How to Bring Brutalist Design Into Your Home

Are you looking to add a bold and dramatic touch to your home’s interior design? If so, Brutalism might be the perfect style for you.

This edgy, industrial aesthetic has had a love-hate relationship with the public ever since it was born and offers an exciting new way to express yourself through design.

With its raw materials, strong lines, and unconventional shapes, Brutalist interiors can give any home a unique look that will stand out from the crowd.

In this article, we’ll explore how you can incorporate Brutalist elements into your own space for maximum impact. So if you’re ready to make a statement with your decorating choices, read on!

What is Brutalism?

The word “Brutalism” comes from the French phrase béton brut, which means “raw concrete.” This style of architecture was popularized in the 1950s and is known for its use of raw and exposed materials, such as concrete, steel, glass, and wood.

In addition to these materials, Brutalism is characterized by its bold shapes and lines, which can create a sense of chaos or tension. It is often seen as a reaction to the softer, more traditional forms of architecture that came before it.

Brutalism was initially an architectural design, as the world struggled with rebuilding war-torn cities after the Second World War. The movement has since spread to other areas of design, including interior design and furniture. So let’s take a look at how you can bring this style into your own home.

10 ways to incorporate brutalism into your interior design

1. Start with a neutral color palette

If you’re going for a Brutalist look, you’ll want to stick to a neutral color palette of shades like gray, black, and white. This will allow you to create a subtle backdrop for the more eye-catching elements of the style.

2. Choose big, bold furniture

Brutalist interiors often feature furniture with sharp angles and unusual shapes. Try to find bulky pieces that will draw the eye and make a statement in your home, such as patchwork couches, angular chairs, or oversized tables.

You can also consider including concrete items like these at Agora Marketplace here and there as decoration pieces, or including them within any renovations, for an ultra-Brutal look.

3. Add interesting textures and patterns

Brutalist interiors are all about raw materials and odd shapes, so don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures and patterns. Try pairing concrete with wood, or combine geometric shapes with abstract art.

For example, a quilted leather chair could look great next to a rough-hewn wooden table.

4. Don’t cover up exposed or worn-out construction materials

If you have exposed pipes or other worn-out construction materials, don’t be afraid to show them off. These raw elements can add character and interest to any space and are the soul of Brutalism. Other examples include exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and raw steel beams.

5. Play with lighting

Lighting plays a major role in Brutalism design. Try using bare bulbs or industrial-style fixtures to create dramatic effects. You can also experiment with natural light, such as allowing sunlight to stream in through large windows. If that’s not possible, consider maximizing the use of candles to create a feeling of warmth.

6. Create vertical statements

Brutalist interiors often feature tall, bold shapes that draw the eye upwards and create a sense of drama. Try adding tall pieces such as bookshelves to create vertical statements, or hang oversized art on the walls.

7. Incorporate natural elements

Raw materials are often a key part of Brutalist design, so don’t be afraid to incorporate natural elements into your space. Try using natural woods, plants, and stones to bring a sense of warmth and balance to the room.

8. Declutter, declutter, declutter

Brutalism is often called the sister of minimalism, so make sure to declutter your space. Try using open shelving or wall-mounted storage to keep things organized and create a sense of space. You can also use bold statement pieces to draw the eye away from any clutter.

9. Use unexpected color accents

Brutalism is usually characterized by neutral tones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add some color. After all, an entirely monochrome home can get a bit depressing, especially in the winter.

So try using bold accents such as an orange rug or a bright yellow armchair to add a pop of color and draw the eye.

But don’t overdo it, as too much color can kill that “concrete” vibe that Brutalsim strives to create.

10. Be bold and experiment

Last but not the least, don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials, textures, and shapes when incorporating Brutalism into your interior design. Be brave and try something new — you never know what might work!

Final words

We hope these tips have inspired you to bring the Brutalist style into your home. It’s a minimalistic approach to interior design and might work great for highly organized people.

Just remember that the key is to create a space that feels comfortable and inviting while still being bold and interesting. Good luck!