Chintz is staging a comeback, but if the idea of decking your home out in ditsy florals is giving you PTSD from visiting your nan's house in the 90s, don't panic. The new take on this look comes with a distinctly modern edge.
This home decor trend is all about layering floral patterns, pretty colour palettes and a healthy dose of ruffles, but these elements need to be done in moderation to create a timeless look that won't date. The key lies in layering your prints carefully; less is more.
Forget coordinating wallpaper and choose a soft neutral paint to sit alongside your patterned pieces. Choose fabrics, paints and papers in soft blush and green tones for a calm backdrop and layer in pretty floral accents.
To make sure you get the balance between stylish and sickly sweet, we've enlisted Charlotte Boyd, a freelance interiors writer and stylist, who has been creating content for some of the top interiors magazines and brands for over 20 years. She's shared her top tips for making the chintz trend feel modern and timeless.
1. Go easy with pattern
Rather than heavy, overly busy floral prints, look for simplified floral designs with looser painterly lines and larger scale blooms with neutral backgrounds that give the design a bit of breathing room. To keep it modern, pick patterns in muted pastel shades such as dusky pink, pale yellow and soft shades of green and blue.
Anchor your bathroom décor with one standout wallpaper and build around it with patterned tiles and striped textiles. Sticking to a controlled colour palette means nothing competes with the wallpaper.
2. Pair with modern furniture
Balance the sweetness of the chintz floral patterns with furniture featuring simple silhouettes. A pared-back modern sofa in plain linen, rather than an overstuffed cottage style, a minimalist armchair and a sleek marble dining table will all help keep the look crisp and contemporary.
Contrast floral wallpaper and artwork with clean lines on furniture for a fresh feel. A polished concrete floor and retro rocking chair are the perfect foils to decorative cushions and botanical prints.
3. Stick to simple styling
Going over the top with accessories, soft furnishings and too many knick-knacks will tip the look into feeling old-fashioned. Instead, plain curtains and blinds, combined with an edited selection of accessories such as a striking side table and statement light, will make the room feel more considered.
'Keep the styling light with a few thoughtfully placed accessories, such as bottle vases and a single statement stem of greenery,' says Ideal Home Editor in Chief, Heather Young.
4. Layer with natural textures
Offset the sweetness of florals on the walls or soft furnishings by contrasting them with pared-back natural textures. A woven rattan pendant is the perfect pairing to a floral wallcovering, and wooden dining chairs will have a grounding effect in a garden-inspired dining room.
'Layer natural textures such as rattan, wood and marble into your scheme to stop the room feeling too sickly sweet,' recommends Ginevra Benedetti, Ideal Home's Deputy Editor on Print.
