Talk Shop: Maggie Griffin // Maggie Griffin Design
ABOUT MAGGIE
Maggie Griffin Design is a full‑service studio based in Gainesville, Georgia, serving an enthusiastic clientele across the Southeast. Maggie crafts homes that feel both freshly classic and cozy—a nod to modern Southern living. From estate‑scale new builds to thoughtful renovations, her firm brings warmth, traditional elegance, and effortless livability to every project. Hospitality isn’t just a guide—it’s central to their approach.
Raised with a deep love for design, Maggie studied Furnishings and Interiors at UGA before establishing a firm celebrated for its attention to detail, playful use of pattern, and strong client relationships. Whether she’s layering colorful fabrics, styling antique pieces, or fixating on artful accents, her goal is the same: to create homes meant to be lived in, shared, and loved. Read on to hear Maggie share her process, from collaborating with homeowners to the design details that make a house feel like home.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Layered, comfortable, and pulled-together.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
The three biggest influences on my aesthetic are Chinoiserie, Italy, and my grandmother.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I worked in a high-end retail store in college and got my first clients through the store, and it grew from there! My favorite thing about what I do is creating homes for families to gather together in.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I don't have one mentor per se, but I belong to a group where we talk through roadblocks, amongst other things.
What does your home say about you:
My home says that I love color and patterns, but I prioritize durability because I have three little boys. It also says that my husband and I love to entertain our friends and family, but we also love spending time with just our family of five. I have Legos displayed in my built-ins next to meaningful pieces I’ve gathered along the way.
Where do you find inspiration:
I find inspiration through Instagram, magazines, coffee table books, showhouses, and Pinterest.
Who are your style icons:
My style icons are Bunny Williams, Martha Stewart, and Sister Parish.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
You need easy access to the bar, a nibble for when guests arrive, a simple meal, a good dessert, and a stocked powder room.
Do you collect anything:
HA! I collect lots of things….china, blue and whites, vintage landscape paintings, marbled anything, silver, and interesting vases.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@bunnywilliamshome, @jamesfarmerinc, and @thepottedboxwood
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
To follow: Symmetry! To break: Matching sets (like old school bedroom suits).
What are you working on right now:
We have several new builds that will be completed this year, and they’re all fabulous! From young families to empty nesters, we love having a hand in their dream homes.
Wardrobe staples:
My wardrobe staple is patterned dresses.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
My favorite is Chinese Lantern by Lee Jofa or any mural!
Best interior advice you ever received:
JUST GO FOR IT!
Best career advice you ever received:
Know your worth!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
A classic chest and a sofa with good lines that will carry you for decades. Pleated shades are a must! But trendy accessories are a no-go!
Your greatest extravagance:
Travel!
Favorite places to shop for home:
I love shopping at antique malls.
Most prized possession and why:
It would probably be my engagement ring, for obvious reasons.
Your interiors motto:
Shoot for the moon!
Your life motto:
Life is short!
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Pour into magazines and instagram accounts, coffee table books, and learn the history of design. You will begin to gravitate towards your look.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Mac and cheese
Drink: Red wine
Film: Steel Magnolias
Hotel: The Dewberry in Charleston
City: Florence, Italy
Bedding: Peacock Alley
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee with almond milk
Playlist: John Mayer Radio
Weekend Activity: Sports and pool time
Design Book: All of James Farmer’s books