A little bit of shock value can upgrade your home design.

What Is the “Pretty Ugly” Design Trend?

The term “pretty ugly” comes from the French termjolie-laide, which literally translates to pretty ugly.

Holiday apartment on the Black Sea in Bulgaria; Interior design;

Photo:Vostok/Getty Images

But the trend doesn’t just mean having a bunch of ugly and pretty things in your home.

“When everything feels too polished or too perfect, a room loses its soul.

“I believe good design should always spark a conversation,” Davis says.

“Why not dare to be bold and incorporate art that evokes an emotion?”

For clients who want luxury design, though, it might feel a little too experimental.”

That said, nailing it can be incredibly satisfying.

I thrive on mixing eras, styles, and unexpected elements to make every room feel alive and unique.

It’s not about clutter, but about creating an immersive, intentional atmosphere that reflects individuality."

Be sure to get samples and live with the options for a week or two before deciding.

Dont Rush It

Incorporating this look into your home might not happen overnight.

Hit up local thrift stores and estate sales to find those magical, unexpected pieces.

The key to “pretty ugly” is creating a space that feels special and full of personality.

Go easy on yourselfit may take some experimenting to curate a room that feels perfectly imperfect.