GRIFFIN HOUGHTON FAVOURITES FOR 2026
As we kick off the new year, the design world is full of predictions about what's in and what's out. At Griffin Houghton, we don't pay much attention to that noise. Instead, we lean on the collective perspectives of our team and the lively conversations that happen around our table each week. From colour palettes and furniture, to millwork details and fabric pattern-play, everything is up for debate.
This year, we took a slightly different approach with our newsletter. Rather than spotlighting our individual favourites, we came together to dissect and debate the five things we are loving most as a design collective - an edit that reflects our tastes and who we fundamentally are as a firm.
LET THEM SEE HOW YOU LIVE
We've always believed that interiors should reflect the way they're actually lived in - not just be pretty spaces. Think rooms layered with books, collected objects from your travels, and personal treasures that reveal themselves over time. We like to refer to it as 'intentional clutter'.
This approach blends style with authenticity: worn countertops, well-loved fabrics, woods with patina and yes - the throw blanket that belongs to your dog lying visibly on the sofa. Lived-in interiors aren't about perfection - they're about spaces that feel real, welcoming, and timeless.
Top: Design by Amanda C Brooks; Photo unknown Bottom Left: Design by David Jimenez Studio; Photo by Xavier Bejot Bottom Right: Design by Gavin Houghton; Photo by Dean Hearne
THE MAGIC OF SECOND-HAND
Mixing old with new has always been our secret sauce, as there is no question in our minds that interiors are much more interesting when they include second-hand or vintage pieces. They bring character, soul and often that quirky twist that new pieces alone cannot replicate.
We love sourcing from consignment shops, antique dealers, and of course online platforms like good old Facebook Marketplace, 1stDibs and Etsy for those one-of-a-kind pieces. Here is a list of some of our local faves too: Decorum Decorative Finds, Kettlewells, The Door Store, Around the Block, Maude&Arte, and Edit 1134.
Images: Designers and Photographers unknown
RICH, COMPLEX COLOURS
Building on our love of warm, layered palettes, we're really leaning into rich, grounded colours that bring depth and intimacy to every room. Café latte taupes, olive greens, earthy ochres, burnt carmels and mouth watering plums create spaces that envelop you in warmth. And there is no brand that nails these rich complex colours better than Farrow & Ball. See below for some of our faves by F&B.
Top Left: Designer and Photographer unknown Top Right: Design by The Somerset House; Photo by Clement Pascal Bottom Left: Design by Golden Design Interiors; Photo by Leverne Kensington Bottom Middle: Farrow & Ball's Mouses Back, Treron, Brinjal, Sudbury Yellow, DeNimes; Bottom Right: Design and Photography unknown
CLASSIC TICKING
We're slightly obsessed with ticking over here at Griffin Houghton. This time-worn classic always comes through and you see it peppered throughout our work. Whether it's used as a slipcover or on an upholstered piece, a toss cushion or wall treatment, ticking blends timeless style with everyday practicality. Reliable, versatile and quietly confident, ticking just keeps on giving.
Top Left: Design by Phoebe Howard; Photo unknown Top Right: Canasta Wingback Blue Stripe chair by Gusto Bottom: Daphnis Ochre sofa by Flosslo
LAYERED BEDS
The way a bed is dressed seems to change almost yearly in the design world and this year, we're loving fully layered beds. Sheets, duvets, coverlets, pillows and headboards come together in a vast array of patterns, solids, and textures, creating a bed that's not just made, but truly inviting. Generous and a little indulgent, layered beds are the perfect excuse to mix, match, and make it entirely your own.
Top Left: WestElm Top Right: Alina Salomatina Interior; Visualization Anna Iva Bottom: Design by Markham Roberts; Photo unknown
From intentional clutter and curated collections, to layered beds, complex colours and timeless ticking, these are some of the things we are celebrating this year. If you're looking for some design help on your next project, reach out - we'd love to chat.
