Pretty in Print: A Chintz-Filled Colonial by CeCe Barfield Thompson

Hi, readers! Jeanne Lyons Davis here flipping through the September/October issue of Flower Magazine. We love Flower—Paloma shared with readers her insider’s guide to Houston in its March/April 2018 issue!—and its most recent home feature by designer and Style Files alumna CeCe Barfield Thompson is budding with prints, chintz, and color. Translation: yes, yes, and yes!

“They wanted an updated take on the Parish-Hadley style, rooted in tradition with bold touches,” CeCe shared with Kirk Forrester in Flower. “For Heather, who had really done her homework, she felt like this was the way to give the house a new life.” CeCe’s historic preservation education and early career as a senior designer for the inimitable Bunny Williams, who coincidentally got her start at the revered Parish-Hadley design house, made tackling this six-bedroom 1908 Colonial in upstate New York a dream project.

From chintz textiles and Griffin & Wong chinoiserie wallpaper to serene wall colors and high-performance furnishings, the historic home is lively but, most importantly for a young family of six, livable. “Nothing is too formal; no relationship is too serious,” continues CeCe. “Chintz is so Old World and glamorous, but it’s truly the most practical fabric. It hides stains beautifully, and it only looks better with age.”

We couldn’t agree more, especially with the recent passing of design legend and “Prince of Chintz” Mario Buatta. As the bold and brilliant decorator taught us, you just can’t go wrong with this floral favorite. Tour the beautiful abode below and pick up the latest issue of Flower.