2025 Griffin Houghton Designer Picks
As we kick off 2025, the design world is once again buzzing with trend predictions - what’s in, what’s out, and everything in between. Here at Griffin Houghton, we prefer to take a different approach. Instead of relying on trend forecasts, we draw inspiration from our team’s collective visions. We debate everything, from color palettes and furniture styles, to millwork details and pattern mixing. Trust us, no opinion goes unheard!
Similar to last year, we thought it would be fun to share a glimpse of what’s catching our eye. Each designer on our team has curated four things they’re loving right now. The result? A mix of ideas as passionate as our debates, yet a perfect reflection of how well we all work together.
EMILY’S PICKS
1. WOVEN FURNITURE. I have always been drawn to woven materials like rattan and I'm bringing it into a bunch of my projects this year. There is something so time-worn about it and you can’t beat the natural element it brings to any room.
2. STONE BACKSPLASHES WITH A FLOURISH. The standard 5” high backsplash is all fine and dandy, but this year I want to bring in a little flourish to my backsplashes with more ogee edges, curves and even some side profiles. I just love how it takes a kitchen or bathroom vanity up a notch.
3. LIGHT COLOURED WINDOWS. There is nothing more classic than black windows on an old brick home, but I am getting more and more drawn to lighter coloured windows on exteriors that AREN'T clad in brick. Tonal exteriors (creamy white windows on a creamy white stucco house) are equally classic. You’ll see this palette in our Dinnick House project, which will finally be completed this year.
4. PATTERNED LAMPSHADES. I’m finding it harder and harder to do plain linen shades these days, because who doesn’t want an excuse for more pattern in a room? We often take left over fabrics and wrap them on 'off the shelf' shades or source cool patterned shades on Etsy. OBSESSED!
Steph’s PICKS
1. PATTERNED SOFAS. I DO love a patterned sofa. A brave choice when it’s one of the largest and most expensive pieces of furniture in a room, but it pays off. If a patterned sofa is too much of a commitment for you, try it on a settee in a hallway.
2. TREATED WALLS. I often find myself thinking about how to treat walls knowing how much of an impact they can have on the overall look and feel of a room. Whether it’s wood paneling, wallpaper, or a special paint treatment, the canvas of your home should always be considered alongside the decorating.
3. PORCELAIN LAMPS. I’m a bit obsessed with porcelain lamps right now, either with a little pattern on them or a custom shade added. Suddenly a tabletop or corner in a room has instant warmth and character.
4. AN HONEST PANTRY. Who doesn’t love an honest pantry? With open shelves that show you everything and with exposed appliances, there’s something quite warm and inviting about them. As a kid, our pantry was one of my favourite spots. I was just small enough to sit on the lowest shelf (and eat Dad’s oatmeal cookies)!
CANDACE’S PICKS
1. TILE. I'm currently into flexing my creative muscles by leaning into interesting tile layouts. The possibilities are endless - but your installer might begrudge you!
2. SHOWER CURTAINS. Whether you love them or hate them, why not make them a statement? I love how a fabric shower curtain can soften the hard materials in a bathroom. Oh, and an excuse for more colour and pattern of course!
3. FRAMED TEXTILES AS ART. Antique textiles hold so much history and are works of art in and of themselves. Treat them as such by putting them on display. The bigger the better in my opinion.
4. HAND-PAINTED STONEWARE. Bring some personality to the table with hand painted artisinal stoneware. We use these objects daily, so let them spark a little joy.
DANIELLA’S PICKS
1. THE COMEBACK OF CREWEL. These embroidered fabrics bring a level of softness, quality and character like no other. I like it as an opportunity to mix and match history with modern style.
2. COLOUR DRENCHING IN WOOD. If you want ultimate warmth in your space, decked out wood paneling is the perfect choice. It's a bit of a nod to the 70's, but can be made to look very tasteful and current.
3. STAIR RUNNERS. There are tons of cool carpet companies out of the UK these days, producing colourful and unique patterns that truly take the stair runner to another level. And for those of you worried about slipping on stairs, you get safety thrown in with design when putting one of these beauties on your stairs.
4. NICKEL. I will always be a sucker for polished nickel with its timeless balance of warm and cool tones. Nickel creates a look that’s rich, soft, and inviting. Yummy!
We hope you've enjoyed our GH design dump and picked up a sliver of inspiration along the way. Here’s to a bright and creative start to 2025. Happy New Year everyone (are we still allowed to say that in February?!).
Image Credits:
Emily: 1. Coastal Drift Interiors, Mintwood Home 2. Cooper Sky Design & Remodel, Studio McGee 3. Tommy Daspit Photographer for Willow Homes 4. Anthropologie, Etsy
Steph: 1. Penny Morrison Fabrics, Custom Settee, 2. Hageman Homes, ABD Studio 3. Wayfair Base & Fermoie Shade, Wayfair Base & Etsy Shade, Wayfair Base & House of Scalamandre Shade 4. Samantha Stein Interiors, Collected Living Design
Candace: 1. Ziatile - Gambit Zellige, Checkerboard Tile by EG Interiors 2. Design by Hageman Homes & Interiors Photo by Reid Lambshead 3. Coral Trellis Suzani Sublime Framed Textile by St. Frank, Green Otomí Sublime Framed Textile from St. Frank, Design by Robert Stilin Photo by Eric Piasecki 4. Botero Bird Vase by ANŪT Cairo, Bramble Ramble Platter by Minnie-Mae Stott Studio, Bunny Rabbit Stoneware Pitcher from Thomas Lee Living
Daniella: 1. Design by Elizabeth Hay Photo by unknown, Mahala Textiles, JF Fabrics 2. Design by Hoedemaker Pfeiffer Photo by unknown, Design by Jessica Stambaugh Photo by unknown 3. Sophie Cooney Runners 4. Sconce from Nickey Kehoe, Tub by Penhaglion
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