Poppy Delevingne's bathroom strikes a rare balance between Georgian elegance and 1980's glamor

The maximalist space taps into our 'ongoing fascination with the past' – and designers say this intrigue isn't going anywhere

Poppy Delevingne
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.'

Artem Kropovinsky headshot
Artem Kropovinsky

Based in New York, Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, has a decade of global design experience. Prioritizing minimalism, sustainability, and authenticity, Artem, alongside his team of professionals, works on projects in the US and worldwide.

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. 

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.