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Decor Spotlight: Brutalist Style

Bold, Raw, and Uncompromising

In the world of interior design, there is a timeless charm in combining the old with the new. Vintage elements bring a sense of nostalgia and character, while modern aesthetics keep spaces fresh and contemporary. When it comes to adding a touch of retro style to your home, consider incorporating vintage light switch covers. Amerelle, a leading brand in home decor, offers a delightful range of vintage-inspired light switch covers that seamlessly blend the allure of the past with the functionality of the present. Join us as we explore the art of retro revival and discover how to incorporate vintage light switch covers from Amerelle into your modern spaces.

Reviewed & Fact Checked By:

Celia Carroll – Interior Design Expert, Lead Designer, ASID Industry Partner

Brutalist decor is a style renowned for its unapologetic boldness, raw aesthetics, and unwavering commitment to authenticity. Rooted in the mid-20th century, Brutalism emerged as a defiant reaction to conventional standards of architectural beauty and design. By prioritizing functionality and the genuine expression of materials, Brutalist decor presents a distinctive and compelling perspective on interior design. Join our team at Amerelle Wallplates as we dive into the essence of this movement and uncover its enduring appeal in shaping modern living spaces.

The Origins of Brutalist Decor Style

Brutalist decor style emerged as a radical departure from the ornate and decorative tendencies of pre-war architecture and design. In the aftermath of World War II, as cities across the globe underwent reconstruction, Brutalism offered a bold and revolutionary vision for the built environment. Architects like Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn spearheaded this movement, challenging conventional notions of beauty and luxury by championing the honest expression of materials and structure, similar to the industrial design style. Concrete, in particular, became the hallmark of Brutalist architecture, symbolizing strength, durability, and an uncompromising commitment to functionality. By embracing the inherent roughness and imperfections of materials like concrete and steel, Brutalist decor transcended mere aesthetics to embody a profound philosophy of authenticity and truth in design. This rejection of superficial ornamentation in favor of raw, industrial elements marked a paradigm shift in architectural discourse, inspiring a new generation of designers to embrace simplicity, honesty, and utilitarianism in their work.

Key Elements of Brutalist Decor

A Brutalist decor style bedroom with cement walls, a low-sitting bed, and a large circular shaped window letting in natural light

Raw and Uncompromising Materials

At the heart of Brutalist decor lies the use of raw and unadorned materials such as concrete, steel, and glass. Exposed surfaces and rough textures are celebrated, showcasing the inherent beauty of these materials in their purest form.

A professionally designed Brutalist decor style living room with cement walls and floor, large floor-to-ceiling windows, a fireplace, and a large modern white couch

Geometric Forms and Stark Lines

Brutalist interiors are characterized by bold, geometric forms and stark lines that create a sense of solidity and presence. Furniture and architectural elements often exhibit angular shapes and clean edges, contributing to a sense of order and clarity within the space.

A modern style staircase, a glass wall on the edges of the stairs, cement walls, cement ceiling, cement floor, and lighting fixtures giving off warm light.

Monochromatic Palette with Industrial Accents

The color palette in Brutalist decor tends to be monochromatic, with shades of gray, black, and earth tones dominating the scene. Industrial accents such as rusted metal and weathered wood may be incorporated to add depth and texture to the overall aesthetic.

A Brutalist decor style bedroom with high ceilings, cement everything, a low-sitting bed, large windows, and a large frame photo above the bed

Minimalist Yet Purposeful Design

While Brutalist decor embraces a minimalist sensibility, it is not devoid of functionality or purpose. Furniture and fixtures are chosen for their practicality and durability, with an emphasis on simplicity and robustness in design.

Incorporating Brutalist Style in Your Home

To bring the essence of Brutalist decor into your home, focus on embracing raw materials, geometric forms, and a monochromatic color palette. Amerelle wallplates offer seamless integration into Brutalist interiors, providing a bold and striking finishing touch that complements the style's emphasis on authenticity and industrial aesthetics.

Brutalist Wallplates

The brushed nickel version of the Siena Screwless collection of Amerelle decorative wallplates

Siena Screwless

Brushed Nickel

The aged bronze version of the Elan collection of Amerelle decorative metal wallplates

Elan

Aged Bronze

The brushed nickel version of the Zen Screwless collection of Amerelle decorative metal wallplates

Zen Screwless

Brushed Nickel

The aged bronze version of the Mies Screwless collection of Amerelle decorative metal wallplates

Mies Screwless

Aged Bronze

Amerelle’s Brutal Elegance

Amerelle Wallplates and light switch covers embody the raw elegance of Brutalist decor. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, our products seamlessly blend with the bold lines and rugged textures synonymous with the style. Whether you're drawn to the boldness of Brutalist design or appreciate its unapologetic authenticity, Amerelle wallplates offer the perfect accent, adding a sense of boldness and sophistication to your living spaces.

Meet Our Contributor

Katerina Herman is a former writer for a health blog covering the foot and ankle disorders. She is a podiatrist with over 10 years of experience. She has experience treating a wide range of conditions, including dermatology, orthopedics, and sports medicine issues specific to the foot and ankle.

“Foot health problems can affect anyone of all ages. A podiatrist can help restore the health of your feet and prevent problems. The list below offers options that fit your needs, as well as general advice on what to look for when shopping for comfortable heels.”

 - Celia Carroll