The Return of Brutalism in Design
Brutalism has made a quiet yet powerful comeback in contemporary interiors. Once associated with monumental architecture and raw concrete façades of the mid-20th century, the brutalist ethos now influences everything from furniture to lighting.
At its heart, brutalism celebrates honesty of material - concrete, metal, and stone shown in their unpolished, authentic state. In lighting, this philosophy translates into sculptural forms, raw textures, and a focus on how light interacts with surface and structure.
At Nook Collections, our new Brutalist Edit pays homage to this movement: lighting crafted from concrete and metal that feels both grounded and modern. These are pieces that bring architectural depth into intimate, liveable spaces.
(Images courtesy of Planet Plumbing Group, https://planetplumbing.com.au/s-sirius-building)
A Local Icon: The Sirius Building, Sydney
Few structures embody the spirit of Brutalism in Australia quite like Sydney’s Sirius Building. Completed in 1980, the Sirius was originally built to provide social housing near The Rocks, its bold concrete forms and modular geometry standing as a raw, honest expression of the era. Once controversial, it has since become a heritage icon of brutalist architecture, admired for its sculptural presence and unapologetic materiality.
Following a sensitive refurbishment, the Sirius has been reimagined for contemporary living - proof that brutalist design can evolve while preserving its integrity. It’s a powerful reminder that when thoughtfully restored, concrete and light can coexist in striking, modern harmony
What Defines Brutalist Lighting
Brutalist lighting is about structure and substance. Forget delicate filigree or ornate detailing — this style is defined by:
Raw materials: concrete, steel, brass, or cast metal.
Geometric forms: clean lines, angular silhouettes, and monolithic volumes.
Texture: visible grain, exposed casting marks, and matte finishes.
Shadow play: sculptural designs that shape how light and dark interact.
Rather than hiding the process, brutalist lighting celebrates it. A visible texture or imperfection becomes part of the story - a mark of authenticity.
How to Style Brutalist Lighting in Your Space
1. Balance the Raw with the Refined
Concrete and metal can feel strong, even severe, so balance them with softer materials - linen upholstery, natural timber, wool rugs, or curved furniture. This creates contrast and warmth.
2. Keep the Palette Neutral
Brutalist design thrives in a limited colour palette. Think greys, charcoals, blackened metal, muted white, and natural stone tones. These hues allow form and texture to take centre stage.
3. Focus on Form and Composition
Each light should feel intentional - almost sculptural. Treat your lighting as an art piece. Brutalist fixtures work beautifully as focal points. Though brutalist lighting tends to make a statement, layering is key to atmosphere. Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting in complementary materials.
- A single concrete pendant suspended low over a dining area
- A metal wall sconce adding graphic strength to a hallway
- A cluster of geometric pendants creating visual rhythm in an entryway
- Introduce a table lamp in natural stone for warmth and balance
- Use a raw concrete ceiling pendant for ambient light
Brutalism Meets Modern Living
The new generation of brutalist lighting isn’t austere or heavy. It’s honest, sculptural, and modern. Designers are pairing concrete with brass accents, steel with glass diffusers, and raw textures with sleek finishes.
At Nook, we see this as Brutalism refined - lighting that brings material integrity into modern homes without overpowering them. Whether you live in a coastal minimalist home or a city loft, these lights add architecture and texture to your interior language.
Brutalist lighting is not just a style - it’s a philosophy of truth to materials and purity of form.
It’s design stripped back to its essence: raw, sculptural, and beautifully unadorned.
At Nook Collections, we believe this aesthetic resonates because it mirrors how we live today - with simplicity, authenticity, and a desire for tactile beauty.
Explore the Brutalist Lighting Collection to discover lighting that celebrates the beauty of the raw.
