The concept of “Jolie laide” is inviting homeowners to embrace imperfections and celebrate the unconventional in interior design. This French term, which translates to “pretty-ugly,” encourages adding elements to your home that might initially appear odd or out of place but ultimately inject a unique charm and personality. Moving away from the cookie-cutter aesthetics, this trend is about creating spaces that reflect individual tastes and stories, offering a refreshing alternative to overly curated styles.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: David Lucido
Interior Designer: Ghislaine Viñas
Design Expert: Virginia Chamlee
Location: New York and Palm Beach
Furniture: Toe Sculpture and Pig Table by Moooi
Lead Designer: Joyce Huston
Jolie laide thrives on the balance between the beautiful and the bizarre. It’s not about collecting oddities but about choosing pieces that spark conversation and curiosity. Whether it’s a quirky lamp or an unconventional artwork, these elements add energy and engagement to a space. Interior designers suggest that the key to successfully incorporating pretty-ugly elements lies in selecting items that momentarily perplex but ultimately become beloved focal points within a room. The journey from “wait…huh?” to embracing these pieces is what makes them cherished additions.
Designers across the board are noticing a rising demand for this approach, seeing it as a counterbalance to the earlier trend of picture-perfect interiors. There’s a collective yearning for spaces with soul and personality, driven by a rejection of algorithmically designed, greige-heavy aesthetics. By integrating personal and eclectic pieces—like a peculiar sculpture or a bold pattern—homeowners can steer clear of monotony and instead celebrate their distinct taste. By encouraging this blend of tension and harmony, the jolie laide trend brings authenticity back into the home.
The essence of jolie laide is deeply personal. It allows spaces to tell individual stories, whether through vintage finds or inherited items with nostalgic value. This approach not only makes a space unique but also challenges conventional design norms. It values items with character and history, even if they defy standard beauty, because they resonate on a personal level. For many, this isn’t just a passing trend but a shift toward more meaningful and expressive design choices.
Incorporating jolie laide into a space can start with small steps. Interior designers recommend beginning with room decor or accessories that elicit a strong reaction. Estate sales and antique markets are excellent places to find distinctive conversation pieces that may defy traditional aesthetics but ultimately enhance a room’s intrigue and character. The focus is on selecting items that create a delightful tension or a “good WTF moment” — elements that might raise eyebrows but end up being the most cherished aspects of a home.
In conclusion, jolie laide isn’t about striving for traditional beauty but finding beauty in the unusual and the unexpected. It’s an empowering design philosophy that encourages individuality and creativity in home decor. In a world that often leans towards uniformity, this trend advocates for personal expression and the joy of creating spaces that are truly reflective of the people who inhabit them. Integrating jolie laide allows for playful experimentation and offers the freedom to curate a home that is uniquely yours, without the pressure of adherence to conventional design rules.
