors. Whether you’re crafting your own moss wall or simply exploring the calming effects of biophilic design, her mission remains the same: to reconnect people with the grounding power of nature. For Frey, moss art is a practice of healing and an invitation to rediscover wonder, one leaf at a time.

Biophilic design is all about embracing nature in a way that feels personal and meaningful to you. By incorporating natural materials, textures, and elements into your home, you can create a space that promotes peace, balance, and well-being. Start with small changes, and soon, you’ll find yourself feeling more connected to the beauty of the natural world, right within your own home. Here are some tips to do so:

Create a Peaceful Space with Natural Materials

1. Add a Moss Wall for Instant Tranquility: Preserved moss walls are one of my favorite ways to introduce a sense of tranquility into a space. Unlike living plants, preserved moss requires no maintenance—no watering, no sunlight, just effortless natural beauty. Whether it’s a statement wall in your living room or a small, framed piece in your office, moss art helps bring the calmness of the forest indoors.

2. Fill Your Space with Layers of Live Plants: Plants are essential in biophilic design. They purify the air, add texture, and bring life to any space. One of my favorite ways to display plants is by installing handmade shelves in windows to create a cascading green wall of light-loving plants like pothos, ferns, and trailing ivy. Short on floor space? Hanging planters or wall-mounted plant holders can create a lush, calming effect without taking up valuable real estate.

3. Incorporate Natural Wood and Organic Textures: Wood instantly adds warmth and grounding energy to a space. Whether through reclaimed wood furniture, driftwood sculptures, or natural wood shelving, these elements create an earthy, welcoming atmosphere.

4. Layer in Textural Natural Fibers: Fabrics like linen, wool, cotton, and jute add depth and a cozy feel to your space. Try using woven baskets for storage, linen curtains that softly diffuse light, or a wool throw blanket on your couch. These materials connect us to the organic world and promote a sense of comfort.

5. Use Earthy, Nature-Inspired Colors: Color has a psychological impact on how we feel in a space. Opt for a palette inspired by nature—soft greens, deep blues, warm browns, and muted earth tones create a sense of serenity. Even small accents, like moss-green throw pillows or sandy beige textiles, can make a difference in establishing a peaceful environment.

6. Engage the Senses with Natural Scents: Scent has a powerful connection to our emotions. A simple way to bring nature’s fragrance indoors is by hanging a bundle of eucalyptus in your shower. Steam releases its refreshing, calming scent, turning an everyday routine into a spa-like experience. Additionally, natural beeswax candles, essential oil diffusers, or my favorite, pinion wood incense, infuse your space with grounding, earthy aromas.

7. Create a Dedicated Nature-Inspired Retreat Space: Set up a small area dedicated to mindfulness and relaxation. This could be a reading nook with natural light, a meditation space with floor cushions, or a cozy chair near a moss art installation. Incorporate elements like candles, crystals, or nature-inspired artwork to make it a personal retreat.

How to Make a Moss Wall

Want to bring the beauty of nature indoors with minimal upkeep? A DIY moss wall is the perfect solution! Whether you’re looking to create a stunning green feature for your home, office, or commercial space, moss walls offer a stylish, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly design option. They’re an excellent way to add a biophilic touch, improving air quality, reducing noise, and enhancing your overall well-being.

1. Gather materials

• Choose between preserved or live moss based on preferences for maintenance and aesthetics (preserved moss is ideal for a maintenance-free wall, while live moss requires misting or irrigation)

• Backing board of foam, plywood, or MDF for a sturdy base

• Adhesive of hot glue, project glue, or other non-toxic glue to affix the moss to your backing

• Large scissors or craft knife to shape and trim moss

• Gloves to protect your hands from glue residue

• Optional frame to give your moss wall a clean, professional look

2. Select location for your moss wall to create a visually appealing, functional result

• Live moss requires indirect light and humidity, while preserved moss does not

• Ideally, keep live or preserved moss out of direct sunlight and away from forced air heat vents to keep them vibrant and avoid fading

• Moss walls serve as natural sound absorbers, so they’re perfect for noisy environments

3. Prepare the base to ensure the wall stays secure and looks professional

• Measure and cut the board to your desired size

• Sand the edges

• Paint or stain the board a dark color so it doesn’t show through the moss

4. Plan your moss wall design, laying it out on the board, experimenting with patterns and textures using different moss types

• Flat sheet moss creates a uniform, forest-like effect

• Reindeer moss adds texture and volume

• Pole, mood, or pin cushion moss creates a 3D, lush appearance

• Hanging Amaranthus creates a hanging, flowy vibe

• Incorporate wood, ferns, or artificial flowers to create a custom, high-end look

5. Attach the moss securely to your backing board. Work in small sections, applying adhesive and pressing the moss firmly to the board. Layer moss to create a full, dense effect. Fill in gaps to ensure even coverage and a seamless finish.

6. Allow moss art to dry flat, then add final touches when the adhesive is fully dried. Trim uneven moss for a clean look. Add LED lighting for a dramatic effect.

7. Install / mount the moss wall using strong hanging hardware such as sawtooth hangers for lightweight pieces, mounting brackets and wire for medium sided pieces, and French cleats for large installations.

To keep your moss wall looking fresh:

• Preserved Moss: No watering required, just occasional dusting with a can of compressed air or hair dryer on low setting with no heat

• Live Moss: Mist with water to maintain lushness

• Keep It Cool: Avoid placing your moss wall in direct sunlight to prevent fading

  
  

  Follow @wondermossarT on FB and IG for more moss-inspired inspo from Robin