I don't use my desk as such either ( its more for collecting junk!) I have a small round 2 tier table on wheels that I garage under it. Very handy for loading with bites to eat by the fireplace.

Grouchy dog storage for when you have visitors?

My sister sets her desk space up as a bar when she has company. She has a stemware rack above the counter, and she slides a cooler underneath, but I could see it being good space for a wine rack. Of course, if you don't drink or you already have a bar/beverage area, then I guess that would be redundant. Makes me realize - what is the rest of your kitchen like?

I never sit at my desk, but I do use the top for some desk-like activities (making my shopping list, storing pens and scissors, etc.). I also keep a stool under it--not for sitting on, but as an extra for the island. I'm glad I made the desk counter height, because it makes it better for both these uses.

Like lovlilynne's sister, I have stored a cooler of extra ice under the desk during a party. That worked out very well.

I use my desk all of the time. I have my laptop on a shelf that slides out from underneath the desktop. I have cabinets slots underneath the cabinets located above my desk for mail & other odds and ends and then slots behind the cabinet doors for the really messy stuff: phone directories, files, reading glasses(lots of them) and many years worth of Weight Watchers literature. I have to say that most of my work is done at the laptop.

we're putting in a desk that looks more like a hutch. the doors will close to cover the work space and also the leg room below. drawers on both sides and glass front cabs on either side. i wanted something that would serve as command central but also for the kids to use as a homework space. but i could close the doors when not in use. when the kids get older or if we decide we no longer need it the cabinet maker can fit the bottom sections with drawers or another set of doors with pull out shelves.

maybe you can ask a cabinet maker to repurpose the desk for you? sorry i have no pics yet as we haven't started yet. i might have a drawing this week though if you'd like to see it.

How tall is your desk? Is it regular desk height, or counter height? If it is counter height, how about getting a wheeled island that you could pull out for extra flexible counter space: for prepping, or to pull out at a buffet to serve drinks/desserts/etc. I know that you can get them at the right height to fit under a counter. This one I have linked to folds, and it counter height -- but I know I've seen them shorter. I know that I've seen a butcher block version of a pull-out cart on a Kraftmaid brochure. Good luck, and let us know what you come up with!

Here is a link that might be useful: wheeled kitchen cart

My kitchen desk ended up being a landing space rather than a work area. The desktop holds our house phone, my purse / keys, bills to be paid, and files for whatever extra-curricular activities we're involved with for the season. It sounds organized, but it's not as clutter-free as I'd prefer.

The space underneath was intended for a chair, but the chair was relocated weeks after we moved in once my toddler learned how to use the chair to scale the countertops!

The area underneath now houses a basket which holds newspaper (for recycling) and the kids' school backpacks.

Do you have a need for craft or scrapbooking supply storage? You could tuck a wheeled cart with multiple drawers underneath.

Others mentioned coolers for ice during a party. What about a small refrigerator or wine cooler if you have access to an outlet?

Here is a photo. The desk not counter height it is much lower. It is in the center of everything and a chair would be in the way and anything there is visable to everyone.

We keep wine in the basement because of the temperature. I don't like a lot of clutter and I have an office in another part of the house. I use a hall tree for my purse and keys and other stuff.

I'm thinking about putting a stool underneath to fill up the space but cannot decide what type. I think I might also put a lamp on the desk but haven't found one. The large slate area looks overwhelming as it is right now.

Wer your cabs custom? If so, could you have the cabinet maker make a drawer stack or a door insert?????

haha, this title made me laugh because here is our creative use (for our current under-desk space, about to go away in the reno):

storage for a huge bag of rice, dog food, cat food, a food processer, and a Costo-size box of tea :-)

It's good to hear that some people actually use their desks. Ours is a clutter station tucked into an unuseable corner.

Looks like a perfect spot for a beverage or wine cooler.