SOFT BRUTALISM

An unexpected new approach to this architectural style introduces surprising colours and textures into the mix - and has us convinced these spaces can be soft and welcoming

- HUGH METCALF

Brutalist interiors are, it’s fair to say, not everyone’s cup of tea. Brutalism is an exploration of materials and textures in design, but its expressive forms and focus on how buildings are constructed mean that the resulting homes, and their interiors, are divisive.

They’re spaces often defined by exposed brick, steel beams and, of course, concrete – all materials that undoubtedly have a beauty to them, but while some people adore the stark minimalist aesthetic of traditional brutalism, others may feel that the elements of this interior design style are too harsh to create a cosy interior.

Other people still fall somewhere in the middle. The allure of beautiful buildings with brutalist-style architecture or materials can be great, but there’s still this desire to create a home that feels, well, homely.

Tasked with these challenges, interior designers are turning to a softer brutalist style, introducing unexpected contrasts in colours and gentler materials to turn stark, industrial spaces into homes that feel cosy, even fun – all the while honouring and emphasising what makes them special in the first place.

You might think you know what a brutalist colour palette looks like – and it ’s undoubtedly defined by the overall greyness of concrete. And it’s true, traditional brutalist interiors tend to stick closely to a monochrome palette – pure blacks and whites are common contrasts, while you’re sure to see an introduction of wood tones to bring a much-needed warmth. But who’s to say that brutalist spaces shouldn’t be colourful?