“Modern Maximalism” are the new buzzwords in home decor according to Homes & Property. Twenty-five years ago IKEA told the British public to “ditch the chintz” with visuals of people pulling down floral curtains and wallpaper and ripping up fitted carpets. Pelmets and valances (many of us not even knowing what these are) with matching wallpaper and painted retro furniture pieces were deemed outdated, tasteless and only good for one thing – the bin!
A quarter of a century later (and doesn’t this always happen) incorporating chintzy florals and clashing prints is very much back in vogue and is finding a way into our homes. Many designers welcome the change after the prevailing years of the much safer Scandinavian minimalist designs.
So monochrome is out, let’s get some colour and chintz back into our homes. Delicious lacquered cabinets, vintage shabby chic items, love bird fabric, coordinated upholstery, lampshades and wallpaper throughout the room. Wow, one might say bit overboard; but wait, who has been the champion of this style – Angel Strawbridge of course. Are we not all glued to the TV when Channel 4 Escape to the Chateau DIY is on and Angel sources a myriad of mismatched wallpaper from the attic and creates out of this world wallpaper with matching bedding, pillows, etc. So Angel thanks for the inspiration!
There are long-established companies in the UK who are now selling quirky chintz. One such company, Bennison Fabrics (Geoffrey Bennison: Master Decorator is a beautiful coffee table book), inventories hand-printed fabrics passed on by 18th and 19th century English and French textiles – yummy!
Finally, and as a total aside, chintz has an interesting history. In the 1600s chintz was a glazed floral and other calico fabric which came from India and was imported to England and France throughout the 17th century.
