A few years ago, Southern Living declared chintz is back in bloom and slowly but surely, I have seen it blossom back with grand flourish. As a child of the 80s, the nostalgia of chintz makes me very happy, and I could not be more thrilled to see it return in a fresh new way.
One of my all time favorite prints is the iconic Bowood by Colefax and Fowler. Bowood is named after a 19th century fabric the legendary decorator John Fowler found at England’s famous Bowood estate, which he then had manufactured. It has been in production since *1938 and is considered one of Colefax and Fowler’s most enduring classic prints. Fowler adored chintz because he wanted “the garden to spill into his rooms,” and I could not agree more. One day, I plan to envelop our guest bedroom in this delightful floral print, and for inspiration I have pulled some of my favorite Bowood bedrooms…
“Enough with the plain. I think people want pretty, and I predict a surge in demand for classic fabrics like Colefax and Fowler’s Bowood.” — Leta Austin Foster
“My favorite chintz… is Bowood in grey/green by Colefax and Fowler (cowtan.com). It reminds me of a fabric that could have been in a ladies’ locker room at a country club.” — Ruthie Sommers
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Cynthia Lambert says
March 8, 2016 at 4:24 pmLovely! Just got Leta Austin Foster's book and spent a blissful few hours by the fire enjoying it. Pretty is coming back, I'm pleased to say. I've been greiged to death for long enough, and am ready for welcoming and warm, rather than boring and neutral. Great post!
LETA AUSTIN FOSTER says
March 9, 2016 at 9:29 pmCYNTHIA–THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BUYING MY BOOK AND EVEN MORE FOR LOVING IT.
Scribbler says
March 8, 2016 at 7:15 pmI just got this book, too, and am loving it. I have been reading it some every day since it arrived. I am sick of grey and neutrals, and I think everyone is on overload, too. I prefer "Pretty."
LETA AUSTIN FOSTER says
March 9, 2016 at 9:29 pmI AM SO HAPPY YOU LIKE THE BOOK–
Dean Farris says
March 8, 2016 at 9:45 pmVery thorough posting!
Have always loved chintz, and while I was never dubbed The Prince of Chintz, as dear Mario was, I still love it and have ordered thousands of yards of it over the years.
Melissa Hebbard says
March 8, 2016 at 10:53 pmBowood has long been my favourite too. It is perfect with antique furniture, especially mahogany and cedar. For some reason though I don't think that the red colourway works as well as the grey and green. Thank you for this visual feast of my No 1 chintz!
Dolores says
March 9, 2016 at 1:03 pmThank you for this lovely post- I could be happy in a Bowood room forever 🙂
therelishedroost says
March 9, 2016 at 1:32 pmLove Henry & Co's room its wonderful!!