Brutalist interior design was first developed in the 1950s and has since become a widely appreciated and sought-after architectural style. The brutalist style celebrates raw, exposed surfaces, textures, and materials like concrete, wood, and metal.

The aesthetic and vibrancy of the brutalist design are compelling and unique, making it an architect’s dream. The brutalist interior design movement initially drew inspiration from the post-war industrial era. This period saw the upcycling of materials such as exposed rough concrete, metal wires, and galvanised steel.

The raw materials were used to create heavily textured surfaces that embodied the idea of ruggedness and resilience, and this is why brutalist interiors are robust and heavily textured.

Why brutalist interiors are Making a Comeback in 2023

The brutalist interior design creates space that captures the energy of the post-war era and inspires the modern-day decorator with its blend of raw materials and textures.

These interiors are as sturdy as they are artistic and distinctive, capturing the solid industrial aesthetics of the post-war era. The bold, dramatic designs of brutalist furniture, walls, and art pieces create a uniquely complex atmosphere. While modern décor often uses glossy materials, the surfaces used in a brutalist interior are entirely textural.

How to embrace brutalism in your bedroom and home

There are several elements intrinsic to brutalist interiors:

• Exposed ceilings, concrete walls, and bare pipes.
• Angular furniture and solid geometric shapes.
• Textured surfaces and rugged materials like unfinished wood.
• Natural lighting from large windows and skylights.
• Industrial elements such as metal and steel.
• Dark or muted colour palettes such as greys or browns.
• Functional furniture designed for minimalism and flexibility.
• High ceilings and minimal ornamentation.
• Simple fixtures like bare bulbs or sleek metal lights.
• Brutal art and accents, such as sculptures or bold artworks.

Quirky décor

Incorporate a mixture of quirky, ready-made, and custom pieces to introduce a robust and industrial element to your interior. Ready-made items such as wall clocks, metal holders, pipe consoles, and rug wall décor can be a great way to get the desired effect quickly and cost-effectively.

Textural wallpapers

Textural wallpapers are a great way to get the desired effect for those looking to get a more custom Brutalist interior look. A great example is a wallpaper with an eclectic mix of industrial-style elements, such as metal pipes, chains, nuts and bolts, rivets, and concrete. Their textures and hues combined in a pattern can make even the most mundane walls come alive.

Chunky, overengineered furniture.

Overengineered furniture pieces like a bed, chairs, tables, lamps, and shelves effectively create a brutalist interior. If you want a bed frame that fits the style, check out the Serene Armstrong, Flintshire Mostyn Bronze, and Flintshire Axton.

Pictured: Serene Armstrong Metal Bed Frame These pieces are often made from solid and chunky materials such as metal, concrete, brick, and wood. Some of the most popular brutalist furniture designs feature multiple materials such as metal and wood and intricate textures.

Pictured: Flintshire Axton Metal Bed Frame - Antique

Exposed wall items and industrial lighting

Exposed lighting and wall items are the perfect way to add depth and texture to your bedroom. They commonly feature rough and raw shapes complemented by hard-wearing materials like metal, wood, stone, and concrete. Distressed metal light fixtures and metal wall pieces such as vases and wall-mounted sculptures are great ways to add an industrial element to a space while also capturing the brutalist-inspired aesthetic.

Dark, muted colourways

A dark and muted colour palette is one of the critical characteristics of the brutalist style. Neutral shades of grey, brown, black, and muted earth tones dominate the palette. These colours will bring out the architectural elements in your interior space and emphasise its austere look. Grey and black create a classic and muted vibe, while warmer colours like brown add a welcome touch of contrast and warmth. If you like the brutalist style, you might also like minimalist and transitional interior designs.