Kathy Griffin's living room sofa proves why gingham is timeless – the enduring pattern will be just as stylish in 100 years

The actress's living room features a plaid sofa, which serves as a focal point in the neutral, wood-filled space, and adds a dose of character

Kathy Griffin
(Image credit: Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards)

Patterns go in and out of style, but there's one in particular that seems to endure through the decades: gingham.

A staple in design aesthetics like modern farmhouse and cottagecore, gingham or plaid furniture and decor adds a point of instant visual interest to even the most neutral of spaces. Case in point: Kathy Griffin's living room.

The comedian's space features a checked, blue sofa, which pairs perfectly with her antique, wood desk, gray accent chair, and mix of wood and white walls. It goes to show that plaid is, in many ways, the ultimate neutral.

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According to design experts, gingham continues to trend for good reason; it's perfect for those who want to experiment with pattern without going too far outside of the box.

'In a world of fast furniture, this patterned upholstery is becoming popular because it’s interesting and original,' explains Andrew Seed, Managing Director at The Odd Company. 'I think it can’t help but feel designer and one-of-a-kind.'

He continues, 'With clashing patterns becoming all the rage, people are no longer worried about pairing a printed wallpaper with a striped headboard. In fact, I’d say they’re embracing it. It seems that the motto is, ‘the more pattern, the better.’'

While Kathy has opted for her plaid sofa as the only major pattern in her space, gingham can work well with stripes and florals when styled carefully and intentionally.

When decorating with plaid in a living room, Andrew says that beginning with an anchor piece of furniture is a great way to infuse the space with checks, but smaller accessories will have a similar impact.

'In living rooms, embrace a more unique original armchair or sofa,' he explains. 'Gingham, particularly greens and reds, seems to be taking off, so keep these colors in mind. If this is too intimidating, budding designers can dip their toes into more maximalist upholstery, furniture, and pieces with footstools, rugs, or furniture skirts. Start small and build up.'


Whether you take a maximalist approach and attempt to pattern clash, or just go for some plaid throw pillows, this pattern is clearly here to stay.

Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.

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