Brutalist Lookbook | For a Raw and Precious Interior Decor
Brutalism: A Strong Comeback in Interior Design
Norki presents its interpretation of Brutalism with the new Fall–Winter 2024 collection, "ANJA." Brutalism, an architectural style that has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, is defined by its raw materials such as concrete, steel, and stone. Once seen as austere and unwelcoming, this style now finds a prominent place in our interiors. An evolving movement, Brutalism masterfully blends simplicity and functionality while introducing a bold, modern touch to our living spaces. Let’s explore the history and principles of Brutalism, and how to incorporate this style with elegance into your home décor.
The Origins of Brutalism
Born in the 1950s, Brutalism emerged as a post-war architectural movement, a response to the need for modernity and large-scale reconstruction. Influenced by modernism, it also addressed the era's social needs, particularly in creating affordable housing. Renowned architects like Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, and Paul Rudolph popularized this imposing style with its use of raw materials. Focused on an unadorned aesthetic, Brutalism is known for its austerity, whether applied to public buildings, homes, or urban spaces. However, Brutalism's influence extended beyond architecture, establishing itself as a powerful expression in interior design.
A Raw Aesthetic in Interior Design
In interior design, Brutalism is characterized by the dominance of raw concrete, metal, and glass, combined with simple, unembellished forms. The idea is to return to materials in their purest form, without excessive treatment, creating minimalist and functional spaces. This return to simplicity allows for a play with textures and volumes while emphasizing materiality over decoration. The style is ideal for those seeking a raw, almost primal atmosphere where every element seems purposeful, without any artifices.
An Evolving Style
Today's Brutalism has significantly evolved, incorporating more refined elements while maintaining its foundational principles. No longer confined to cold, impersonal spaces, the style now adapts to modern needs for comfort and warmth. Concrete, for instance, can be polished or tinted to achieve a more elegant appearance. Metal is now often used decoratively to create patterns or sculptures, while more luxurious materials like marble and travertine are added to the mix. Neutral tones are balanced with warmer colors, and materials like wood and leather bring comfort, all while maintaining the simplicity of the style. Thus, Brutalism becomes more accessible and easier to integrate into contemporary spaces, offering endless customization possibilities while staying true to its roots.
anja collection
How to Incorporate Brutalism into Your Interior
Integrating Brutalism into your home is easier than it seems. One of the key elements of this style lies in the choice of materials. Travertine, for example, is a highly sought-after material that brings both elegance and purity. Pair it with raw wood furniture of generous proportions to create a striking contrast with the austerity of concrete. For a clean look, opt for neutral colors, light drapes, and rugs with curved lines. Feel free to mix Brutalism with other styles, such as Haussmannian, to add a personal touch.
Brutalism allows you to create spaces that are both elegant and functional, blending natural materials and simple lines. The key is to find the right balance between the harshness of certain materials and the softness of comfort elements.
Brutalism According to Norki
Our new Fall–Winter 2024 collection, "ANJA," is a manifesto of the union between raw nature and exceptional craftsmanship, once again paying tribute to the noble materials that the Earth provides. Inspired by the enchanting mysteries of Eastern lands, this collection reinterprets timeless elegance in its purest form.
Bold and poetic, "ANJA" places a strong emphasis on quality, with meticulously chosen materials, bold lines, and precise detailing. The new creations from our Maison, including rugs, throws, cushions, benches, screens, and armchairs, are resolutely contemporary and tell a story of striking textures and contrasts. The lines, sharp as if cut with an axe, harmonize with a palette of deep, dark colors reminiscent of dense birch forests and long winter nights. These tones contrast with the bright whites of Central Europe's vast snow-covered plains, creating a stunning visual effect.
Each piece is conceived as a unique object, an invitation to enveloping comfort that is almost dreamlike, revealing the raw beauty of materials—a defining signature of our Maison. Sheepskin, suede leather, and solid oak intertwine to give birth to strong and poetic creations. Delicate embroideries and precious assemblages enhance the simplicity and authenticity of the materials, offering a space for creative freedom.
This collection is a tribute to authenticity and craftsmanship, a bold vision of design that transcends the manual labor of our artisans. It embodies the essence of French haute couture, key pillars of our Maison’s identity.
"Anja": a collection where haute couture meets exceptional craftsmanship, offering precious objects in their simplicity. Just like haute decoration, true preciousness lies in the discretion of the object.
With this collection, we have chosen to reinvent Brutalism with a touch of poetry and finesse. Our "Yaga" collection, for example, perfectly embodies this reimagined Brutalism. Screens, chairs, tables, and benches crafted from solid wood, leather, and skin create a harmonious blend of raw and refined textures. Named after the legend of Baba Yaga, this collection illustrates the style’s toughness and wisdom, mysticism, and elegance. These handmade pieces reveal the beauty of materials in their purest state, while adding an eternal dimension to the space.
The "Yaga" collection represents the essence of Brutalism: simple forms, authentic materials, and a design that respects history while reinterpreting it. Each piece in this collection is unique, carefully and passionately crafted. The dark, sturdy solid wood contrasts harmoniously with the softness of the hides and the purity of the leather. Adorned with beads, sequins, or leather fringes, these objects become works of art in your interior. By choosing pieces like these, you invite Brutalism in its most sophisticated and poetic form while honoring its essence.
Far from being limited to a cold and impenetrable style, Brutalism has reinvented itself to offer a modern, bold, and refined aesthetic that finds its perfect place in contemporary interiors.
