{"id":26024,"date":"2024-11-06T11:52:22","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T11:52:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/?p=26024"},"modified":"2024-11-06T11:52:23","modified_gmt":"2024-11-06T11:52:23","slug":"ugly-interiors-trend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/inspiration\/ugly-interiors-trend\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Ugly’ interiors trend: 9 ways to adopt the ‘jolie-laide’ look into your home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ever looked at the decor in your home and thought it might be a little bit too perfect? Allow us to introduce you to \u2018ugly interiors\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a step away from the, often clinical, minimalism interior experts are adopting a more fluid approach to design that\u2019s a bit more eclectic, bravely bold and a whole heap of fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a movement that encourages you to embrace more out-there design choices that reflect the quirkiest parts of your personality and style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to the charmingly ‘ugly’ world of the \u2018jolie-laide\u2019.<\/p>

Advertisements<\/div>
\r\n\t
<\/div>\r\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

“We normally don\u2019t associate the word ‘ugly’ with interiors as we crave to fill our spaces with beautiful things,\u201d explains interior designer, Milena Vallier from My Bespoke Room<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYet one of the interior trends expected to be very hot for 2025 suggests adding more ‘ugly’ to our homes!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does ‘Jolie-laide’ mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Milena says the term ‘jolie-laide’ translates from French as ‘pretty-ugly’ and it\u2019s a trend which invites people to let their personality come through in their homes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis style is quirky, eclectic, maximalist and a little extravagant,\u201d she adds.

However, before you start plotting where to put your divisive finds, it’s worth noting that the trend is not about filling your house with ugly things – but embracing originality and personality.<\/p>

Advertisements<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about using one piece in your interior which is unconventional and shocks a little,\u201d explains Milena.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s always great and very helpful to follow some basic interior design rules when we pull spaces together but at the same time it\u2019s even better to break the rules a little to create something super original.”

So what\u2019s fuelling this drive for the different?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe growing desire to create homes that feel personal and lived-in challenges the idea of the \u2018perfect, pristine home\u2019; design that feels standardised tends to lack authenticity and depth,\u201d explains Molly Woodward-Moor, interior designer and creative director at Stone Superstore<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis approach invites us to challenge the norms of interior design, adding just a few pieces that might have once been considered \u2018ugly\u2019 to create unexpected injections of drama and uniqueness within your scheme.\u201d<\/p>

Advertisements<\/div>
\r\n\t
<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

From choosing unconventional pieces to embracing clashing patterns and pushing pristine boundaries, here\u2019s how to incorporate the \u2018ugly\u2019 into you interior aesthetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Image Credit: Habitat\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to introduce \u2018ugly\u2019 interiors into your home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Embrace imperfections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Weaving vintage furniture into your interiors is one of the easiest ways to incorporate the uniquely charming ‘jolie-laide’ trend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milena suggests looking for pieces that hold personal significance and advises those looking to adopt the look not to shy away from using them in unexpected ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWeathered or vintage furniture, chipped paint, or slightly worn rugs add warmth and a sense of heritage to a room,\u201d Molly adds.<\/p>

Advertisements<\/div>
\r\n\t
<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The beauty is that vintage pieces and antiques usually have interesting stories tied to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAntique or vintage pieces often carry a story or history, inviting depth, character, and conversation to your space, that makes your space completely unique,\u201d she suggests.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aim, she says, is to find the conversation pieces that speak to you and before you know it, your home will be brimming with ugly interiors character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"how
Image Credit: John Lewis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ugly interiors: go big and bold on the walls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Milena suggests making a statement with oversized, bold, and slightly funky wall art<\/a> \u2014 something that pushes the boundaries and adds a punch of personality.<\/p>

Advertisements<\/div>
\r\n\t
<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>
Advertisements<\/div>
\r\n\t
<\/div>\r\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOr try colour drenching, where you layer a single shade across the walls, ceiling, and even trim to create a rich, unexpected backdrop that lets your space take on a unique personality,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pink
Image credit: Lime Lace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Clash your patterns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mixing different patterns<\/a> is another simple yet effective way to bring in the ‘jolie-laide’ vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThink of checks with florals, for example,\u201d suggests Milena. \u201cYou want just enough contrast to make it visually interesting without feeling overwhelming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Debbie Leigh, design manager, ILIV<\/a> recommends pairing patterns that you wouldn\u2019t normally see together, like florals with plaids or abstracts with classic damask. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMixing patterns is one of the best ways to embody the ‘jolie-laide’ look in a space, where the goal is to make ‘clashing’ work harmoniously through contrasts in colour, texture and form,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Molly advises aiming for an eclectic overall look that doesn\u2019t fit into the box of a singular traditional design style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mixing
Image Credit: Matthew Williamson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bring in \u2018ugly\u2019 accessories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For your bedside setup, try two mismatched, oversized table lamps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe varied sizes and shapes bring a sense of playfulness that keeps the look from feeling too \u2018perfect\u2019,\u201d Milena advises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd if you have a more neutral room, adding a highly colourful rug will instantly shift the mood, anchoring the space with a burst of life,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bright<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Carefully curate your \u2018ugly\u2019 interiors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While it may look thrown together, Milena explains that the essence of ‘jolie-laide’ is actually quite deliberate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStart by adding just one or two elements, and gradually build from there, balancing the more unconventional or \u2018ugly\u2019 pieces with those that are traditionally beautiful and ‘pretty’,\u201d she suggests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEmbrace the fun of layering beauty with a bit of imperfection \u2014 it\u2019s what makes the style so captivating!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"pink<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ugly interiors: play with unexpected colour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For those feeling a little bolder, why not experiment with colour in an unconventional way?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIncorporating colours on walls, coving or furniture that are not traditionally harmonious makes the space feel curated with a daring edge,\u201d Molly advises. \u201cHowever, be sure to use colours you are drawn to on a personal level, for a space that you won\u2019t quickly grow tired of.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Statement
Image Credit: Dowsing & Reynolds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Invest in quirky statement pieces<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Molly suggests choosing one or two items that are conversation starters – such as a strikingly unusual chair or an eclectic piece of original art to anchor the room and embody the ‘jolie-laide’ style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"-<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Strike a balance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Putting together a ‘jolie-laide’ look, is of course highly nuanced, but there are definitely ways you can take it too far. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trick to overdoing the \u2018ugly\u2019 is adding one or two unique pieces, rather than filling your entire room with quirky finds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo avoid an overdone look, incorporate just one or two unique pieces into your design, balancing them with more subtle, classic elements for a more considered overall style,\u201d Molly advises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAn overly maximalist scheme can feel chaotic and lack focus – yet pairing standout pieces with elements of sleek, understated design allows them to truly make a statement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Unique
Image Credit: My Bespoke Room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Celebrate the unexpected<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On a similar theme to ‘jolie-laide’, Britishcore is about making something traditionally \u2018ugly\u2019 or nostalgically British into something beautiful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In celebration of the trend Catherine Rowe<\/a>, a British designer whose work embodies luxury through culture, nature and wildlife, has unveiled a special collection of interior textiles, fashion and home accessories which celebrates one of Britain\u2019s unpraised birds – the humble pigeon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And she believes this kind of nod to the unexpected is a great way to embrace the ‘jolie-laide’ trend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPigeons and doves are some of the most recognisable and easily spotted birds in Britain and although they are very similar, they don\u2019t always receive an equal reception,\u201d she explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy new pigeon pals\u2019 design is all about how these birds are misunderstood and customers have a lot of love for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor me, [this trend] is about crafting spaces that feel rich with charm, history and personalised stories,\u201d she continues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat I really love about the new affection we have for the quirks in our UK culture is how imperfection or things we may have complained about over time can be celebrated in new, beautiful ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hallway
Image Credit: Catherine Rowe’s Pigeon Pals<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Looking for more interiors inspiration? Take a look at Demure interiors: 10 ways to get the look in your home<\/a> or 8 trends interior designers will be adopting this autumn<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

READ MORE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n