Chintz Is Back and Better Than Ever

Not your grandma’s florals.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF GABRIELLE SAVOIE

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As the old adage goes, everything old is new again—though admittedly, in the Internet age, the cyclical nature of trends can sometimes feel like it’s running at warp speed. While we’ve been mooning over ’80s favorites like terrazzo and glass bricks, a major ’90s style has been biding its time. Chintz is here—and it’s not like you remember it.

When we bid chintz farewell, it wasn’t exactly on good terms. That infamous British IKEA ad from 1996 advised people to “chuck out their chintz,” and so they did, getting rid of the dainty floral patterns that had, for a good while, defined U.K. style. In the States, too, the ornate fabrics made way for simple creams and beiges. But since then, we’ve reembraced maximalism and learned to love a good pattern. So it’s time to give chintz another chance. 

See how designers are reviving the once-tired trend and not looking back.

The Preppy Handbook

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Interior photo by Marco Ricca for Corey Damen Jenkins

Preppy style isn’t just about tartan and navy. With elaborate crown molding and a grounding base of dark green, this space by Corey Damen Jenkins is collegiate cool—and the splash of chintz on the ceiling gives it a bit of whimsy.

The Timeless Backdrop

This room by Peter Pennoyer Architects pairs a fresh, modern hue (lemony citron) with a classic wallpaper by Schumacher to create an eclectic vibe that’s far from old-fashioned. In gray and blue, this print blends in as seamlessly as a neutral paint color would—but with way more attitude.

The Bit of Blush

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Kips Bay Show House 2019 Interior Design: Robert Passal Architecture: Smith and Moore Architects photo courtesy of robert passal

This space by Robert Passal checks off plenty of contemporary trends: curved sofa, blush tones, even a massive abstract nude painting. A chintz-printed armchair lends some welcome history to the mix. A modern silhouette helps it fit right in.

The Blue Beauty

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courtesy of the inside

The Inside is all in on chintz—the brand released a collection inspired by the motif, with throw pillows and upholstered bed frames that make it easy to try the look yourself. We particularly love this timeless blue-and-white option; its oversize roses (and those brass accents) give it a fresh twist.

The Coolest Canopy

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photo by meghan mcneer

Designer Sally Breer put her own spin on chintz  in L.A.’s Firehouse Hotel, which we’re still obsessing over. The upholstered bed frame and matching curtain could lean too fussy, but when paired with a long block-printed lumbar pillow in bright pink, it’s the perfect mashup of old and new.

See more trends to try: Mushroom Lamps Put the Fun in Fungi Piping Is for More Than Just Cakes Is It Just Us or Does This Decor Look Like Soft-Serve Ice Cream?

Rebecca Deczynski

Writer/Editor

Rebecca is most often found digging through troves of vintage treasures, both in-person and online. Ask her to recommend a good book to read or an obscure Instagram account to follow, and you won’t be disappointed.