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
FEATURE HUGH METCALF DESIGN STUDIO OKAMI
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?
‘There’s the cliché of minimalism in interior design where it’s cold, spare and severe; devoid of art, colour, buoyancy and texture – the elements you actually want to live with,’ interior designer and author of The Layered Interior Greg Natale tells us. ‘But minimalist architecture can be an amazing canvas for expression.’
It’s an idea that Greg brought to the design of a property in Kyle Bay, a suburb of Sydney. ‘The home’s architectural language is quite hard-edged, with clean lines and copious use of exposed concrete,’ Greg explains. Inspired by Brazilian modernist architects, he sought to introduce layers to the home to ‘take a minimalist canvas and think about how to layer it with new textures so it would be liveable and in sync with the client’s individual style.
‘The client requested clashing colours throughout the home, leading to an unexpected yet vibrant blend that includes green, burgundy, teal and
