How to bring Brutalist style into your home

Heal's

Brutalism is a design movement that celebrates raw materials, bold forms and a connection to the environment. We asked influencer @brutalismichael to give some thoughts on how to incorporate brutalist style into your home. His home, a 1960s estate, naturally lends itself to this aesthetic.

He firmly believes that embracing Brutalist style doesn’t mean creating a stark, cold environment. It’s about celebrating raw materials, bold forms and practical beauty while ensuring the space remains warm and inviting. 

Whether you live in a Brutalist building or simply appreciate the aesthetic, these principles will help you embrace the movement in a way that suits your personal style. 

Key Principles of Brutalist Interiors

1. Honest use of materials

One defining characteristic of Brutalism is an appreciation for materials in their raw and authentic state. Pieces made from concrete, wood, metal, or glass that showcase natural textures and finishes work particularly well. My own home features a mix of these, reinforcing the Brutalist ethos of authenticity and practicality. Heal’s choice of furniture, from the clean-lined sofas to the natural wood finishes, adds warmth and softness to the raw concrete backdrop.

2. Form follows function

Brutalist interiors emphasise practicality without sacrificing visual impact. Every piece should serve a clear function while also contributing to the aesthetic of the space. Sculptural furniture that is both striking and comfortable is ideal. My Ligne Roset Togo sofa is a perfect example – it has a strong and structured form but is designed for ultimate relaxation.

3. Bold and geometric forms

Architectural and geometric elements play a key role in Brutalist interiors. Incorporating strong shapes can enhance the visual depth of a space. Furniture and decor that feature sharp lines, angular structures, or organic yet structured silhouettes can contribute to this aesthetic. My Vilia Rug in Mustard by Linie Design introduces geometric patterns, adding contrast and warmth against the more industrial elements in my home.


4. Monochromatic & neutral colour palette

Incorporating a balanced and neutral palette can soften the look while maintaining its essence. Earthy tones such as browns, greys, beiges and deep neutrals help create warmth. My living room palette includes warm browns, greys and earth tones, reflected in my Togo sofa, Vilia Rug, sideboard, turning table, and Muji shelf. 

A contemporary sideboard in grey and wood tones, paired with an art piece in a similar palette, subtly enhances the mood of mid-century design. Decorative accents, such as photography of Le Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation, pay homage to the movement’s architectural roots.

5. Connection to the environment

A key aspect of Brutalist architecture is its relationship with the surrounding environment. In my own home, sunlight enhances my Togo sofa’s sculptural form, making it a focal point. Spatial flow is another important consideration – my wall-mounted shelving system allows for visual continuity and an open display of objects while maintaining the architectural integrity of the space.