The A List

The A List: Shawn Henderson

Shawn grew up knowing exactly what he wanted to do for a living. He has worked on projects all over the country and in places as far reaching as Singapore, Stockholm, Paris and London.

Hailing from a small town just outside Albany, New York, Shawn grew up knowing exactly what he wanted to do for a living. After receiving his degree at the Rochester Institute of Technology he moved to New York City where he started his firm in 2003. He has worked on projects all over the country and in places as far reaching as Singapore, Stockholm, Paris and London. Some of his notable clients are Will Ferrell, Glenn Close, and NASCAR champion, Jimmie Johnson. His work has been featured in ELLE Decor, House Beautiful, The New York Times and Architectural Digest where he is a part of the AD 100.

Custom metal wainscoting, terrazzo Console, & Vintage serge mouille sconces

Shawn Henderson

When an item is made well and the design has been carefully considered - it will stand the test of time

Silas Seandel dining table; Paul Evans dining chairs; custom corner banquette & marble table; french sconces & custom mirror

What does"Made in Italy" mean to you?
To me, this means quality, value, and often - beauty.

What has inspired the most your work and style?
I’m most inspired by nature - water, mountains, space - it allows me to be creative and think more clearly.

Lloyd Wright chairs, Custom bed wrapped in felt; walls in same felt that was paperbacked; drapery- same felt with embroidery- all fabric holland & sherry. nightstands vintage italian

Describe your design approach and philosophy
My creative process begins by listening to my clients then contemplating how design can make their lives more beautiful. The beauty is in the details: lightness, flexibility and cleanliness. I am drawn to serene palettes punctuated with rich splashes of color where no one element stands out – the layers and unexpected mix achieves a harmonious balance.

1950’s italian club chair, console by thomas hayes, desk custom

Custom bed wrapped in felt; walls in same felt that was paperbacked; drapery- same felt with embroidery- all fabric holland & sherry. nightstands vintage italian, italian sconces

1950’s Italian wing chair, Gio Ponti coffee table, Bagues floor lamp, custom sofa

Hervé van Der Stratten sconce; Lindsay Adelman chandelier, Kaare Klint dining chairs; swedish dining table

What is the one design/decor you can not imagine your clients (or yourself) living without?
I couldn’t identify a single object as much as I could a philosopy...and that would be to have a place for everything. I believe a well thought out space considers where everything lives. An organized home is a happy home.

What is your idea of the ‘ultimate luxury”?
Ultimately luxury for me would be to live with as few as things as possible. I would love to live like a monk- in a John Pawson designed monastery, of course.