The Design Questionnaire with Shawn Henderson

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’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.

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

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

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

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!