main street keene nh

Mayor recognizes Ann Hendersen

Ann Henderson Recognition – May 2, 2024

Photo of Ann Henderson at City Council Meeting

For 33 of Ann Henderson’s 37 years in Keene, she has established an interior design business.  Initially, Ann operated out of her home on Grant Street, while she served clients throughout New England.  In 2009 she opened a showroom at 16 West Street.  Currently Ann Henderson Interiors employs several other full-time staff, KSC students and a couple part-timers. 

Ann graduated with a degree in art history and studio art, with special interest studies in architecture and the decorative arts from Hollins University in Roanoke, VA.  After working briefly for National Geographic Magazine, Ann continued her Interior Design studies at Mount Vernon College in Washington, DC.  While in the Netherlands she further studied European architecture, and architectural design in Delft.

Ann has have received awards from New Hampshire Home Magazine and New England Home Magazine.  She has been published multiple times in these magazines, Down East Magazine, Yankee Magazine, House Beautiful and in the Keene Sentinel. 

Recently Ann Henderson was recognized in the May/June NH Home Magazine with a 2024 Home Design Award for her design at White Pines Hollow Farm.  The article titled “2024 Interior Design: Living Space Winner: Let There Be Light,” states

The homeowners wanted to open up and brighten communal spaces to promote gathering in them. Without changing the structure’s footprint, the southern façade was pierced with a two-story bump-out that transformed the main living space. This glass extension becomes the project showstopper, reawakening the space’s low ceilings. Dark pine paneling, beams and floors were replaced by a custom white interior with light oak plank flooring and glossy painted millwork. The enormous brick fireplace faced with oak and painted millwork creates a harmonious focal point, anchored by an oversized cocktail ottoman and versatile modular sectionals. Forsaking beautiful window treatments for exterior film was a very conscious decision so that outdoors and indoors are one. In the same family for three generations, the space invites activity, tranquility, observing and living in nature and, above all, connecting with loved ones.

The judges said “the design chose fabric and pattern colors that make the room feel refreshing and crisp. Plus, the natural lighting in the white room simply enhances its brightness — well played!”

Ann has served on many boards promoting the arts and downtown through the Keene Downtown Group, The Chamber, Friends of the Colonial, Grand Monadnock Arts Council, MOCO, Monadnock Food Co-op, Friends of the Thorne, Cheshire County Recovery Courts, St James Church and Keene Elm City Rotary.  Ann states “We have a treasure here, one that I say a prayer of gratitude for each day... and I mean even the short frigid winter ones!”

Ann, on behalf of the City, I congratulate you for your career accomplishments, your community service, and your statewide recognition, for which I am pleased to present a key to the city pin as a token of appreciation for your accomplishments.  Thank you.