View from the top floor

Soft Brutalism

June 6, 2025
Architecture

Want the tactile punch of concrete with the comfort of home? Enter soft brutalism - 2025’s surprising interior design darling. This style blends the raw honesty of traditional brutalism, visible concrete, stark geometry with plush materials and warm finishes.

Picture a room anchored by a concrete feature wall or structural beam, softened with velvet cushions, wooden accents, and ambient lighting. It’s a contrast that feels intentional, not jarring, edgy but welcoming; industrial yet intimate. Think exposed materials hugged by tactile textures. That push‑pull creates spaces that are memorable, photographable, and above all, human.

What makes this trend resonate is how it layers narrative. You’re not just walking into a room, you’re stepping into a story of authenticity, sustainability, and design confidence. And importantly for commercial spaces, it’s a model that adapts beautifully, from flexible co-working floors to boutique lobbies.

In the world of property and placemaking, soft brutalism offers a lesson: bold foundations don’t have to feel cold, and warmth doesn’t require compromise. Let texture do the talking.