The word “brutalism” may conjure negative connotations of authoritarianism. The architectural style does tend to evoke strong responses—you either love it or you hate it. If you’re on the “love it” side, you’ll enjoy learning these five ways to channel organic brutalism in your interior design.

What Defines Organic Brutalist Design?

In the realm of design, brutalism is a style characterized by its raw, unrefined aesthetics and an emphasis on functionality. It often incorporates construction materials in their most authentic forms, such as exposed concrete and brick, creating a bold, grounded look that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and honesty.

Organic brutalism combines the raw aesthetics and simplicity of brutalism with the natural elements of organic design. The style offers a unique way to express individual tastes. The result is a design that is both grounded and sophisticated, perfect for those who appreciate authenticity in their surroundings.

Love It or Hate It

Organic brutalist design can invoke strong, opposite reactions. Basically, you either love it or you hate it. Its raw, unpolished aesthetic is a far cry from the traditional, polished look of many contemporary designs. Yet those who appreciate its honest, earthy appeal can recognize a certain beauty in its rugged simplicity that cannot be found elsewhere.

How Is Brutalism Different Than Minimalism?

Minimalism favors a clean, white, and unadorned aesthetic, often achieved using refined materials. Brutalism, on the other hand, embraces the roughness and authenticity of raw construction materials like concrete and exposed brick. This results in spaces that feel more grounded and connected to the earth, compared to the airy lightness often associated with minimalism.

Ways To Channel Organic Brutalism in Your Interiors

If you’re in the “love it” camp where brutalism is concerned, there are techniques you can use to express this style in your living space while retaining comfort for yourself and guests who aren’t so into the style. Here are a few ways to channel organic brutalism in your interiors.

Basic Geometric Forms

Brutalist design thrives on simplicity. By maintaining clean and uncluttered spaces, you allow the basic geometric forms that define brutalism to shine. Choose furniture and decor items that embody these simple shapes and arrange them in a way that emphasizes their form.

Raw Materials

The authenticity of brutalist design lies in its use of raw construction materials. Consider incorporating elements such as a custom concrete fireplace surround, exposed brickwork, and visible plumbing into your interiors. These elements, with their rough textures and unfinished appearance, add depth and character to your space.

Muted Colors

To keep with the raw and unrefined aesthetic of brutalism, opt for a muted color palette. Shades of gray, beige, brown, and black, which mimic the colors of natural construction materials, can create a calm and grounded atmosphere in your interiors.

Lighting Choices

Lighting plays a crucial role in brutalist design. Choose simple, industrial-style light fixtures that complement the raw construction materials. Also, consider how natural light interacts with your space. Large windows that let in ample natural light can accentuate the texture and form of your brutalist elements.

Minimal Clutter

An organic brutalist interior tends to use a few large pieces of furniture and wall art and very few small items that are just for decoration. Maintaining an open, sparse space that incorporates raw materials like unfinished concrete, rock, glass, and metal communicates the organic brutalist style without additional ornamentation.

Organic brutalist design provides a unique way to create interiors that are both modern and connected with nature. By embracing the principles of this style, you can create spaces that are visually compelling, deeply grounded, and authentically beautiful.