Simple, sleek, clean furnishings and colour schemes are making a huge comeback, with pared-back interiors tipped to be one of the most popular design trends this year.
This look is all about embracing the idea of minimalism by introducing gentle colour palettes and refined finishes into your home to create a sense of simplicity.
Pared-back interiors are strongly influenced by Brutalist design; a classic architectural and design movement made popular in the 1950s with an emphasis on concrete, clean lines and lashings of grey. Though today’s iteration is less stark and more luxurious, creating altogether more liveable spaces. We call this look, Brutal Beauty.
Forced into a work from home (WFH) environment over the last three years, many of us are relying on a sense of security and ease in our home living spaces. The art of Brutal Beauty epitomises this, with the revitalised take on this design highlighting the growing desire that we have to live more simply—the idea of building once and building well.
Brutal Beauty is a more charming and comfortable approach to the traditional Brutalist style that was first seen in mid-century institutional spaces. With all the characteristics of the classic Brutalism style, today’s version sees designers and architects putting a contemporary spin on the evolving style, by pairing typical raw concrete finishings with soft and sophisticated pieces for a more liveable space at home.
Renovations are the perfect time for creating the Brutal Beauty look in your home. Introducing Brutalist style floorings, bench tops, cabinetry and window furnishings as key foundational elements to reinvigorate your interiors will allow for creativity and flexibility in the rest of your project.
Colours such as grey, black and white are timeless neutrals, and are a safe option for any novice to this style of design. In the living room, try adding softness through Carpet Court’s Basenji twist-pile carpet in Cattle Grey—a warm, rich grey that will help accentuate other elements, like a striking, low-line sofa or marble coffee table. Adding to the inviting feel that the Basenji carpet provides, installation of Carpet Court’s soft, Bali S-Wave linen sheers in Ash on the surrounding windows will result in an accessible and comfortable, yet opulent style of living space.
Now let’s move into the kitchen and dining room. Arguably two of the most hardworking spots in a busy home and where Brutal Beauty will flourish. After a concrete look? Durable and easy to maintain, hybrid tile flooring will give your space that pared-back Brutalist appeal. Try Carpet Court’s Elements hybrid tile range for the perfect addition to this space.
Finally, an increasingly important space for many of us—the home office—can be given a professional lift with Carpet Court’s Gravel carpet planks in Ink. It has a unique, stone-like texture that will create a more earthy, organic look for your WFH space.
With the focus on such contrasting combinations, the effect is one of considered luxury—a home that makes a nod to the past, while including all the comfort, elegance and convenience that we want in our living spaces today. Perhaps a reflection of the exhaustion that we are feeling as a society, pared back interiors promise a low-fuss and durable option in an increasingly over-stimulated home environment.
All quotes attributed to interior stylist and Carpet Court style ambassador, Heather Nette King.
