With its nostalgic, escapist, and whimsical qualities, almost no one is immune from chintz's ever-growing popularity, including Poppy Delevingne.
For her twist on the trend, the British model decided to take things to the bathroom – a quintessential space adorned with green chintz wallpaper. The ornate print, comprising oriental birds, peonies, chrysanthemums, and plum blossoms, epitomizes the chintz wallpaper trend, which is unsurprising when we consider that it hails from the luxe wallpaper brand De Gournay.
According to De Gournay, the source behind Poppy Delevingne's paper, named Earlham, is a set of panels in London's Victoria & Albert Museum, dating from the mid-18th century – 'an amazingly well preserved and excellent example of their type.' And this nod to history hasn't gone unnoticed by designers.
'A significant reason why chintz is resonating in 2023 is our ongoing fascination with the past,' begins designer Artem Kropovinsky.
'Chintz and maximalist floral designs connect us to the glamour and extravagance of past eras, such as the Victorian times and the opulence of the 80s. In a world where we're increasingly digitized, these vintage elements provide tactile and visual comfort, grounding us in history and tradition.'
However, chintz's association with the past is not the only driving force behind the design trend.
'At the heart of the chintz revival is a renewed appreciation for bold, expressive design,' Artem adds.
'After years of minimalist and understated interiors dominating the design narrative, there's a collective yearning for a splash of whimsy and color that brings an element of surprise. Chintz, with its lush botanical patterns and maximalist floral wallpaper, with its vibrant abundance, has answered this call spectacularly.'
When styling these prints, especially in the bathroom, the designer says we should take notes from Poppy Delevingne's space. He recommends pairing flamboyant bathroom wallpaper with 'more subdued, solid-colored furnishings' (in Poppy's case, her powder pink tub) that enable a well-balanced aesthetic.
'Alternatively, go full maximalist by mixing and matching different patterns – it's all about celebrating abundance and personality. However, the key is to ensure that there's a common thread linking all elements, such as a shared color or theme,' Artem explains.
And, if we were to take any lesson from Poppy's bathing space (alongside the permission to drink tea in the tub), it's that we should use our walls for storytelling.
'These patterns invite homeowners to break free from the mold, to play, experiment, and express their unique style,' Artem says. 'After all, your home should reflect who you are, and these bold prints certainly make a statement.'
Naturally, we can't get enough of Poppy's De Gournay paper, however, for a similar alternative, we're looking to this beautiful print from Etsy.
