Concrete gardens: designers reveal how brutalism can bloom

The unexpected resurgence of concrete outdoor furniture is transforming overlooked spaces into sculptural havens. Forget the predictable wicker – experts are proving that this stark material can deliver surprising elegance and organic appeal.

A surprisingly soft approach

Architect and designer Oliver M. Furth has reimagined his California home’s entry court as a pocket garden, anchored by a vintage concrete table and Reinaldo Sanguino stools. This isn’t about cold, industrial austerity; it’s about thoughtfully layering the material with texture and life.

“Concrete affords an outdoor space an ‘anchor,’” explains Rituparna Simlai of Studio Arth. “It’s highly resilient but deeply contextual.” The key, she stresses, lies in counteracting concrete’s inherent density with botanical elements – a deliberate move away from the material’s usual association with minimalist, almost sterile, design.

“Concrete on concrete is almost always a mistake,” insists Cali Pfaff of Studio Campo. “If you have to do it, consider switching up the finishes to create contrast.” Pfaff champions a layered approach, favoring vintage ironwork and faux bois to introduce warmth and complexity. “It’s about introducing a dialogue between the hard and the soft,” she explains.

But it’s not just about surface treatments. Simlai advocates for integrating native flora – “a must,” she declares – while Pfaff suggests framing concrete pieces with lush, broadleaf tropicals to blur the edges and create a sense of fluidity. “Trailing plants to cascade over the edges,” she adds, “really soften the brutalist edge.”

Top picks for concrete style

Here are some standout pieces to consider, according to design experts:

Eevi Indoor/Outdoor Bistro Table ($898, Lulu and Georgia): “This piece manifests in part Matisse, part cave painting,” notes Sarah Sherman Samuel. “The organic details dovetail nicely with the dense and impending material to make it feel like a cozier outdoor dining moment than any stark concrete piece might.”

Pebble Outdoor Coffee Table ($1,199, Crate & Barrel): “This ‘pebble’ outdoor coffee table looks like a drop of white concrete dew,” says Leanne Ford. “The super rounded edges bring a warmth and an organic feeling to the cold material.”

Adonis Concrete Outdoor Dining Bench ($699, Pottery Barn): Pfaff calls this bench “streamlined and industrial,” praising its ability to withstand the elements and providing a solid foundation for a layered outdoor space.

Concrete Pedestal End Table ($209, AllModern): “A simple drink table is a great litmus test,” Pfaff suggests, pairing it with teak or steel for an industrial aesthetic.

Lune Indoor/Outdoor Side Table ($298, Lolly Lolly Ceramics): “To soften the brutalist edge, we emulate the organic geometries of nature,” Simlai notes, referencing the scalloped design and its ability to complement other materials.

Earth Outdoor Cocktail Table ($695, Design Within Reach): Ellison Studios’ terracotta-infused concrete offers an unexpectedly earthy counterpoint to the material’s inherent hardness.

Ultimately, the secret to successful concrete design isn’t about avoiding its inherent weight and severity, but about strategically layering it with elements of nature and contrasting textures – a surprisingly soft approach to a decidedly hard material.