Material Matters: CHINTZ

Swagged, draped or ruched, chintz has been synonymous with English country house style since the mid 20th century. It fell out of favour over the last 20 years, but bold floral design is back again today, enjoying a tasteful revival. ‘There is a definite resurgence in interest in colour, pattern and layering as people have tired of minimalism,’ says artist and designer Luke Edward Hall. ‘There is a lot happening in the world that is pretty grim, so maximalism is a fantasy we can all escape into.’

Chintz has gone in and out of fashion for centuries. In recent