Is Brutalism A Style You Want in Your Home?
If you love concrete elements in the home, you will love the concept of brutalism interior decor. But what exactly is brutalism and what do designers love about this style?
08/01/2024
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Brutalism isn't a term one would generally associate with interior design. Still, over the past couple of years, brutalism has been popping up and it doesn't appear to be going away any time soon. But what is brutalism and how does such an ugly name become an element of decorating our homes?
After doing a bit of research, I discovered that I am a huge fan of brutalism without even knowing it. How can this be you might be thinking. Well, brutalism is, to put it simply, a piece or pieces that are large in size (huge) and raw. Think in terms of a large concrete dining table similar to the one shown in the image at the top of this page or the solid wood console in the image below.
In a way, brutalism can be compared to organic in that furniture or accessories celebrate their organic origin and highlight their rough, unfinished exteriors, sort of like a live-edge piece of wood that is transformed into a dining table, coffee or side table or a countertop for home bar.
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Brutalism as an Element in Interior Design
If brutalism is considered as design and decor elements that are mostly organic then why wouldn't we want to incorporate this into our homes? With an emphasis on natural or organic materials and raw finishes, brutalism lets us explore previously considered ugly materials. Unfinished wood, raw concrete, blown glass and other organic materials are art forms and brutalism allows these to take the spotlight without any fanfare.
What makes brutalism so different from today's styles is the emphasis on size and shape. This is not a gentle style but rather a brutal foray into organic design while using a sledgehammer. Let it be big, let it be raw and let it be brutal!
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Incorporate Brutalism Into Your Home
For the DIY enthusiast, brutalism couldn't be easier to incorporate into a home. Look for timbers with a live edge that you can turn into tables, cabinets or consoles, Cast concrete into custom forms for tabletops, countertops or outdoor furniture. Shop for furniture that emphasizes the nature of the materials used. And accessorize these with organic elements and accessories.
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Incorporate items that are manufactured using natural materials such as cotton or linen with a wood frame. Even upholstered furniture can be brutal without going to the extreme.
Since brutalism's approach to design focuses on raw strength and not pretty or polished, making pieces that reflect the true nature of brutalism is easy when using concrete or raw wood and even steel. After all, brutalism throughout history can be recognised by its practical approach, whether in buildings and architecture or furniture.
References:
Architectural Digest [Step inside 4 moody brutalist homes]
Living etc [Brutalist interiors that are surprisingly soft]
Vogue [Why brutalism is making an interior design comeback]