Update to my comment last year. We loved our Canadel table, chairs and counter stools that we had for 20+ years and when we downsized last year, I was hesitant to buy any more Canadel products after reading the reviews. However, we decided to buy a small Canadel table for our new kitchen to match the counter stools (from 20+ years ago) that we took with us to our new place. So glad we did! The table is wonderful. Even better, we were able to get the same wood and black finishes to match our old counter stools. Most companies do not maintain the same colors and woods over the years, but Canadel does. We've had the table now for about 7 months and it is holding up well with no scratches (we use placemats). One of the swivels on our 20+ year old counter stools finally stopped working properly. The furniture store where we bought the new table contacted Canadel for us, who provided us with the name of the manufacturer of the metal swivel piece. We we were able to order a replacement swivel directly from that manufacturer, put it on the stool and it's now like new. Our experience with Canadel has been good and we are very pleased with their furniture.

We are getting our 20 year old hardwoods refinished right now because they are trashed! Here are the "really" bad things we've noticed. Do not push your furniture across the floor! It will leave gouges. Buy tons of felt protective pads in all different sizes and put them on EVERYTHING. You also need to replace them frequently and keep the pads clean (if there is any grit or dirt on the pad the protective pad turns to sandpaper). Put an area rug under the sink/DW and water dispenser to catch drips (and shake and clean under rugs regulary so no dirt is trapped under them). Our kids have plasma cars and they have destroyed the floors so I would say no wheels at all on the floor. Don't push that piano! Swiffers or dust mops are great and help keeping it clean.

That first season is like having a new car. Just go out and put a scratch on it and get it over with! Its outside. I put plastic gliders on my IPE furniture and it still marks it up. A small rag with oil will clear it up. But over time food and scratches will happen. The real problem is the fine almost furniture quality a freashly oiled (and sealed) deck has. Its outside, get over it. One problem I have around my house is not enough time to enjoy it. Between matainence and commitments its hard to just sit on the deck and chill out! birds and berries? Berries I can't help you with but at least its warm and fuzzy to know that Ipe does will with buck shot.

IMO I would first solve the function issues you have outlined and then address the style issues you have requested. As with every design problem there may be compromises to get most of what you've listed, but function shouldn't be one of them. I've attached a layout and some examples of furnishings & unique equipment that may accommodate many of your requests. Please carefully think about keeping a frankly huge armoire, that you still have to spend time and money to refinish, to hold a printer that could reasonably fit on a small shelf. The printers seem to get smaller everyday as do the computers/laptops. How many of us got stuck with armoires to hold huge TVs? The local Goodwill where I live won't even take armoires anymore because no one wants them in their homes. That item in particular, from my perspective as a designer, is like fitting a square peg in a round hole. I often look to the RV industry to provide me with clever equipment that does double duty, like hidden work surfaces that can pull out of standard cabinets when needed, and slide away when not in use. I think you can assemble a workable room, with the special style you're looking for & even that special settee, but I would build in files and storage which is always needed, find a clever way to close away your DH clutter so you don't have to nag, & look for high tech items to help you reach you goals. Built in wall units are not inexpensive, but everything doesn't need to be custom. Cabinets from any modular kitchen cabinet manufacturer, even IKEA, could be used to assemble your workstations. Good Luck