Table Talk With Dorothy Shain Henderson

Brunette woman holding open book in studio

Meet Dorothy Shain Henderson! The South Carolina-based artist is known for her playful works of art and love of color. Dorothy's designs have made their way onto bathing suits for Anthropologieholiday packaging for Weezie, and the most delicious of them all, packaging for Callie's Hot Little Biscuits.

She recently revamped her bedroom with our pinch pleat Alice Curtain and, not surprisingly, we fell in love with the space! Follow along for a peek inside.

 

First off, tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am Dorothy Shain Henderson, founder and creative director of Dorothy Shain Fine Art & Design. I am a contemporary artist creating work that evokes connection through original art, prints, textiles and wallpapers, and products.

Art studio with big artwork in the middle and paint in the bottom shelves

In 1989, my mother described a wave of creativity that overcame her during her pregnancy. Little did she know, that wave, was a sign that an artist was preparing to enter the world. From the moment I was born, art played a leading role in my life. It was not until high school that I became confident in my talent and felt called to follow that path for the years to come. I attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas on a Fine Arts Scholarship where I received a B.A. in Painting from Meadows School of the Arts. 

After a slight, post-college, detour in the nonprofit sector, I decided pursue, what I felt, I was placed on this earth to do. Create art. 

 

What does your home say about you?

Being that this is our first home owner experience, my husband and I have learned so much about ourselves through the process of fixing it up to decorating. I look at my home very similar to how I look at a blank canvas - it is just another medium for me to bring creativity to life and tell a story while doing it. It is ever evolving - just like us as humans. 

Room corner with a green and beige printed pillow on a wooden chair below two framed artworks next to a tall lamp over an illuminated window styled with Blue Ikat Stripe Custom Curtains

 

Walk us through how you styled your bedroom with our Alice Curtain! 

The Alice curtain was an easy choice! We've really stuck to a blue and white color scheme in efforts to bring hints of the South Carolina Lowcountry, a coastal place we both love, into our space. I've loved choosing a color - in this case blue - and building patterns in similar shades and tones into the space. Staying in that similar color family has helped us create a calming space all the while interesting and dynamic. 

Illuminated window close-up styled with Blue Ikat Stripe Custom Curtains besides white bed

 

Not every window is the same, which is why we offer custom curtains at a length that works for you. How did you decide what curtain length to choose? 

I have to be honest here. I love design and pattern BUT when it comes to things like getting the curtain length correct I consulted a great designer who helped me understand that the longer length would create a more formal feel, which I liked the sound of! Don't be afraid to reach out to friends with a great eye for guidance! 

Blue Ikat Custom curtains by bed and white coffee table with two books and flower on top. Close-up of Blue Ikat Stripe Custom Curtain

 

How did you decide which construction type was right for your space?

I love a pinch pleat and the formality of it. It felt so elevated in comparison to the curtains I had throughout the years of my 20s.

Blue Ikat Custom curtains by bed and white coffee table with two books and flower on top

 

We’re obviously all about accessorizing! Tell us a little bit about your curtain rod choice! 

I consulted with my designer friend here as well! She helped me realize that by using polished brass we were helping the hardware story continue from room to room in our home. From an artist perspective I obviously love color. Brass with ochre undertones when paired with a blue is a very natural relationship and provides enough contrast that they both pop without being too overpowering.

 

Loving Dorothy's custom curtains? Shop Alice here!

Close-up of Blue Ikat Stripe Custom Curtain

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