City Homes
Inside A Newly Built Home Infused With Character And Soul On The East Coast
Updated on November 26, 2024
“If you’re going to do it — do it!” says Sappho Griffin, owner and principal designer of Henhouse Interiors in Halifax. Her fearless decorating approach is on display in this newly built home with New England–style located in a bucolic community on the eastern shore of St. Margaret’s Bay, N.S., about a 20-minute drive south of Halifax.
Rachel Shano and Christian Hall, who have three kids, six dogs and two cats, moved in to the 3,156-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bathroom house in February 2023. Because they loved her bold yet cosy style, Sappho was the perfect designer to bring personality, character and warmth to the new-build. “When we first moved in, it didn’t quite feel like home — it was a blank canvas and didn’t have any color or texture,” says Rachel. “There was an opportunity to really imagine how we wanted to live here. And with Sappho, it was simpatico right away — from her first design suggestions, I was confident that we were headed in the right direction.”
Busy family life and the menagerie of animal companions mean that finishes are handsome yet hard-wearing. “It’s a family home,” says Sappho, “designed, but not to look obviously so.”
Sappho transformed the builder-basic house with a mix of vintage and contemporary furniture, objets and art, as well as exuberantly patterned wallpapers and fabrics. Even though the colors and prints are daring, there’s a disciplined approach to the decorating. “I found a traditional Indian floral stripe at one of my favorite places for inspiration, Memo Showroom in Toronto,” says Sappho. “It had an unexpected plum and ochre colorway, and that was the starting point.” These colors are reflected throughout the house, with the more neutral living and dining areas getting hits of the overall palette via vibrant throw pillows and rugs. Just inside the front door, the wall hooks and bench accommodate bags; a striped jute rug and other textiles add warmth and texture.
The entry alcove sets the tone with small-print wallpaper, a tramp art mirror made from old crates and crocks from Rachel’s collection.
For Sappho, it’s all about creating a soulful mix. “We combined the owners’ art and objets with new pieces like the commissioned painting in the living room,” she says. “It’s layered, and this helps make the spaces more personal.” The living room has a subtle mélange of colors and fabrics in plum, sage and ochre, all anchored by the fireplace and a large ottoman upholstered with an antique Persian rug.
A deep-seated, linen-upholstered armchair creates a cosy corner near the fireplace.
The island and dining area are connected by a rich plum hue, which appears on the island base and feature wall.
A Persian runner in the kitchen complements the vibrant throw pillows on the banquette. The coconut bead chandelier keeps the vibe interesting and unexpected. “I didn’t hesitate on Sappho’s decorating suggestions, although the coconut bead light fixture was a surprise,” says Rachel. “I worried about it at the time, but now I can’t imagine anything else there.”
A hallway leading from the kitchen to the office is decorated with an antique wool runner and wood chair; a handsome vintage painting provides the perfect finishing touch.
Beyond the bold strokes that her work is known for, Sappho has an important caveat. “I also want my clients to feel that I’m creating a unique space that reflects them.” And, sometimes, that means taking a leap of faith, especially when the designer proposes drenching the pantry in teal by adding bold tile, selects a deep plum shade for the kitchen accent color, and recommends a spirited Kelly Wearstler wallpaper for every wall in the principal bedroom. The pantry, a great place for a quick espresso or party prep, is reimagined as a jewelry box in deep teal
Homeowner Rachel Shano at the home bar just off the kitchen.
Rachel and Christian’s six adorable pups.
The home office space has a unique bulletin board upholstered in a botanical-motif fabric.
This moody vignette juxtaposes a European chest with Eternal Embrace, a mixed media work specially commissioned for the space.
Striking, gold-hued wallpaper envelops the principal bedroom
Deep plum tile enlivens the principal bathroom; new mirrors and a classic sconce complete the look.
The ensuite is softened by drapes, a woven pendant and vintage wool rug.
Ochre tile in a fun basket weave installation brightens the laundry room.
Stacey Brandford