How To Bring Brutalist Style Into Your Home

Brutalist design is a style that’s been loved, hated, and now surprisingly, loved again! 

Once a symbol of hope after World War II, brutalism fell out of fashion in the 70s, with its concrete buildings being associated with economic failure and urban decay. But just like that old t-shirt you rediscovered in the back of your closet, brutalism is back in style, with its strong forms and unfinished charm finding new life in modern homes. 

But what exactly is brutalist design? What are its key elements? And most importantly, how can you bring this concrete-clad style into your space without constructing an entire concrete building? 

That’s exactly what we’re here to find out. So, stick around if you’re  one of the many intrigued by the sudden renewed interest in brutalism because we’re about to share everything there is to know about brutalist design. 

Think tiles can’t handle the brutalist aesthetic? Think again! Just check out this fireplace showcasing the Montura Gray Cement Porcelain Hexagon Tile for a taste of what’s possible. 

Imagine walking down a city street and suddenly encountering a massive concrete structure that looks like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie. That’s brutalist design for you - bold, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore. 

Popular in the 1960s and 1970s, the post-World War II era, this design movement was born out of necessity and practicality. After the war, nations worldwide were looking to rebuild quickly and affordably. Steel was expensive, so people turned to a more budget-friendly option: concrete. 

In fact, the term “brutalism” comes from the French phrase "béton brut," meaning raw concrete, used by the famous architect Le Corbusier. 

To give you a better picture, brutalist structures were all about showing off their raw, unrefined materials. 

They were big, bold, and often looked like they were defying gravity. But more importantly, brutalist architectures are simple and functional buildings that serve their social purpose - urban reconstruction. 

Brutalist design, therefore, is all about combining bold sculptural expressionism with functionalism. 

We’ve talked about what brutalism means, but what really makes a design brutalist? Let’s look at the key elements that make brutalist design what it is. 

Brutalist design is all about celebrating raw materials in their natural state. It strips away fancy decorations and lets the building materials be the main focus. 

And while concrete comes to mind first when we talk about raw materials in brutalism, brick, steel, and wood are also key players in brutalist designs. Each of these materials brings something special to the table. 

Concrete is versatile and can be used in many ways. It can be smooth or rough, creating different textures and shapes. Brick adds warmth and an earthy feel. Steel gives a modern, industrial look. And wood helps soften hard edges and brings in a natural element. 

The use of these raw materials comes from a desire for honesty in design. It doesn’t try to hide how things are really made of. Instead, it leaves structural elements out in the open for everyone to see. This transparency is a big part of what makes brutalist buildings stand out. 

By focusing on raw materials, brutalism challenges our ideas about what looks good. It reminds us that there’s beauty in simplicity and strength in honesty. 

Since concrete, the primary material in brutalist design, is so easily moldable, it allows for the creation of the bold, sculptural forms that define the Brutalist style. But unlike other materials, concrete tends to look chunky and oversized. 

The result? A space that’s filled with striking geometry, where every surface and structure becomes a part of a grand, three-dimensional puzzle. And this geometric influence extends beyond the structural elements. 

Within brutalist spaces, you can expect to find lots of blocky, angular shapes, like a rectangular coffee table with sharp corners or a staircase that cuts through the space with dramatic, angular steps. 

But it’s not all hard lines; you’ll also find rounder and curved forms, like a cylindrical pendant lamp hanging from a vaulted ceiling or a smooth, curved concrete wall. 

Functionality in brutalism means stripping away the unnecessary, leaving us with spaces that are purposeful and uncluttered. 

To create a truly brutalist vibe then, we need to rethink traditional finishing touches. 

Out go the fancy window trims and decorative moldings. In their place, we opt for elements that are practical and straightforward. 

Picture large, clean-lined windows that let in plenty of light. Or consider exposed concrete floors that are both durable and visually striking. Even something as simple as leaving ductwork visible can add to the brutalist aesthetic. 

This emphasis on functionality also influences the overall layout of Brutalist spaces. Instead of cramped, compartmentalized rooms, brutalism favors open floor plans that enhance the sense of spaciousness and flow. 

Think minimal internal walls and strategically placed columns that maintain open sightlines. High ceilings also contribute to this feeling of airiness and grandeur, reflecting the large-scale nature of brutalist architecture. Ultimately, the goal is to create a floor plan that’s easy to navigate and use. 

Brutalism also requires us to be ruthless in decluttering. 

Every item should earn its place by serving a specific purpose. This doesn’t mean living in an empty box, though. It’s about choosing furniture and decor that are functional first, with form following closely behind.

For example, instead of a purely decorative side table, opt for one with built-in storage. You can also go for a sofa with durable upholstery that can withstand daily use, rather than a delicate piece that’s more show than substance.

In the kitchen, ditch the unnecessary appliances and gadgets, and stick to essential tools that are not just beautiful but more importantly, are practical. 

By prioritizing functionality, you can create a brutalist space that is visually striking and perfectly suited to your needs. 

When it comes to color palette in brutalist interiors, sticking with neutral, monochromatic tones is often the way to go. This approach to color is a key element in creating that signature brutalist feel we all know and love.  

By using a limited range of colors, we can really bring out the raw, uncluttered essence of brutalism in our spaces. More than that, going for a monochromatic palette also helps create a sense of calm and order in space. 

Now, before you think brutalist spaces are just boring concrete boxes, let’s be clear: monochrome doesn’t have to mean monotonous. 

While grays, whites, and blacks form the foundation, we can still add pops of color in a careful, minimalist way. 

Here are some ideas for adding a touch of color to your brutalist design:

• A single red cushion on a gray sofa
• A small orange side table next to a black armchair
• A vase of bright yellow sunflowers on a concrete coffee table
• A piece of colorful abstract art on an otherwise bare wall
•  A potted plant or two for a natural green accent

Just remember, the key here is restraint. 

Use color sparingly, like a punctuation mark in a sentence, to highlight specific areas or add a touch of personality. This way, you can keep the space feeling clutter-free and true to the brutalist spirit, while still allowing for moments of vibrant color. 

Brutalism’s love of raw, unfinished aesthetic translates into interiors rich with textural depth. Exposed concrete beams, rough brick walls, and unfinished wood surfaces all contribute to a tactile experience that’s both visually engaging and undeniably brutalist. 

This celebration of raw materials adds layers of interest to rather minimalist spaces without relying on excessive decoration or complicated styling. We see it in the variety of concrete finishes, from the smooth polish of a floor to the rough texture of an unfinished wall. 

Beyond concrete, there are numerous ways to bring texture into a brutalist space. 

Natural stone, like slate or granite, can add a rugged touch to countertops or feature walls. These materials not only look great but also feel interesting to the touch, adding to the sensory experience of the space. 

Textiles can also play a big role in adding texture. Consider incorporating heavy-knit throws, rough linen curtains, or even a shaggy wool rug. These softer elements can create a nice contrast with the harder surfaces typical in brutalist design, making the space more livable without losing its edge. 

Nailing brutalist design isn’t always as easy as it seems. But for those of us who love a good design hack, there’s a surprisingly simple way to bring brutalist style to any space: tiles. 

Intrigued? Keep reading to discover how tiles can help you create a stunning brutalist interior. 

One of the simplest and authentic ways to nail that raw, brutalist look is by using concrete. 

But let’s be real, exposed concrete is not everyone’s cup of tea. It might feel a bit too cold, be a hassle to maintain, and sometimes it can be tricky to incorporate into an existing space. 

No problem tho! There’s a fantastic alternative that captures the essence of brutalism without any of the drawbacks: concrete-look tiles. 

Concrete-look tiles mimic the appearance of concrete, sometimes even down to the texture, and they offer some serious advantages. 

For one thing, they’re incredibly easy to maintain. Unlike the real deal which can be porous and prone to staining, concrete-look tiles are usually resistant to moisture and stains. This makes them perfect for high-traffic areas or even bathrooms. Plus, they come in a huge variety of shades and finishes, giving you more design flexibility.

So, if you love the strong lines and industrial vibe of brutalism but prefer something a bit more refined and low-maintenance, concrete-look tiles are a smart choice. 

It’s easy to get stuck on concrete when we think about brutalist design. But remember how we talked about using raw materials other than concrete? Let’s explore that idea further with two options that might surprise you: metallic and wood-look tiles. 

Metallic tiles, especially those made with real metals like steel or copper, are a great fit for brutalist spaces. They have that tough, industrial look that works well with raw concrete. 

Over time, these tiles also change and develop a unique surface with a lot of character. They can also add some shine and help to balance out the solid look of concrete. 

Just imagine how amazing copper tiles would look in your kitchen backsplash, gradually deepening in color with age. Or how mesmerizing your fireplace could be with steel tiles surround that reflects the flickering flames. 

Wood-look tiles, on the other hand, can make a brutalist space feel less cold and more inviting. They add the natural look of wood, which creates a nice contrast with the otherwise stark look of concrete, softening the overall vibe of the room. 

More importantly, wood-look tiles are very strong and easy to take care of compared to the typical wooden floors. 

Spills, scratches, heavy foot traffic - wood-look tiles can handle it all, making them an excellent pick for active households. And guess what? This practicality aligns perfectly with the brutalist emphasis on functionality. 

So when designing your own brutalist space, don’t forget to mix in some of these stylish yet super functional wood-look tiles. Consider using them for flooring in a living room or bedroom to bring in some warmth. They could even be used on an accent wall to add a touch of nature to your space. 

We all know that texture adds depth and interest to a brutalist  space, but sometimes figuring out the right combination of materials to achieve the perfect balance between visual interest and clean aesthetic can be a real headache. So if you don’t want to get bogged down in complex design decisions, we have a simple solution: textured tiles. 

These tiles offer a foolproof way to add texture to your brutalist interiors without overthinking it. Instead of spending hours playing with different materials and contrasting finishes, textured tiles allow us to nail that clean, uncluttered aesthetic that’s crucial in brutalism, without relying on extra decor or accessories. 

Take a look at this bathroom vanity featuring our Dover Gris Deco Porcelain Tile. 

The surface of these tiles boasts a subtle raised pattern that resembles stacks of dominoes, adding just the right amount of texture without overwhelming the space. 

With textured tiles like these, you can create brutalist spaces that are both visually interesting and true to the style’s core principles. So why not give it a try and see how these tiles can turn your space into a brutalist haven? 

The way to do this is pretty straightforward: simply install neutral-colored tiles to your walls and floors, and you’ve instantly created the perfect base for your brutalist interior. It’s a quick and effective method to transform any space into one that embodies the simplicity principle of this design. 

To amplify the brutalist effect, we recommend using large format tiles as these oversized tiles can give your space that larger-than-life look that is also another characteristic of brutalist design. A must-try for this purpose is the Panorama Gray Marbled Porcelain Tile, available in a generous 24 x 48 inch size, which can be seen in the bathroom space above. 

More often than not, you’re working with existing spaces when a design itch strikes. And when it comes to embracing brutalist interiors, we know it’s not always feasible to start knocking down walls and adding dramatic concrete structures. 

So, how do we infuse that signature geometric flair without a major renovation? Geometric tiles offer a clever workaround. 

Go ahead, get geometric! But to keep that signature brutalist vibe, stick with neutral colors or concrete-look tiles like the Santa Barbara Smoke Gray Cross Ceramic Tile used on this bathroom floor.

These tiles allow you to introduce strong lines and bold shapes without the need for heavy construction. With a variety of patterns and designs to choose from, you can create striking feature walls, dynamic floors, or even eye-catching backsplashes that capture the essence of brutalism. 

So, there you have it—brutalist design in all its raw, concrete glory.  Whether you're drawn to its historical significance, its bold aesthetics, or its surprisingly versatile nature, brutalism offers a unique approach to interior design.  With the right tiles, you can capture the essence of this iconic style and create a space that's both timeless and unmistakably modern.