Brutalism revisited Brutalism revisited

Statement simplicity with a raw edge

TIP

Negative space (aka unoccupied areas) is an essential element in creating a visually intriguing space, so resist the urge to add furniture

Acelebration of the beauty of raw materials, textures and starkly expressive geometric design, the Brutalist architecture movement was born from the ruined European cityscapes of World War II. Its influence on interior design took hold in the early 2000s with the emergence of the Neo-Brutalist style: a more refined, less ferocious reimagining, that remains true to the movement’s core ideals while making a bold statement. Yasmin Farahmandy, Founder, YDesign Interior, explains how the pairing of unyielding materials and warm, tactile touches come together to create a welcoming space.

MAXIMISE THE MINIMALISM.

This is no place for trinkets and overaccessorising is a strict no-no. By removing extraneous adornments and decoration, and carefully siting selected furniture pieces and lighting fixtures to showcase the raw components of a room, simplicity is key. Imagine a Le Corbusier-esque statement black leather and steel-framed sofa set against a smooth brushed concrete wall with an abstract geometric chandelier casting a warm glow.

FEEL YOUR WAY. Textural elements add subtle refinement and warmth to an otherwise stark, industrial-centric design. From rough-cut wood and natural stone to woven textiles, you can create a welcoming environment while embracing your brutalistic side. Layering and pairing different textural materials is an instant ‘softener’. For example, the natural grain finish of a wooden dining table juxtaposed with the smooth unpolished feel of an untreated béton brut wall console.

EMBRACE THE RAWNESS. Here, there and everywhere, raw concrete is the material foundation for NeoBrutalism interior inspiration. As well as its obvious use as a natural, unpainted wall or floor treatment, today’s designers are creating 50’s-style concrete chairs, wall sconces, vanity units, and more. Durable underfoot, its porous nature can be a challenge in the kitchen

EXPOSE TO IMPRESS. Drawing on the 1970s archetypal industrial- by-necessity New York loft living scene, rough metal accents, exposed pipes and steel beams are back in vogue and accentuate the NeoBrutalism aesthetic. An oversized bronze mirror in a minimally dressed hallway, a bronze geometric statement art piece or faux rusted table all add to the dramatic visual effect.

KEEP IT NEUTRAL. Pare back your colour palette with a commitment to monochromatic tones that play on neutrals to full effect. The goal is to create a unified, monochromatic aesthetic that highlights the raw elements and austerity of the room. For 2023, however, upstart designers are cheekily breaking the mould by injecting an unexpected single pop of colour, and why not?

THINK UTILITARIAN. Function over form has always been the central mantra, but even the most utilitarian furniture can be breathtaking in its stripped-back simplicity. There’s an intrinsic appeal to a plain hardwood table and chairs, steel stools and industrial-style light fittings. But, don’t eschew comfort for style, this is your home after all.

LET IN LIGHT. As with any chosen interior design style, one of the most important elements to consider when designing the perfect space is deciding how to incorporate natural light. If you’re blessed with floor to ceiling windows or skylights in those hard to light places, this will naturally create a bright, open ambience that contrasts and complements a Brutalist-inspired room.