The word “brutalist” might conjure up images of stark, concrete buildings or imposing architectural forms. However, when it comes to website design, brutalism is less about intimidating structures and more about a raw, unapologetic style. It’s about stripping your site down to its essentials, creating something bold, functional, and a little rebellious and unpolished.
If you’ve grown tired of overly polished websites that all look the same, embracing a brutalist look could be just what your site needs.
Let’s be real though: brutalist design isn’t for everyone. Before diving into this edgy aesthetic, it’s worth considering how it fits your brand and audience, and how to execute it properly.
Why Brutalism Works in Web Design
Brutalist web design rejects the fluff. It doesn’t try to woo you with soft gradients, perfect symmetry, or carefully curated images. Instead, it thrives on bold typography, raw layouts, and a kind of “here it is, deal with it” attitude.
Such a design philosophy works particularly well for brands or creatives who want to emphasize authenticity and function over formality. Think of it as punk rock in the world of websites – raw, loud, and unafraid to break the rules.
Now, don’t mistake brutalism for laziness or lack of thought. A successful brutalist website might look chaotic at first glance, but it’s often carefully planned to maximize usability.
The brutalist movement in web design took the world by storm in 2024. That being said, there’s no reason to think that this sort of web design won’t be around in 2025 and beyond.
Key Elements to Embrace in Brutalist Web Design
If you’re going for a brutalist look, it’s time to ditch perfection. Forget about perfectly aligned grids or a “safe” color palette. Instead, embrace the chaos. Big, bold fonts take center stage, often in clashing sizes and styles.
Usually, colors are matched on a website in order to ensure consistency. However, in a brutalist design, colors are loud, sometimes jarring, and used in ways that feel intentionally unpolished. The design philosophy is simple: make a statement, and don’t apologize for it.
Textures and patterns play a huge role, too. Think digital “concrete” backgrounds or rough, pixelated images that seem to challenge the high-definition trend. Also, brutalism loves a good, old-fashioned hyperlink. Why hide your navigation behind a sleek dropdown menu when you can plaster it right across the top of your homepage?
Of course, while it’s tempting to go all-in on brutalist design, you’ll want to avoid sacrificing usability. Sure, it’s cool to look edgy, but not at the expense of confusing your visitors. After all, what’s the point of a bold website if no one sticks around long enough to explore it?
Using AI to Create a Brutalist Design
If you’re itching to give your site that edgy look but don’t know where to start, you’re in luck. The rise of AI in website design has made it easier than ever to achieve unique aesthetics, brutalism included.
What’s more is that these AI website generators don’t take weeks to get your website ready. According to Hocoos, an AI website creator will take just a few minutes to get it done.
The AI website builder can simplify the entire process, generating ideas that lean into the raw and functional aesthetic. These tools can interpret your brand’s needs and give you a design that’s unapologetically different. You can tinker with unconventional layouts, bold color schemes, and even asymmetry without having to know a single line of code.
When to Tone It Down
Not every page needs to scream “brutalism.” If your website has different functions, like an online shop or a blog, you might want to strike a balance.
While your homepage can grab attention with bold elements, secondary pages might benefit from a softer touch. Brutalism is great for making a statement, but user experience should always come first.
Think of it like wearing a leather jacket to a family dinner. It’s cool and rebellious, sure, but you don’t want to scare off grandma. Similarly, brutalist websites can benefit from small compromises that keep them functional without dulling their edge.
Overhauling your website to embrace a brutalist look is not a decision to be taken lightly. It’s like dyeing your hair neon green. It’s bold, daring, and impossible to ignore.
However, done right, the brutalist website can create an unforgettable digital experience that makes your brand stand out in a sea of sameness. When done wrong, however, it’s a lesson in why balance matters.
Just remember: brutalism isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being unapologetically you.
