Personal aesthetics aside, numbers don’t lie: Brutalism is back with a vengeance. For those of us wondering what brutalism is and why it’s appealing, the term itself reveals much about the architectural style. The eponymous “brutal” from which our style takes its name is about being raw, bold, and imposing. “Brutalism” arose from Le Corbusier’s use of “beton brut” – French for “raw concrete.” As such, brutalism is characterized by massive raw concrete structures, roughness, geometric complexity, and an imposing spatial experience. Sure, it isn’t warm and cozy, but it does make a bold architectural statement and create a canvas for the homeowner’s expression and design. In the words of Zillow, “This style’s stripped-back interiors act as a blank canvas, making them appealing to minimalists or to creative homeowners who want to furnish them according to their personal style.”

This year, many homeowners have embraced minimalism, and are eager to follow Marie Kondo’s best advice for decluttering and organizing their home by gravitating to styles like Scandinavian decor for coziness that is organized, natural, and neutral at its core. Brutalism’s preference for raw concrete, neutral colors, large open spaces, unique shapes, and sharp geometric lines creates perfect spaces for modernist styles to thrive without feeling cluttered, overwhelming, or outdated. Truthfully, the best brutalist homes don’t look like a supervillain lair, they provide a flexible canvas for artistry and warmth.