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The Rise of Brutalism: Interiors, History & Inspiration
I think Brutalism is one of those styles that gets a bad rap. I remember the first time I heard the term—my mind immediately went to something harsh, cold, even violent. Brutal. As in brutal-brutal. And honestly, for a while, I treated it that way. I figured it was a style that prized function over feeling, that it was about as cozy as a concrete bunker. But the deeper I got into design history, the more I realized that brutalism is misunderstood.
The term actually comes from the French phrase *béton brut*, which means raw concrete. That’s it. Not ruthless. Not cruel. Just raw. And there’s something kind of beautiful about that, isn’t there? When you understand the origin, you see the honesty in the material—the texture, the grain, the imperfections left behind by wooden forms. You see how it became a language of truth in architecture, an unvarnished way of building for a world that had been shaken by war and was searching for authenticity.
So let’s break it down. This is going to be your guide to brutalism: where it came from, how it evolved, and how it’s expressed not only in buildings but in interiors, furniture, and even jewelry. We’ll cover the history, we’ll explore different global takes on it, and yes—we’re going to dig into the ways you can bring a little Brutalist boldness into your own space, even if you’re not living in a concrete fortress.
Let’s begin with a quick history lesson.
A Quick (and Surprisingly Emotional) History of Brutalism
Brutalism didn’t arrive on the scene quietly. It came crashing in with the same force as the materials it embraced—concrete, steel, and unfiltered honesty. But its origin story? It’s more thoughtful than you might expect.
The roots of Brutalism can be traced back to the 1940s, when post-war Europe was in shambles. Cities had been leveled. Budgets were tight. And society was in desperate need of not only housing, but hope. This was the breeding ground for architectural philosophies that valued function, economy, and raw expression. Destruction had birthed innovation (again).
Enter béton brut—French for “raw concrete.” That phrase, which Le Corbusier used to describe the unfinished concrete of his Unité d’Habitation in 1952 (Le Corbusier was simultaneously constructing the huge Chandigarh project in India), would eventually give Brutalism its name. But the actual term “Brutalism” is widely credited to British architects Alison and Peter Smithson, who used it to describe their own design ethos in 1953. They weren’t just talking about concrete. They were talking about truth. Truth in form, in material, and in the relationship between architecture and the people it served.
By the 1960s and 1970s, Brutalism had become a global movement. In the UK, you saw it in social housing projects like London’s Trellick Tower (1972). In the U.S., universities adopted the style for dorms and libraries—think Yale’s Art and Architecture Building by Paul Rudolph (1963) or Boston City Hall (1968) by Kallmann McKinnell & Knowles. And around the world—in Brazil, India, Mexico, and beyond—it took on local flavors while maintaining its heavy-lidded stare and unwavering structural honesty.
But then came the backlash.
By the 1980s, Brutalism had fallen out of favor. It was seen as cold, oppressive, even dystopian. Some called it “inhuman.” Others blamed it for urban decay. Many of the buildings were demolished. Others languished under decades of grime and bad PR.
And yet… here we are.
Thanks to a wave of design nostalgia and a new appreciation for unapologetic forms, neo-brutalism has surged in popularity over the last decade. Whether it’s filtered through interiors, sculpture, or even digital design, we’re seeing a quiet renaissance. And maybe that’s because, in a world of filters and polished feeds, something raw and honest feels rather refreshing.
Modern Brutalism and the Rise of Neo-Brutalism
When people think of Brutalism, they often picture hulking concrete blocks from the 1960s—a little gray, a bit gloomy, and maybe even a smidge haunted-looking. But here’s the twist: Brutalism never really left. It quietly evolved, trading in its bunker vibes for something a bit more livable, a bit more curated—and dare I say, even chic. I especially love all of the Brutalist evil lairs that have been in countless films.
I’ll call it the Brutalist glow-up.
Modern Brutalism still leans on those hallmark materials—concrete, steel, glass—but there’s restraint now. It’s less about shouting “I am architecture, hear me roar” and more about thoughtful compositions, negative space, and playing with texture. You’ll find this newer iteration everywhere from boutique hotels in Berlin to gallery spaces in Tokyo.
And then came Neo-Brutalism, like Brutalism’s cool younger cousin who listens to vinyl, wears all-black, and somehow knows how to mix minimalism with maximal impact. Neo-Brutalism pulls the aesthetic back into the cultural conversation with fresher materials, refined lines, and interiors that feel moody, not miserable.
This resurgence isn’t simply nostalgia—it’s also about sustainability. Raw materials like unfinished concrete and recycled steel make sense in a world increasingly focused on reducing waste and rethinking form. Brutalism was once criticized for its austerity, but now? That honesty is the appeal.
In other words, the Brutalist blueprint got a moodboard. And it’s working. (So far).
Brutalism Beyond Buildings: Sculpture, Jewelry, and Everyday Objects
While Brutalism is often discussed in terms of architecture and interiors, its influence reaches far beyond concrete walls. In the mid-20th century, artists and designers began channeling the movement’s raw, tactile aesthetic into sculptural forms and wearable pieces. The bracelet below by jewelry master Art Smith may be my all-time fave!
Brutalist sculpture leans heavily on materiality. Artists like Richard Serra embraced scale and weight, creating works that feel as monumental as any building. These pieces often carry the same visual language as Brutalist architecture: rough surfaces, exposed joins, and unapologetic mass.
Jewelry designers, too, brought Brutalism into the everyday. Think hammered metals, abstract geometries, and asymmetric forms. Pieces from the 1960s and ’70s by designers like Paul Lobel or Arthur King reflected the same ethos—less polish, more presence. It was about form and material, not ornament.
Today, you’ll find echoes of Brutalism in everything from artisanal lighting to ceramic vessels. The aesthetic continues to thrive wherever designers favor honesty over refinement, and substance over style-for-style’s-sake.
Soft Brutalism Interiors: Brutalism’s Warmer, Moodier Cousin
When most people hear the word “Brutalism,” they picture cold concrete, bunker-like spaces, and the vague sense that they should be wearing a turtleneck while contemplating existential dread. And fair enough—that’s part of the aesthetic’s DNA. But there’s a newer, moodier take on Brutalism that’s been quietly gaining traction, and it’s honestly…kind of sexy?
Soft Brutalism keeps the architectural bones—the exposed concrete, the blocky geometry, the heavy, grounded feel—but pairs them with warmth, texture, and a little bit of emotional resonance. Think brutalist interiors, but lit like the house in Ex Machina: sleek, shadowy, and somehow both futuristic and deeply inviting. It’s less “Cold War panic room” and more “emotional support minimalism.”
Making it “soft” isn’t about ditching the rawness. It’s about balance. You’ll still find poured concrete floors and monolithic furniture, but now they’re softened with moody lighting, tactile materials (looking at you, velvet and wool), and earthy, warm tones that feel human and grounding. The result? A space that’s deeply modern—but still lets you exhale.
It’s also incredibly photogenic. No surprise, really—Instagram has fallen hard for those high-contrast spaces where rough concrete walls meet soft linen curtains and oversized ceramic vessels. It’s the aesthetic equivalent of a slow burn: strong, steady, and quietly impactful.
How to Bring Brutalism Into Your Own Space
So maybe you’re not living in a concrete-and-steel architectural landmark. Maybe your ceilings are under ten feet, your floors are suspiciously laminate, and your bathroom still has that weird rental lighting that hums when it’s on too long. Doesn’t matter. You can still bring a little Brutalism home—and no, it doesn’t require pouring a concrete slab in your living room.
The Brutalist aesthetic is all about bold form, raw texture, and intentional simplicity. That can show up in your space in small but punchy ways. A sculptural concrete coffee table? Brutalist. A chunky, asymmetrical lamp base in matte black? Brutalist. A dining room with moody lighting and minimal ornamentation? You’re getting warmer.
The key is restraint—with a side of drama. Let bold shapes and solid materials take center stage, and balance them out with soft lighting and thoughtful spacing. This is a style that thrives when you give each piece room to breathe.
Want to go a little deeper? Start thinking in terms of rooms. A Brutalist kitchen might lean into raw materials—think unfinished wood cabinets or matte black hardware. A Brutalist bedroom could mean a grounded platform bed with clean lines and cozy minimalism. And a Brutalist dining room? Picture a solid stone table, heavy chairs, and a pendant light that means business.
Even the Brutalist bathroom (yes, that’s a thing) can make a statement: concrete sinks, blocky silhouettes, and a palette that’s more moody gray than spa white. Brutalism doesn’t soften for the sake of comfort—but it does embrace texture, weight, and a sort of quiet power.
And the truth – It’s kind of addicting. Once you start looking at your space through a Brutalist lens, you’ll notice how grounding it feels. Like editing your space down to what matters—and then letting that speak volumes.
Final Thoughts on the Brutalist Design Revival
Remember when we first started talking about Brutalism and your brain immediately conjured up images of stark, uninviting concrete bunkers? Yeah—same. It’s kind of wild how one little French phrase (béton brut, I see you) led to one of the most misunderstood and yet enduring design movements of the last century.
But that’s the beauty of Brutalism. Once you dig past the rough exterior, there’s something almost poetic underneath it all. It’s not about being cold or unapproachable—it’s about creating bold, honest spaces that don’t need to rely on fluff to make a statement. And now, with the rise of neo- and soft Brutalism, we’re seeing a whole new generation reimagine it with warmth, tactility, and yes—a bit of mood lighting.
Whether you’re drawn to the graphic silhouettes of Brutalist sculpture, the cozy minimalism of a Brutalist bedroom, or just vibing with the aesthetic from afar, there’s room to explore. This revival is less about strict rules and more about energy: grounding, sculptural, and stripped down in a way that feels refreshingly real.
So go ahead—embrace the raw. Light that moody lamp. And, with any luck, next time someone says “Brutalism,” you’ll picture something a little less bunker and a little more… badass.
