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Why Landscape Art Still Reigns in Home Decor
The Calming Effect of Nature Imagery
In an increasingly digital and fast-paced world, the presence of natural elements indoors has a grounding effect. Landscape art—especially that which captures the serene beauty of New Zealand’s coastlines, forests, and alpine regions—brings tranquility and balance to any modern home. Whether it’s a misty Milford Sound print or a sunlit Canterbury plains vista, these artworks offer an emotional and sensory escape.
Biophilic Design and Well-Being
Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into architecture and interiors, has proven wellness benefits. NZ landscape prints reinforce this connection, supporting mental health, reducing stress, and even enhancing productivity. A framed Fiordland view in your home office can do more than beautify—it can restore and inspire.
Popular NZ Landscape Themes in Wall Art
Beaches, Mountains, Forests, and Lakes
New Zealand’s diverse geography means endless inspiration for wall art:
- Beaches: Think Abel Tasman’s golden sands and tranquil blues.
- Mountains: Snow-dusted peaks like Aoraki/Mt Cook are dramatic and grounding.
- Forests & Bush: Lush native bush scenes bring depth and texture.
- Lakes & Rivers: Reflective waters from Lake Tekapo or Wakatipu create symmetry and calm.
Maori Cultural Landscapes
Landscape art can also reflculturalpanpanpanpan heritage. Scenes that incorporate whenua (land) significant in Māori tradition—such as Tongariro or sacred rivers—honour indigenous perspectives and deepen the storytelling aspect of the artwork.
Matching Landscape Art with Modern Design Elements
Scandinavian Minimalism
Clean lines and neutral palettes provide the perfect backdrop for earthy, natural imagery. Choose soft-toned prints like misty valley scenes to preserve the airy feel while adding soul.
Monochrome Interiors
Black-and-white NZ landscape photography delivers high-impact drama while maintaining visual harmony in minimalist homes. This format is ideal for modern apartments or gallery-inspired spaces.
Boho Chic or Coastal Aesthetics
Pair sun-drenched beach prints with natural fibre furniture and woven textures. In coastal homes, seascapes help blur the lines between indoors and out—especially when framed in rattan or raw timber.
Choosing the Right Size and Format
Panoramic vs Portrait Orientation
Panoramic prints (like wide vistas of Queenstown Lakes) create a sense of space and work beautifully above sofas or beds. Portrait formats suit narrower walls or vertical display stacks.
Framed vs Canvas
Framed prints offer structure and sophistication—perfect for formal areas. Canvas wraps, on the other hand, feel modern and frameless, ideal for casual lounges or holiday homes.
Biophilic design elements like natural landscape imagery have been shown to reduce stress and improve well-being, as outlined in the 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design.
Best Rooms to Display Landscape Prints
Living Room Statement Walls
Large-scale pieces become conversation starters in shared spaces. Use coastal or mountain art as a bold centrepiece above furniture.
Bedrooms and Reading Nooks
Soft natural scenes—sunrises, rolling hills, or forest canopies—enhance relaxation and intimacy.
Entrances and Hallways
Elongated prints or vertical diptychs in entryways set the tone for the home and visually expand narrow spaces.
Art Placement Tips for Maximum Impact
The 60/40 Visual Weight Rule
This rule helps maintain balance. Your art should take up about 60% of the width of the furniture it hangs above, leaving 40% breathing room.
Eye-Level Hanging Guidelines
Ideally, the centre of your landscape art should sit at eye level—roughly 145 cm from the floor—to create natural visual engagement.
Combining Multiple Landscape Pieces
Diptychs and Triptychs
Grouped pieces—whether a two-part (diptych) or three-part (triptych) landscape—build flow and cohesion. Consider breaking a single NZ scene across panels for dramatic effect.
Themed Series (Seasonal or Regional)
A series of prints capturing one location through seasons or various regions of Aotearoa makes your gallery wall both educational and emotional.
Sustainability and Supporting Local NZ Artists
Print-on-Demand from NZ
Opt for made-to-order prints to reduce waste. Many NZ-based artists and print shops offer sustainable options using FSC-certified papers and eco inks.
Ethical Framing & Materials
Look for locally sourced timber frames and biodegradable packaging. Supporting NZ-based artisans ensures lower shipping emissions and keeps the creative economy thriving.
Conclusion: Bring the Outside In with Meaningful Art
New Zealand’s natural beauty is world-renowned—why not bring a piece of it into your home? Incorporating landscape art allows you to personalise your space, express your connection to nature, and elevate your interiors with calm, balance, and cultural depth. Whether you're styling a minimalist apartment in Auckland or a coastal bach in Tauranga, NZ-inspired prints are a timeless investment.
By combining thoughtful placement, the right sizing, and local artistry, landscape art can transform a plain wall into a story worth telling.
Visit our Landscape Art collection to browse beautiful scenery, from serene beaches to dramatic mountain vistas