The best thing to do is leave it to heal on its own, although if the edges are jagged you can try cleaning them up carefully with a razor so that it heals evenly (don't cut too deep). Sounds like that might not be practical given how the height of the damage, but if you can it should be like a narrow oval that is pointed at the top and bottom. Over time the bark will fill in the spot and cover it just as it would normally cover the area where the branch was removed. Beware of anyone who offers to "seal" the wound with tar, as is sometimes the practice of landscapers. That would only serve to prolong the healing process and can do more damage in the long term. Some still do it to satisfy their customers despite knowing that it provides no benefit.

Hi Eve. The neighbour's palisades are not a common view on this forum... You're clearly from SA! (I am too) I would keep the current desk. I much prefer working at a large desk, regardless of the clutter or lack thereof. And you have the space for it. And it's wood (don't really want to switch that for the modern flimsy stuff do you!) Consider a smaller secondary desk, a sorta work-in-sight desk, for what you're not currently working on, or the printer, spare stationery, etc. You could put that beneath the window, with bookshelves to each side, and the main large desk near the west wall, facing east. Alternatively, the main desk against the south wall. (shown in the pics below) You should have space for a second chair, relaxing type, away from the desk. Keep a rug, whether this one or another. It makes a place cosy like nothing else. Lose the mirror - they should be functional or reflect something of interest. Replace it with art, something that gives you the calm feeling you're looking for. Look into wall lighting, for ambient cosy light. Were I you, I'd focus on getting the shelves first. You could have someone build them to fit the space perfectly, though free-standing. This will get you started on organising the space, which will work wonders. And the other additions can come as ideas, time, and budget allow. Suggestion - at the time of day you typically work, clear everything out of the space, aside from the desk and chair. (That means everything on the desk too). Move the desk and chair around to various positions, and sit for a bit in each. You'll find yourself visualising the rest of the space when you do. Find what suits you. Sometimes facing into/out of a room, lighting, random unexplainable preferrence, perception of space, etc, all makes a difference and you'll notice it best in reality. The pics are more or less accurate in dimensions. You can replace the pinboard and art with bookshelves along the north wall, can't have too many.

The first thing that strikes me is that your curtain rod is too short which is why you have to push the curtains to the side which kills the vibe in this room. Get longer rods and linen-type curtains that are fairly similar to the wall color which will give the room warmth without looking busy. Please make sure that your area rug is as large as possible because that will make this room look fabulous. Little bitty rugs do not. I would choose an Oriental rug in warm colors because it will hide little accidents, at least until you can address them. I would definitely get a sofa, so great for cuddling with your husband and kids. I would place it in front of the window for good lighting for reading but also because it gives you the best sight lines into other areas of your home. Instead of a coffee table consider a large ottoman with a lid so that you have plenty of storage space. Please don't buy a brown or black leather couch. They look dated and are so difficult to decorate around. Try beige or caramel, with two chairs in contrasting colors, perhaps a nice blue or green, colors that will be in the carpet hopefully. You can also use the carpet colors to choose pillows for your soft furniture. Find some nice pictures to put on the walls, a large green plant, a bookcase or two (books are a must in a room) and side tables for lamps. By now your room will look gorgeous and be pretty well furnished and, most important of all, will be comfortable and fun to be in.

We have the same in our third floor bedroom. We put a metal bar all the way across lengthwise and a small shelf on top of the bar, also lengthwise. We use part of the space below the bar for tub storage. Alternatively, you could put in appropriately sized chest of drawers or walk in closet type drawer components. Others on here can advise re: construction options to secure shelf and bar. Our shelf and the brackets that hold the pole are on 2x4s screwed to the studs on the end walls. We have an additional support in the middle underneath the pole and shelf because they run the length of the room.