Brutalist design is sometimes misunderstood as being harsh and cold, but this perception overlooks what lies at the heart of brutalism: honesty and authenticity. This interior style embraces materials in their raw, unadulterated state, with no unnecessary embellishments. Think large slabs of exposed concrete, organic-looking woods, rough clay textures, and a predominantly cool colour palette. Yes, a Brutalist interior can have a bold, monolithic look, creating a stark atmosphere. But in modern spaces, this is being balanced with organic textures, greenery, and the gentle curves of contemporary home decor. If you’re looking to bring this interior design style into your home, a concrete interior is not the only way in. Consider stoneware decor, vintage furniture from this era, cooling tones, and a minimalist touch. Take a look at our line-up of ways to bring Brutalism into the home without renovating your entire space.
CONCRETE & STONEWARE
Left image by Time Hasse
Right image by Didi & Dora and sold on Bazaa
Concrete is a hallmark of Brutalist interiors, defined by large slabs that exude strength and permanence. However, achieving this monolithic look isn't always feasible with floors, walls, and benches. Instead, you can bring that raw, textured grey-scale into your decor. A vintage, heavy-set stone statue can capture the essence of a Brutalist home’s strength. For example, you could pair these blunt-cut tribal statues with an uncluttered surface and a heavy-set table. To bring in movement, you could pop a few stems of dried eucalyptus into the unstructured mould of these tall stone vases. Or for a more polished finish, consider glazed grey pottery for the lounge or kitchen.
BRUTALIST FURNITURE
Left image by Tim Hasse
Right image by Artif and sold on Bazaa
Brutalism often favours heavy, straight-cut pieces of furniture at scale, but more contemporary interpretations of the style bring a welcomed softness. For traditional Brutalist furniture, this mid-century Spanish stool has a distinctive design with its sculptural carvings. The use of timber and focus on simplicity in its construction also reflect the core principles of the Brutalist movement. To achieve the heavier side of Brutalist design, a thick marble coffee table will anchor the room as a centrepiece, while a large curved sofa will achieve scale and introduce softness. To add a touch of leather, this 1970s designer chair by Gerard Van Den Berg will make an iconic addition.
COLD HUES & WARM WOODS
Left image by Lada Balakireva
Right image by Watertiger and sold on Bazaa
Brutalist design follows the cool colour palette of raw materials like stone and concrete. While the ambiance might feel stark, it creates spaciousness and simplicity. Similar to stoneware, you can introduce other shades of greys and whites throughout the home. To add some warmth while maintaining the Brutalist aesthetic, consider vintage terracotta and chunky aged woods. These antique dough bowls, made from oak wood over a hundred years ago, were sourced from Turkey. The natural wear and tear of each bowl reflects the history of another time and place, making them perfect as a centrepiece or fruit bowl. For a smaller option, consider this handmade clay dish.
PLANTS & TEXTURED VINTAGE POTS
Left image by Antonia Carter
Right image by Watertiger and sold on Bazaa
In more contemporary designs, plants have also become an integrated part of Brutalism. This softens the starkness and adds the lively feel of nature to an otherwise raw and industrial aesthetic. Whether you’re in a house or a loft, a couple of plants in organic, textured pots can create a more inviting environment. To embrace the geometric lines of Brutalism, try an upright snake plant in this vintage black tofu pot. To soften walls, consider a climbing philodendron in one of these aged water pots, sourced from remote villages in Java.
Introducing Brutalist interior design into your home can completely transform your space with its intention, simplicity, and strength. Tap into this style by embracing the rich textures and versatile grey tones of concrete and stone. Choose furniture that stands out with its large, chunky forms to make a bold Brutaslist statement. And to add a touch of warmth, bring in sturdy woods, greenery, and textured clay. These elements will add a cosy contrast and make your Brutalist-inspired space feel both striking and inviting.