Henhouse is passionate about thoughtful design and craftsmanship.
Serving Atlantic Canada for over 20 years, we believe in working collaboratively with our clients, contractors, and trades to achieve results that exceed expectations.
Our Services
Design Development
• architectural plan review
• renovation & permit plans
• kitchen & bath design
• millwork & cabinetry drawings and elevations
• lighting, electrical and switching plans
• plumbing & appliance plans
• tile design & layouts
• finish and fitting specifications
• visual concepts, mood boards & finished sketches
Design Execution
• obtaining quotes & developing budgets
• purchasing & managing goods
• project facilitation and follow-ups
• coordinating with contractor & trades
• site checks & troubleshooting
Decorating & Styling
• furniture plans & budgets
• colour schemes for rooms or whole homes
• custom furniture design
• sourcing, purchasing furniture, art & accessories
• art installation
• window treatments
• final styling to achieve a polished space
Our Team
Sappho Griffin
Principal Designer, Founder & Owner
Sappho launched Henhouse in 2001 as a retail storefront in the quaint Hydrostone Market area of Halifax, where she showcased her own furniture designs alongside curated vintage finds. As Henhouse grew to a treasured local source and one-stop shop for unique pieces, Sappho began creating built-ins and custom kitchens for clients. In 2013, she closed the chapter on her retail career and began Henhouse Interiors as a full-service design business, offering a complete vision from renovation plans to the final, finished product. Today, she works on mid- to full-sized home renovations, and new builds and interior decorating projects for the whole home.
With a background in Fine Art, and a lifelong love of colour, textiles, antiques, and natural materials, Sappho is known for creating thoughtful, classic, and layered spaces. Her fully integrated approach allows her to see the “big picture” and work closely with clients to make their dreams a reality.
Christine Buiteman
Designer, Project Coordinator
Christine is an innovative and resourceful team member with more than 15 years’ experience planning and executing projects and events in the creative industries. She began working with Henhouse in 2017, and has been collaborating on the company’s growing portfolio since then.
Her training and love of timeless design combine in an ability to create warm, inviting spaces tailored to each client’s needs. She shares Henhouse’s passion for authenticity in design, often incorporating antique and found items into her plans. Christine holds a Bachelor of Arts and is a past board member of the Interior Decorators Association of Nova Scotia.
Alyssa Chapeskie
Design Assistant & Operations Manager
Alyssa’s love of home decor, handmade items, and local small businesses drew her to the Henhouse retail shop in 2010. There she gained many skills, from customer service to furniture finishing and visual merchandising. When the shop closed in 2013, Alyssa continued on to work with other local small businesses in Halifax. Through the years, she maintained a connection with Henhouse by writing articles for the blog, and assisting with design and styling projects. Alyssa was thrilled to join the Henhouse team in 2021 as Design Assistant & Operations Manager.
Beth Hitchcock
Senior Decorator & Stylist
Beth is a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry, most recently as Editor-in-Chief of Canadian House & Home magazine. She frequently contributes design articles to national newspapers and magazines, and was the co-creator of the bestselling design book series, Collected by Sarah Richardson (Simon & Schuster Canada). As Henhouse’s Senior Decorator & Stylist since 2022, Beth loves nothing more than sourcing the perfect rug, light fixture, or piece of art to elevate a space and make the mix feel both comfortable and current. She’s especially passionate about picking paint colours, and the transformative power of textiles and wallpaper.