The Design Questionnaire with Shawn Henderson

shawn henderson interior design_SFreihon

Shawn Henderson’s first design project came at a young age when he rearranged living room furniture in his own home. Ever since then, he knew he wanted to be an interior designer in New York City. Take a glimpse inside the creative mind of this New York-native whose aesthetic is comfortably sophisticated, rich and relaxed in this issue’s Design Questionaire. Creating interiors that inspire his clients through nuance, harmony, and contrasts, each space Shawn Henderson designs truly feels like home.

shawn henderson interior design
Shawn Henderson

Shawn’s belief in his responsibility to respect the environment while creating stunning interiors makes him right on trend in the modern luxury world. Using craftsmen whose work is true to their art forms, working with sustainable materials, using vintage furnishing and choosing products that are honestly produced while still listening to his client’s design needs is his signature. His ability to see newfound beauty in old materials makes no one element stand out—the layers and unexpected mix between old and new achieves a harmonious balance in every space.  

Take a peek inside Shawn’s mind and explore what inspires his eco-friendly luxurious style.

contemporary bathroom with views of new york city central park designed by Shawn Henderson, Photo by Steve Freihon
Central Park Home Designed by Shawn Henderson
Photo by Steve Freihon

A Peek Inside the Mind of Shawn Henderson

WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT STATE OF MIND?

Overwhelmed!

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?

At my house upstate with my dogs, Alfie & Gus

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?

Homemade dog food for Alfie and Gus

YOUR COCKTAIL OF CHOICE.

Aperol Spritz

WHICH WORDS OR PHRASES DO YOU MOST OVERUSE?

“Amazing”

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?

Having started and maintained a successful business for over 16 years

contemporary bathroom with views of new york city central park
Central Park Home Designed by Shawn Henderson
Photo by Steve Freihon

IF YOU WERE TO DIE AND COME BACK AS A PERSON OR A THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Rockstar!

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REGRET?

Not traveling abroad for a year after college 

WHAT PROFESSION DOES YOUR ALTER EGO HAVE?

Therapist

THE PROJECT YOU WILL NEVER FORGET.

Reno. of a West Village townhouse with Peter Pennoyer

purple and white living room in West Village Townhouse Renovation by Shawn Henderson, Photo by Steve Freihon
West Village Townhouse Renovation by Shawn Henderson
Photo by Steve Freihon

THE MOST TIMELESS DESIGN.

Anything Scandinavian

YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNER.

Hans Wegner

YOUR FAVORITE DECADE.

1930s

YOUR CONTEMPORARY MUST OR INSPIRATION.

John Pawson

YOUR HISTORICAL MUSE OR ICON.

Jean Royere

Foyer entryway in West Village Townhouse
West Village Townhouse Renovation by Shawn Henderson
Photo by Steve Freihon

THE DESIGN FAUX PAS YOU CAN TOLERATE MOST.

Under decorating

THE DESIGN FAUX PAS YOU CAN TOLERATE LEAST.

Over decorating 

YOUR DESIGN MOTTO.

Make it pretty

WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE?

Warm sophisticated interiors with longevity!

WHAT’S NEXT?

Furniture inspired by more traditional design

WHAT 3 WORDS COME TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF KOKET?

GLAM. OR. OUS.

LOVE HAPPENS WHEN…

Something makes your heart skip a beat

Words by Kendall Mayer

Article Originally Appeared in Love Happens Volume 4, 2019

Download the full issue of Love Happens Volume 4!