Defining Style with Shawn Henderson

In a series of interviews with designers featured in our new interiors book Defining Style, we talk to the man who loves to make art the centrepiece of any home.

Knowing how to build rooms around great art and collectible furniture continues to challenge and inspire designers. Giving such treasures pride of place without detracting from the domestic experience takes a steady hand, a sure eye, and, not least, considerable flexibility.

When working on a townhouse in the French Quarter of New Orleans in 2021, New York designer Shawn Henderson was tasked with incorporating a rainbow artwork of sculpted mannequin heads with light-bulb noses. With the flick of a switch, the artwork, by Los Angeles-based artist Evan Holloway, became a veritable showstopper.

Henderson is acutely aware of the emotions that artworks evoke in the clients he works for and the spaces he helps create. He's become a master at juggling the multiple considerations - the harmonies and the resonances - that introducing art into a home creates.

Henderson's New Orleans project is one of 150 contemporary residential interiors from around the world featured in our new book Defining Style: The Book of Interior Design. Organised by 25 timeless design styles, our interiors survey inspires readers to enrich their own spaces by equipping them with ways to identify each style and what elements best speak to their ideal way of living.

Defining Style takes beginners and enthusiasts alike on a journey through familiar themes such as Coastal, Modernist, and Tropical, while including a few surprises like Organic Modern, Spirited, and Textured. Henderson's work is included in the chapter headed Curated. The New Orleans space was the third time Henderson had worked with the owners, a couple with a penchant for old houses and contemporary art.

"I've had ample opportunity to understand their aesthetic viewpoint and to learn why they choose the pieces that they own," Henderson says. "That pushes me to create rooms that showcase the art and are fluid enough to allow the collection to evolve over time."

Phaidon.com asked Shawn a few questions, including how he'd define his own style. This is what he told us.

Shawn Henderson, French Quarter Townhouse, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 2021. Picture credit: Stephen Kent Johnson / OTTO

How would you define your own personal style? My personal style embodies a blend of serenity, sophistication, and comfort. This aesthetic has evolved through a deep appreciation for clean lines, rich palettes, along with the seamless incorporation of vintage and contemporary elements.

How has your style developed over time? Over time, my style has become a bit looser as comfort becomes more and more important to my clients.

How do you work with a client to define, expand or adapt their style to a particular space? Collaborating with my clients is always a key part of my process. I always say my interiors are one third my aesthetic, one third what the space calls for, and probably most importantly- one third about my client’s point of view. This is so important because ultimately, they are living in this space, and it needs to reflect their lives.

What should someone reading this be aware of when incorporating seemingly disparate elements, or mixing different styles or approaches, to their own interiors?
When incorporating distinct elements into interiors it is key to establish a unifying colour palette. A consistent colour scheme can tie different styles together creating visual coherence. It is critical to balance proportion and scale, ensuring that furniture and décor pieces complement each other, while preventing a single element from overwhelming the space. Finally, identify common motifs or materials. Repeating patterns, textures, or materials can bridge diverse styles fostering a sense of unity.

How does adding art impact the style of a particular space? Adding artwork deeply influences the style and ambiance of a space. Art serves as a focal point, reflecting personal taste and enhancing the room’s character. When positioning the artwork, it is crucial to place pieces at eye level in prominent locations which ensures they draw attention and contribute effectively to the overall design narrative.

Is there one key element or piece anyone can add to evoke a personal sense of style? The best way one could evoke personal style in their interiors is to surround themselves with things they absolutely LOVE. Start with one thing then build your interior around that.

Take a closer look at Defining Style: The Book of Interior Design here, read our introduction to the book story here, and look out for more interviews with the designers and architects featured in the book in the coming weeks.

And if you'd like to read Shawn Henderson on how to incorporate affordable art into your living space, read this Artspace interview.