{"id":95101,"date":"2022-08-12T11:57:52","date_gmt":"2022-08-12T11:57:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vinterior.co\/blog\/?p=95101"},"modified":"2022-08-12T12:08:53","modified_gmt":"2022-08-12T12:08:53","slug":"the-return-of-chintz-decor-florals-are-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vinterior.co\/blog\/inspiration\/style-guide\/the-return-of-chintz-decor-florals-are-back\/","title":{"rendered":"The Return of Chintz Decor: Florals are back"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chintz d\u00e9cor may bring back memories of your grandma\u2019s doilies, flock wallpaper and heavy floral furnishings. Adored in the 80s before being vilified in the 90s, the chintz-inspired aesthetic was an umbrella term for all things garishly loud and gaudy. But, look beneath the surface and you\u2019ll soon discover that chintz deserves more credit than the granny-chic style that\u2019s been thrust upon it.<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s a resurgence of more subtle vintage florals that pay homage to the chintzy decor of thirty years ago. Chintz has a rich design pedigree that has propelled it back into the interior spotlight. So what is chintz and why has it made such a comeback? Immerse yourself in this glorious fabric and find out how you can add chintz to your home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Chintz
Image credit: Brooke Copp-Barton, Home Interior Design | Megan Taylor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What is chintz?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Chintz is a woodblock printed calico fabric that originated in India in the 16th century. <\/b>The printed pattern was heavily influenced by nature, with flowers, seeds, leaves, and vines of different colours being printed, painted, and glazed onto material of a muted colour. The term \u201cchintz\u201d stems from a Hindi word – <\/span>cheent<\/span><\/i> – meaning scattered or speckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

From 1600 onwards, Dutch and Portuguese traders began importing chintz fabric into Europe. This peaked at the end of the 17th century when over a million pieces of Indian chintz calico were imported to England alone. The chintz revolution had begun and floral-adorned drapery, bed hangings, and linens emerged. This brought more colour and vibrancy into country houses in Britain between 1680 and 1720.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Set
Vintage French floral kitchen tins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why was chintz banned?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The chintz decor revolution almost experienced a sudden end when the British government prohibited importing the fabric in 1720. Chintz was banned because English mills saw a downturn in demand for their fabric as people favoured the floral alternative from overseas.<\/strong> It was only when English mill workers had figured out how to produce their own chintz in 1759 that the ban was lifted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Vintage
Vintage floral curtains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What is chintz d\u00e9cor?<\/b><\/h2>\n

After the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s saw the ramping up of chintz production, the word \u201cchintz\u201d became synonymous with any floral patterned cotton. But, it wasn\u2019t until the 1960s that chintz d\u00e9cor as an interior aesthetic in its own right materialised.<\/span><\/p>\n

In 1962, Jackie Kennedy gave the White House a makeover. She invited the media into the presidential residence for a tour and there was one room that stood out; the orange blossom chintz bedroom. There was chintz wallpaper from floor to ceiling. The bedding was chintz. Floral chintz covered the cushions. The rugs were full of bold floral designs. Chintz wasn\u2019t just a fabric, it became a decorative movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Chintz
Vintage chintz sofa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When did chintz become popular?<\/b><\/h2>\n

In the 1980s, chintz could be found everywhere. Floral three-piece suites with tufted skirts, botanic print curtains, and flowery borders injected vibrancy into every living room in Britain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Designer, Mario Buatta, was crowned the \u2018Prince of Chintz\u2019 as he advocated the use of printed blooms and lush botanical-inspired prints in his interiors. But, he also had the title \u201cKing of Clutter\u201d inferred upon him. And this was the problem with 1980s chintzy decor. It was busy and claustrophobic. The emergence of <\/span>minimalism<\/b><\/a> and popularity of <\/span>IKEA<\/b><\/a> in the 90s saw people shun the florals in favour of muted tones, clean lines, and the illusion of space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Chintz
Vintage floral screen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, why is chintz making a comeback now?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Chintz decor isn\u2019t returning in the same guise as the 80s. Homeowners, renovators and designers are embracing the floral joy of chintz while maintaining a clutter-free environment. But, why now?<\/span><\/p>\n