Grandmillennials, Rejoice! Chintz Is Back.

The article discusses the resurgence of chintz, a floral fabric pattern that was widely dismissed in the 1990s. The author notes that while trends are cyclical, the rapid pace of current trends has brought back styles like terrazzo and glass bricks, and now chintz is making its return. The piece highlights that the reintroduction of chintz is not a mere repeat of its past iteration but a refreshed take on the style. The article recalls the 'chuck out their chintz' campaign from a 1996 IKEA ad, which led to a widespread rejection of the ornate floral patterns in favor of simpler, neutral aesthetics in both British and American homes. However, with a renewed appreciation for maximalism and bold patterns, chintz is being given a second chance. Several examples illustrate how designers are incorporating chintz into contemporary interiors. Corey Damen Jenkins integrates chintz on the ceiling of a preppy-styled room, characterized by elaborate crown molding and dark green hues, adding a touch of whimsy to the collegiate aesthetic. Peter Pennoyer Architects pair a classic Schumacher chintz wallpaper in gray and blue with a fresh lemon-citron color, creating an eclectic yet modern ambiance that serves as a seamless backdrop with more personality than a plain paint color. Robert Passal uses a chintz-printed armchair in a space featuring contemporary elements like a curved sofa, blush tones, and abstract art, demonstrating how a modern silhouette can help integrate traditional patterns into a current design scheme. The brand The Inside has launched a collection inspired by chintz, offering throw pillows and upholstered bed frames that feature timeless blue-and-white patterns and oversized roses, enhanced by brass accents for a fresh twist. Lastly, designer Sally Breer incorporates chintz into L.A.’s Firehouse Hotel, using an upholstered bed frame and matching curtains. She balances the potentially fussy traditional look with a bright pink block-printed lumbar pillow, creating a perfect blend of old and new. The article concludes by encouraging readers to explore other emerging design trends, such as mushroom lamps, piping in decor, and soft-serve-inspired aesthetics. #ChintzRevival #InteriorDesignTrends #FloralPatterns #HomeDecor #Maximalism #DesignInspiration #TraditionalMeetsModern

The article explores the resurgence of chintz, a bright, patterned, glazed fabric, in contemporary interior design. Originating over 5,000 years ago in India, chintz gained popularity in Europe and America during the 1900s, and again after World War I and World War II. Its use extended to curtains, furniture, wallpaper, and clothing, notably seen in Jackie Kennedy's White House renovation in the 1960s and with the Laura Ashley brand in the 1980s. Currently, chintz is enjoying renewed interest as a key component of “grandmillennial style,” an interior decorating trend that blends modern design with vintage and antique elements. This style, embraced by millennials who appreciate design and decor, integrates chintz fabric and floral wallpaper with an emphasis on sustainability and heirloom furniture. A 2023 Designer Trends Survey by 1stDibs indicated that 28% of interior designers anticipate pastels and chintz becoming a major design trend, moving away from minimalism. The article highlights the influence of interior decorator Mario Buatta, known as the “Prince of Chintz,” for his English-country style rooms that often incorporated chintz. Buatta, who decorated homes for notable figures like Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Mariah Carey, emphasized creating a “living garden” aesthetic without using chintz in every room, aiming for cozy, comfortable, colorful, and personal spaces. Scott Salvator, a distinguished interior designer and former associate of Buatta, suggests that the grandmillennial style is partly driven by nostalgia. He notes that chintz, though always present regionally, particularly in the South, has evolved beyond traditional floral patterns to include bold wallpapers, upholstery, and a wider range of themes and colors. Modern chintz, according to Salvator, features vibrant colors, patterns, motifs, and pictorial scenes. Danica Jones, senior director of marketing for Fabricut Inc., confirms that contemporary chintz differs from older versions. She observes that the millennial generation is rediscovering traditional designs like chintz with a fresh perspective, incorporating more contemporary patterns and varied design sizes. Jones highlights the use of chintz to reupholster family heirlooms, aligning with the grandmillennial style's focus on sustainability and giving new life to old furniture. She also mentions the growing trend of using chintz as wallpaper, often with botanically inspired designs featuring elements like palm trees and fern leaves, and on darker backgrounds, as opposed to the traditional cream. For those new to chintz, the article offers practical advice. Mario Buatta suggested balancing three or four patterns in a room by varying their scale, starting with small prints and gradually introducing larger ones. Salvator advises a moderate approach, recommending starting with small accents like throw pillows or an accent chair to avoid an unsophisticated look. Chintz is also noted for its practicality, being durable and easy to clean, making it suitable for families with children. Miles Redd, an interior designer, attributes chintz's return to its timeless beauty, durability, and ability to conceal dirt. The article also suggests resources for chintz inspiration, including social media hashtags, design books, and removable wallpaper options from vendors like Hygge & West. #Chintz #InteriorDesign #GrandmillennialStyle #HomeDecor #TextileTrends #VintageRevival #SustainableDesign #FabricHistory

Chintz, a textile with a rich history spanning continents and centuries, is experiencing a significant resurgence in contemporary interior design. Once a derogatory term for overly decorated or old-fashioned styles, chintz is now being embraced for its ability to bring visual warmth and character to a room when used intentionally. Originating in 16th-century India, where artisans crafted hand-painted and block-printed cottons featuring vibrant florals, vines, and birds with glazed finishes, chintz captivated Europe in the 17th century and became a staple in romantic English and French interiors by the 19th century, known for its softness, artistry, and femininity. Its popularity peaked in British and European homes in the 1980s and 1990s, synonymous with English country-house style. Contemporary interpretations of chintz emphasize intentionality and balance. Designers suggest starting with smaller accents like decorative cushions or pouffes to introduce the pattern subtly. For a more dramatic effect, chintz can be used on sweeping headboards, ruffled cushions, or full-length curtains. The key is to avoid an overwhelming maximalist look, often achieved by combining chintz with plain elements to allow the floral patterns to stand out. Mix-and-match approaches are popular, integrating botanical motifs with other patterns while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Interior designers are using chintz in various rooms, including bedrooms, where it can be applied to statement headboards with larger-scale prints, offering a focal point and diverse color palettes. The use of chintz wallpaper with bold, oversized blooms can make a statement, while delicate, vintage-inspired florals add charm. Laura Ashley, a brand that championed chintz in the 90s, highlights the versatility of florals in both classic and contemporary settings. Bringing the outside in is another common application, with chintz inviting natural elements into the home through its leaf and bloom patterns. When layered with materials like limestone and gingham, chintz feels deeply comforting and far from dated. For walls, chintz wallpaper can create a restful retreat, especially when paired with complementary paint shades that highlight unexpected architectural elements like alcoves and ceilings. Chintz is also making its way into dining spaces through tableware and tablescapes, offering a mix of comfort and old-world charm. Mindful contrast is crucial; pairing patterned floral wallpaper with beautifully neutral furniture, such as soft linen sofas in muted tones, allows vibrant florals to breathe, resulting in a fresh and refined look. Modern chintz is vibrant, not vintage, with designers encouraging daring combinations of chintz florals with other prints or grounding them with simple ceramics. Cushions and soft furnishings in rich, painterly patterns can be grounded by deep teal backdrops, preventing an overly traditional feel. The enduring appeal of chintz is seen in schemes that combine heritage shapes with ditsy florals and organic textures, enhanced by thoughtful details like bobbin trims and frills. Even bathrooms are incorporating chintz through wallpaper, where contrast is created with colored baths that act as furniture pieces, drawing on tones from the wallpaper but in deeper or brighter shades. In practical spaces like kitchens, cabinet curtains with chintz prints add visual interest and color, offsetting functional elements with textural variation. Iconic pottery companies like Portmeirion continue to use chintzy florals and botanical patterns on ceramics, often layered with soft linens and natural place settings for a grounded, tactile counterpoint. Outdoor spaces also feature chintzy patterns on items like parasols. Lighting companies are incorporating chintz elements through sculptural shapes, natural materials, and subtle botanical forms in light fixtures, bringing calm and character. Maximalist approaches include layering floral patterns on tableware for a bold look. In bedrooms, committed chintz users like Laurence Llewelyn-Bown embrace chintzy wallpaper with matching upholstery, combining warmth, character, and nostalgic charm with a contemporary twist. Pairing chintz with stripes, velvets, and embroidery creates a rich, layered effect. Curtains with elaborate, flashy chintz patterns make a bold statement, while chintzy wallpaper in green bedrooms, layered with timeless pieces, offers a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Interior designers affirm that florals and chintz never go out of style, providing endless design possibilities from vintage-inspired English country looks to bold chinoiserie scenes. For those less convinced, introducing chintzy patterns on cushions against a neutral sofa or incorporating it into a modern floor covering allows for a contemporary nod to the classic design. Textural elements, such as embroidered details on wall hangings, can further enhance the luxurious touch of chintz. Bold individuals can also lean into the maximalist nature by clashing several botanical patterns in one space, balancing them with simple accessories and neutral walls. Chintz can even be used in children's rooms, contrasted with bold modern furniture, or to create an enveloping effect by extending wallpaper from floor to ceiling. The trend can also be subverted by using dark, dramatic floral patterns against rich backdrops for a decadent statement. Overall, chintz is reimagined to blend traditional motifs with playful, unexpected details, making it a versatile and enduring trend in interior design. #ChintzDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecoration #FloralPatterns #TextileHistory #EnglishCountryStyle #MaximalistDecor #ContemporaryInteriors

The Sandersons, having relocated to Lake Bluff, sought a residence with a water view. In 2019, they acquired a contemporary house overlooking a ravine and Lake Michigan. Despite its 1980s aesthetic, the property's prime location on a desirable lot was the primary appeal. Stacy Sanderson, drawing inspiration from home decor magazines, engaged Morgante Wilson Architects to transform the space. Initially, the plan involved opening walls, but the extent of the necessary renovations led to a complete demolition, with the exception of the foundation. The resulting structure, an Arts and Crafts-style home, replaced the previous greige, silo-shaped building, presenting a series of interconnected boxes framed by a brise soleil that interact with natural light throughout the day. Key design objectives for the Sandersons included strong curb appeal, a clean aesthetic, abundant natural light, and a rich variety of textures within the predominantly black-and-white interior. Elissa Morgante, cofounder of Morgante Wilson Architects, noted Stacy's willingness to embrace textured surfaces while maintaining a contemporary and minimalist feel. Upon entering the foyer, visitors are greeted by a graphic staircase featuring floating slats and a faux-leather railing. The entry floor, made of terrazzo, is partially covered by a mohair rug, and a gray faux-suede coat closet guides guests upstairs. Above this, a bench upholstered in tie-dyed velvet adds another layer of texture. Morgante highlighted the subtle complexity of the design, stating that a closer look reveals a tremendous amount of detail. On the main floor, a floating wall wrapped in grass cloth provides a visual separation, concealing the activities within the open-plan space from the street view. Stacy desired a main floor that fostered togetherness while allowing for individual activities. This expansive area includes a large kitchen equipped with a mirrored breakfast nook, a hidden coffee station, and a pantry. Two screened-in porches are present, one of which features a two-sided fireplace shared with an indoor living room. Brian, an international trader, has a home office, while Stacy, a stay-at-home mom, has a dedicated puzzle table. A second, less formal living room is designed for the comfort of their three tween and teen children. The architects also focused on the private spaces upstairs and in the above-grade basement. The primary bathroom features an integrated counter cabinet for essentials and a seamless shower lined with dimensional tiles. The primary bedroom's walls are adorned with luxurious fabric. The basement houses a guest room with four bunk beds, each equipped with individual electronic tablets, ideal for sleepovers. The mudroom incorporates lockers to keep children's belongings organized, and a shower helps prevent sand and dirt from entering the main house, catering to Stacy's preference for neatness. A central seating area is designed for movie nights, featuring noise-dampening cork and double-layer curtains, creating a comfortable and personalized space for each family member. #HomeDesign #LakeBluffHome #MorganteWilsonArchitects #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #TexturedInteriors #NorthShoreSuburb #CustomHome

Made.com, a prominent online retailer specializing in contemporary and designer furniture and homeware, has officially relaunched its website, bringing back a curated selection of its most popular and iconic pieces. The return of Made.com is anticipated to excite interiors enthusiasts who have admired the brand's unique blend of functionality and style. The initial relaunch focuses on showcasing an array of beloved items, ranging from practical sofa beds that maximize space and offer versatile use, to distinctive statement lighting fixtures designed to serve as focal points in any room. The brand has also announced plans to introduce new product lines and collections in early next year, indicating a strategic effort to expand its offerings beyond the current selection of returning favorites. This future expansion aims to maintain Made.com's reputation for trend-led designs and high-quality craftsmanship, incorporating fresh perspectives while retaining the brand's signature aesthetic. The current collection features furniture items that emphasize timeless colors and classic styles, reimagined with a modern and cool sensibility, ensuring they seamlessly integrate into contemporary living spaces. Key furniture pieces highlighted in the relaunch include the Haines Sideboard, an elegant storage solution priced at £899, which exemplifies the brand's commitment to sophisticated design and practical utility. Dining solutions are also prominent, with the Rumana Dining Chairs available at £249 each, offering a stylish and comfortable seating option, and the Rhye Dining Chair at £299, presenting another chic alternative. For living areas, the Kooper 2 Seater Sofa in Whitewash Boucle, priced at £899, provides a luxurious and comfortable seating option, while the Scott 2 Seater Sofa offers a compact yet stylish choice at £950. Versatile options like the Haru Large Sofa Bed, available for £549, cater to diverse needs, combining seating and sleeping functions efficiently. Work-from-home or study environments are addressed with pieces like the Haines Wide Desk, priced at £699, and the Jenson Desk, also at £699, both offering functional and aesthetically pleasing workspaces. Storage solutions extend to the bedroom with the Ankhara Bedside at £249 and the Ebro Bedside Table at £299, providing convenient bedside storage. Additionally, the Asare Storage Bench, costing £299, offers a multi-purpose item for various rooms, blending seating with hidden storage. Beyond furniture, Made.com continues to impress with its lighting collection, known for its trend-led designs and superior quality. The Java Extra Large Lamp Shade, priced at £149, is a standout piece, alongside a variety of other lighting options. These include the Chicago Wall Lamp in Antique Copper Gold at £89, the Java Arc Overreach Floor Lamp at £179, and the Whitney Cluster Pendant Lamp at £199. Other notable lighting fixtures are the Wanda Wall Light at £79, the Globe Large Flush Pendant at £149, the Java Large Lamp Shade at £149, the Masako 5 Linear Pendant Light at £199, the Remi Pendant Light at £89, and the Wanda Pendant Ceiling Light at £179. Specialized lighting such as the Adrianne Floor Light at £299, the Java Diner Pendant at £229, and the Whitney Wall Lamp in Pink Multi at £79 further showcase the brand's diverse and stylish lighting solutions. The relaunch of Made.com signifies a renewed focus on delivering high-quality, trend-forward home furnishings and accessories, aiming to recapture its market presence and cater to consumers seeking modern and stylish interiors. The brand encourages customers to explore the current offerings and anticipate upcoming product releases, signaling a promising future for Made.com in the competitive home decor market. #MadeCom #FurnitureRelaunch #HomeAccessories #InteriorDesign #ModernFurniture #LightingDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomeware

The world of interior design has seen a resurgence of 'chintzy décor,' a style that was prevalent in the 1980s and 1990s and is now making a comeback. Chintzy décor is characterized by nature-inspired themes such as flowers, vines, and birds, often presented in pastel palettes. This style, which once symbolized regency and sophistication, saw a decline around the year 2000, notably influenced by IKEA's 1996 'Chuck out your Chintz' campaign. However, contemporary television dramas like "The Crown" and "Bridgerton," which prominently feature this elegant trend in royal settings, alongside a general wave of nostalgia, are contributing to its renewed popularity. The historical roots of chintz can be traced back to 16th-century India, where the fabric, derived from the Hindi word 'chint' meaning scattered or sprinkled, featured vibrant, printed, or glazed cotton florals. It made its way to Europe in the 17th century through Dutch and Portuguese traders, quickly gaining immense popularity. The demand was so high that England and France temporarily banned its import to protect their domestic textile industries, although establishments like Versailles continued to incorporate it into their furnishings and fashion. The Industrial Revolution in the 1850s allowed European factories to produce the fabric domestically, leading to the lifting of the ban. Throughout the 20th century, chintz experienced periodic revivals, notably in the 1940s and again in the 1960s, influenced by figures like Jackie Kennedy. The 1980s, however, are most remembered for the chintz craze, with Princess Diana, Nancy Reagan, and designer Mario Buatta, along with popular films, contributing to its widespread appeal. Today, chintz is a key element of the 'grandmillennial' or 'granny-chic' trend, which blends traditional, homey pieces with modern aesthetics. This style often features patterned upholstery, ruffles, fringe, and floral prints, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary vibe. The rise of grandmillennial is partly attributed to a desire for comfort and familiarity during uncertain times, such as the pandemic, which also saw a significant increase in the second-hand furniture market. Consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable options, further driving interest in vintage and curated pieces. Decorating with chintz requires careful consideration to avoid an overwhelming or outdated look. The process begins with selecting a specific chintz style and then building the surrounding colors and accents around it. Whether choosing accent chairs or larger pieces like sofas, the key is to ensure all elements complement the bold patterns. Lighter tones like whites and blues can achieve a modern look, while rich, saturated colors evoke a vintage aesthetic. Designer Mario Buatta, known for his chintzy style, emphasized the importance of a 'lived-in' feel, where every item serves a purpose and contributes to the overall narrative of the room. He also highlighted the significance of proportion, suggesting larger furniture in smaller spaces to create a grander impression, and observing how furniture is naturally arranged by guests to inform placement. For those looking to incorporate chintzy décor, antique stores are excellent starting points for unique pieces. Online marketplaces like Chairish offer a wide selection of vintage home furnishings. For new items with a similar aesthetic, brands like Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel can be explored. Building an authentic chintzy collection is an ongoing process that involves frequent visits to stores, exploring pieces in new locations, and attending estate sales, encouraging a personalized and passionate approach to home decoration. #ChintzyDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeDecorTrends #GrandmillennialStyle #VintageDecor #HomeFurnishings #FloralPrints #DesignHistory #TextileTrends

The traditional floral pattern known as chintz is experiencing a modern revival, moving beyond its country-house origins to feature prominently in contemporary urban homes. This resurgence is driven by a new generation of designers, including stylists, ex-editors, landscapers, and decorators, who are creatively reinterpreting the classic print for modern sensibilities. The article highlights several key figures and their approaches to reinventing chintz. Interior designer Flora Soames, known for her philosophy of "more is more," launched a collection of distinctive floral patterns, including a 15-color hand-blocked print of life-size dahlias. Soames observes that the renewed interest in chintz is partly fueled by a nostalgia for vintage textiles from eras like the 19th century and the 1980s, evoking memories of spaces adorned with Laura Ashley or William Morris prints. Her designs are now found in city kitchens and urban flat hallways, demonstrating the pattern's versatility. Vanessa Barneby of Barneby Gates offers a strategy for making chintz location-neutral by using off-white backgrounds to maintain a fresh aesthetic. She also suggests replacing traditional red tones with hot pink highlights and incorporating more empty space within designs, departing from the all-over patterns of older chintzes. This approach helps to modernize the look while retaining its charm. Interior designer Octavia Dickinson, recognized for her country/town crossover style, notes that her sophisticated urban clients are drawn to the rich colors of chintz fabrics. She advocates for a "more is more" philosophy in interiors, pointing to high-end London nightclubs like Annabel's and 5 Hertford Street as examples where every surface is covered. Dickinson recommends using multiple patterns of varying scales, such as large prints for curtains and smaller ones for wardrobe panels, balancing them with diverse textures and materials in urban settings. Debby Tenquist, a landscape gardener and designer of botanically inspired textiles under Botanica Trading, views chintz as an enduring classic. She explains that the original Indian chintzes profoundly impacted Europe 400 years ago, captivating imaginations with their intricate designs and glowing colors. Tenquist has adapted classic chintz for modern tastes by using natural textured linen as a base cloth, increasing the scale of designs, and simplifying the color palette. She attributes chintz's popularity among younger clients to an unconscious desire to reconnect with nature, suggesting a societal shift away from the natural world. Lulu Lytle, designer and founder of Soane Britain, is a passionate admirer of chintz, drawn to its exoticism, charming colors, and the tactile quality of heavily glazed cottons. While appreciating the rich, saturated colors of traditional chintzes, she acknowledges that they can be overwhelming for some. Therefore, Lytle has re-colored some of her favorite patterns to be more muted, using one or two colors instead of the wild multicolored originals. Her Dianthus Chintz, a simplified version of an 18th-century sarong print, was even recolored in five shades of blue for her husband's London bedroom. Sophia Frances, a surface pattern designer and former fashion buyer, is a newcomer to the chintz scene. She launched her label at the London Design Fair, aiming to create designs with longevity in contrast to fast fashion. Her brand embraces "vintage-inspired maximalism," reinterpreting beautiful historical elements for contemporary spaces. Her playful and eccentric patterns include deconstructed chintzes like Sprig & Swirl and Cinnamon Swirl, which offer a fresh yet familiar feel. Her debut collection, No Wallflower, draws inspiration from overlooked women in British design, particularly Anna Maria Garthwaite, an 18th-century female textile designer from Spitalfields. Frances sees chintz as a symbol of female resilience and liberation, connecting her work to a historical legacy of pioneering women in design. #InteriorDesign #Chintz #FloralPatterns #HomeDecor #TextileDesign #ModernInteriors #DesignTrends #VintageInspired #BotanicalPrints

This article discusses the resurgence of black granite as a popular countertop material in kitchen design, a trend noted by kitchen manufacturer DeVol. While white marble has dominated renovations for years, DeVol's creative director, Helen Parker, observes that black granite, a staple of the 1990s, is making a comeback, prized for its understated luxury, especially when honed. Before the widespread popularity of Carrara marble, black granite, a coarse-grained igneous rock, was a versatile choice for various design aesthetics, from farmhouse to minimalist kitchens. The article supports Parker's assessment by highlighting recent kitchen renovation projects that feature this once-considered dated material. To modernize black granite, the article offers five design approaches. The first suggestion involves mixing and matching black granite with wood elements. An example includes a French-inspired renovation where black granite is contrasted with a butcher block island and creamy beige cabinets, preventing the dark color from visually overwhelming the space. The second approach focuses on exploring different textures. A Keri Petersen-designed kitchen showcases granite with wild veining and a leathered finish, which imparts a subtle matte appearance, differing from the traditional honed and polished look and mimicking marble's aesthetic. The third tip is to maintain a consistent color palette. Photographer Sebastian Kim's $28,000 Brooklyn kitchen, for instance, utilizes an all-graphite palette, creating a sleek and sophisticated atmosphere, drawing a parallel to fashion principles where black is a favored choice. The fourth method recommends extending the black granite onto the vent hood. In one featured kitchen, designer Sapna Aggarwal wrapped the vent hood in the same unpolished leathered granite used on the island. To ensure the space doesn't appear overly dark or galactic, a lighter Taj Mahal quartzite was used around the room's perimeter, creating a balanced contrast that is not too visually jarring. The final suggestion is to highlight the sculptural qualities of black granite. British designer Matilda Goad’s kitchen features black granite counters that starkly contrast with limewashed walls. Goad extended this material to the backsplash, initially as a 2-inch slab. However, to address staining behind the sink, she commissioned a stonemason to carve an additional scalloped piece, transforming a functional necessity into an artistic design element and eliminating concerns about water damage to the walls. These examples illustrate how black granite can be reinterpreted and integrated into contemporary kitchen designs, proving its enduring appeal and adaptability. #BlackGranite #KitchenDesign #CountertopTrends #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ModernKitchen #MaterialResurgence #DesignInspiration