Brutalist interior design has a way of resurfacing every few decades, captivating our minds and warming our hearts. In 2020, it is making its biggest comeback yet.
Embracing Raw Materials and Geometric Shapes
Brutalist interior design is characterized by raw materials, textured surfaces, and simple silhouettes. It draws inspiration from the post-Mid-Century era, celebrating grandeur, geometric forms, and repetitive patterns.
While sharing some themes with Art Deco and Mid Century design, Brutalism stands out with its use of rough surface materials like concrete, steel, and matte metals. These materials provide an aged or patina appearance, adding a touch of uniqueness to the design.
The Fortress Aesthetic
Brutalism reached its peak in the 1960s when low-cost unrefined materials were widely used in architecture and housing design. It adopted a "fortress" aesthetic, symbolizing strength. Masculine decor with minimalist lines and bold use of metal became prominent.
Structural Depth and Spatial Balance
In addition to organic textural surfaces, Brutalism emphasizes structural spatial depth. Furniture, wall coverings, decorative objects, and architectural design all play a role in creating this depth. The use of negative space and asymmetrical silhouettes adds further uniqueness. Patterns can be equally repetitive or sporadic, allowing for individual expression.
Warm Metals and Captivating Balance
Warm metals, especially gleaming brass, have played a major role in the revival of Brutalist interior design. Combining contrasting materials like cement and brass creates a captivating balance in the space. Imagine a cement table adorned with a metallic brass cube as a striking decorative piece.
Creating a Modernized Look
Brutalism has evolved in 2020 with the introduction of polished and chrome metallic finishes. Polished stainless steel and mirrored silver chrome lighting options have risen in popularity, blending contemporary elements with the hallmark Brutalist style. A uniformed metallic finish can modernize the overall look while maintaining its raw and elegant essence.
The Power of Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in complimenting Brutalist design. Low, moody lighting creates deep shadows that enhance the textured surfaces, highlighting the materials and emphasizing the negative space. This adds a touch of drama and allure to the overall ambiance.
Curating Your Brutalist Space
To incorporate Brutalist style into your space, start with a large textured base that emphasizes natural materials and surface textures. A heavy piece of geometric wood furniture or a concrete countertop can serve as a focal point. Choose metallic lighting as a centerpiece and mix in smaller Brutalist pieces in metallic tones to pull it all together. It's all about thoughtful selection, careful curation, and confidence in your choices.
Brutalist interior design offers a unique blend of strength and elegance. With its resurgence in 2020, it's time to embrace this captivating style and infuse it into your decor. Let the textures, materials, and shapes create an environment that exudes individuality and timeless appeal.
Written by Chelsey Loya
