It’s a bit eclectic. It’s a slight touch of maximalism. It’s bold, it’s fun, and it’s “jolly laid.”
The term ‘jolie-laide’ means ‘pretty ugly’ in French and is the latest interior design trend that encourages you to embrace the most eccentric parts of your personality and style and let them shine in your interiors. Ugly is an adjective you don’t often use to describe a house, but it sounds very chic in French. Don’t worry. This translation is not about filling your home with ugly decorations. It’s about finding unconventional and beautiful pieces that speak to you and fearlessly styling them around your home to bring intrigue and conversation to your space.
We all know that feeling when you find a slightly unusual sofa or a painting, but for some reason you still love it. Well, consider this hilarious trend that has an angel on your shoulder whispering in your ear. “Please buy it.” Here’s everything you need to know to get it right.
How will the “Jolly Raid” trend work in our homes?
(Image provided by: Home EC)
“Ugly” in this trend actually refers to unique decorative items that speak to something deep within us. We first heard about this style from author, artist, and thrifting expert Virginia Chumley, who wrote on her Instagram Reels, “Ugly in this sense is a term of endearment.” It’s used as a slightly unpleasant painting or a slightly unpleasant sculpture.” It’s a wooden chair that may be a little flashy, and a little ugly in itself. ”
Jolie-laide is bringing back maximalism to interior design, but in a surprisingly classy and more personalized way. “For a long time, design has been about symmetry and balance. I think tension is more persuasive,” Virginia explains in the video. “Part of it is the concept of pairing chic, rustic items with items that are a little ugly.”
In fact, styling a space with one thing unexpected or unusual is a trend that Livingetc’s design editor Aditi Sharma Maheshwari recently predicted will be the trending ‘mood’ of 2025. or a well-planned space,” she explains. “Pieces like quirky lamps, chairs, vases, and even artwork not only infuse drama but also serve as collector’s items. They don’t have to match the room’s aesthetic. No, they’re there to stand. ” Go out and take a look, well it’s “weird.” ”
From bold colors to pattern combinations, this is all about embracing individuality. Virginia explains, “I find designs that are too perfect or too pure to be livable.” Adding just one slightly off-kilter element can make everything feel fresher and more interesting.
Buy some pretty ugly pieces for your home
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How to add a jolly laid look to your home
(Image credit: Colors of Arley)
To style this trend at home, it’s important to strike a chic balance while going bold with quirky interiors. This is similar to the “wrong shoe theory” in interior design, explaining that the best accent chairs and coffee tables are often more surprising and discreet.
Styling vintage items is one of the easiest ways to stay on trend. “I like looking for works by ‘outsider’ artists,” says Virginia. They’re making things like oversized popsicle lamps, colorful folk art paintings, and even artisan-made wooden furniture. The beauty of vintage and antique items is that they usually have an interesting story attached to them. The goal is to find conversation pieces that speak to you. Then, before you know it, your home will be glowing with a cheerful atmosphere.
Of course, there are very nuances to this look, and there are certainly ways to overdo it. The key to avoiding that is to add an unexpected item or two rather than filling the entire room with quirky finds. Virginia warns, “There’s a reason it’s called ‘ugly chic.’ Adding an irreverent vibe is great, but be sure to pair it with more traditionally ‘beautiful’ pieces.” Masu. The “weird” and quirky also shine.
Pairing a table lamp or adding a bright, colorful rug to a more neutral living room are great ways to try out this trend without overwhelming it. Start small and increase gradually.
(Image credit: Logan Killen Interiors)
If you want to bring a little whimsy and fun and inject some serious personality into your space, this is the design style for you. As Virginia points out, “Life’s short, right? Let’s have some fun at home while we’re here.” (And we’ve got an epic estate sale planned for when we go.)
