oh chintz!

1.30.2014

I suppose I am guilty of giving in to the "Throwback Thursday" theme with this post, but I blame my spring fever. Additionally in my defense, this throwback has been making much-welcomed comeback...

Although chintz had its heyday in the home decor of the 1980's, the pattern has proved it has serious staying power. Originally brought back by designers such as Dorothy Draper and David Hicks in the 1950's, chintz is still used to add instant sophistication to a space by current designers including Mario Buatta, Miles Redd, and--of course--the lovely Meg Braff.

I was lucky enough to be brought up in a home where the furniture in the formal living room was upholstered in Lee Jofa's "Althea", which is subsequently my favorite of the intricate floral patterns. My mother mixed her Althea with antiques, red oriental rugs, and even tartan. The combination was stunning to say the least...and you can bet I am hoping to inherit the hollyhock print!


Here are some similar examples of how the hollyhock print can be used in a home:



Roger Banks-Pye via Mrs. Blandings Blog



Enjoy! 

Emilie

11 comments:

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

My great-grandmother was British and one Spring in the early 80s she made chintz slipcovers for all of her furniture. I walked in all wide eyed and told her how chic and in style she was. She thought that was so funny. I have loved chintz ever since.

Andrea said...

Your Mother has exquisite taste, you must post pictures of her home!! I adore chintz... I believe it is a timeless classic! Lovely post, Emilie!

XOXO,
The Glam Pad

Thehouseofhampton said...

Love the mix with tartan! Great to see it surface again.
Sharon

Christine @ Suburban Charm said...

I have always loved chintz...even when it was not "in style"...it really is classic. I'm desperately searching for a chintz to use in my master bedroom...too many beautiful ones to choose from!

Love your blog! Found you through Nancy at Always in a Southern State of Mind and am a new follower!

Unknown said...

Well clearly you inherited your great-grandmother's chic style! Such a fun story--and a fun connection to chintz. I definitely gravitate toward the design style I grew with, so it's a good thing chintz is still going strong! ;-o

Unknown said...

Awww, thank you so much, Andrea! She did have fabulous taste! I will try to find some photos to post soon, *hopefully* of both her home and our home?!

Unknown said...

I LOVE it with tartan! Such a fun combo!!!

Unknown said...

Yay! Welcome, Christine! I am so glad you a here! I love Nancy and her beautiful blog!

Best of luck in your chintz search--it is quite overwhelming, isn't it?! I hope you will keep us posted!

Unknown said...

Oh boy, I did the chintz thing 20 years ago and not on board yet for it's comeback, although there are always exceptions. Have a great weekend. xo Nancy

Unknown said...

Bahahaha! Love your honesty, Nancy! I suppose I haven't gotten my chintz fix quite yet ;)

Unknown said...

So excited to see these gorgeous chintz featured photos. I have been searching ebay lately looking for the perfect print to add to my home. Super excited about it!!

 
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