Creating the ideal work-from-home space is both an art and a science. Interiors maven Shannon Crain is here to show us how it’s done.

In this Houston home office masterpiece, the Taracea desk is made of sleek ebonized wood with a brass inlay. The earth-tone lamp is from Visual Comfort and the swivel chair is Crate & Barrel.

Boasting a singular style informed by clean lines, classic materials and sophisticated details, Shannon Crain is a star on the rise. In a recent Houston project, the young designer’s home office concept was a standout. When asked about her inspiration for the study, Crain emphasizes the importance of personalizing each space for that particular client’s needs. “In this case, the client and I decided almost immediately that we would nix the traditional bookshelves-behind-the-desk in favor of a statement-making art wall,” she explains. “We both love editorial photography and wanted to pick out each piece with intention. We sourced a photo of Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow going to Truman Capote’s legendary Black and White Ball. The family spends a good amount of time skiing, so the Slim Aarons Aspen photo fit right into the mix. We thought the juxtaposition of Kate Moss and Steve McQueen was fun. And the abstract piece is a nod to the client’s favorite color, Kelly green.”

Desk details

In the past three months, Crain says she has worked on more home offices than ever before. “My best advice to everyone working from home is to make the space comfortable and personal. Go for the comfy chair you’ve always wanted for your desk. Invest in that additional monitor, or something that motivates you to stay productive. But, most importantly, surround yourself with things you love. It can be family photos, books, artwork, an heirloom... anything that inspires.” As far as finding inspiration, we can attest that Crain’s work-from-home space is the home office of our dreams—and will definitely be serving as our latest design inspo.