Hi Dizzy, I used to have to zone out also when I was sitting especially in the early afternoon, but no longer since I have been standing. There are a lot of articles now on using standing desks. Here is one. http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/04/confirmed-he-who-sits-the-most-dies-the-soonest/256101/ We actually have five monitors (four high resolution) on our electric desks at work with two computers, probably 12+k equipment when it was purchased. The desks were additionally 3k each. All those prices have come down significantly in the last 5 years. I raise and lower the desks every day without problem. Of course you have to use some common sense in setup with cord management. The old defunct Mayline digital drafting table was $150 on craigslist but the electric rise still works. We changed out the nonworking digitizer top for a wood table top, also purchased from craigslist ($100 for the table, we discarded the legs) . The mayline tables are angled but we had the metal supports shaved so that the table top is now horizontal. It goes up and down very smoothly. I would personally hesitate to sink so much money into extensive cabinetry for an office that I would spend most of my life in without taking care of safety and health. However I understand that you have limitations. Best wishes whatever you decide and hopefully someone will chime in on the layout.

One thing about leather you might not have thought about is you can simply paint it any color you want. You can, of course, do faux finishes or decorative painting on it as well. I have seen some outstandingly pretty chairs where the wood of the chair and the leather of the seat were painted the same exact shade, or very close. I can't see your chairs but often the seat board plus the padding and covering fit snugly, so that if you add more bulk, they won't set back in correctly. You might want to pop the seat out, just lay your new fabric and padding on it and tuck it in and see if it fits before you proceed. If it doesn't fit, you'll need to remove the leather first. If they need more padding, you can add it, provided it fits. Generally speaking, reupholstering a DR chair is very simple. Just remove the old, apply the new pulling it tightly and stapling it, then re-secure the seats. Here is a link that might be useful: Look at the pictures here for inspiration

My dining room table seats 10 and can fit 12 in a pinch. When not in use, there are 8 chairs around it. Knowing I'd squeeze 12 people in there on occasion, I got 12 matching chairs (windsor chairs with wide backs). I'd be much happier if I had gotten a bench or something with a much smaller back for the extra chairs. The backs of the chairs are practically locked together when I have a full house. Really, I wish I had just gotten a couple of saddle chairs (no back at all). This would work especially well for me, since at least a few of my guests are usually children. Anyway, this is a long winded way of seconding the parsons chair idea or bench idea!

jpmom - I love that file cabinet. The site states that a minimum of two items must be purchased though, and I didn't find a second piece. No tall shelving, as we have a closet with lots of shelving for storage in that room. Yes, the worktable needs to accommodate a chair, likely the same chair as the main desk I showed first. I don't think there will be adequate room for two chairs. We have two windows, connected to one another on one wall in that room, facing the front of the house. The room is carpeted with a monotone neutral, but frieze style carpet. I would love an area rug, but it may not be workable with the carpeting. It is a cold climate up here, and most people have carpet in their homes for warmth. Yes, I would consider an accent wall with wallpaper, however, the walls are somewhat textured. beverly - I have ordered, with good results, from Wayfair before, and I do like those pieces, especially the last desk. I will check that out, for sure. cmarlin - I love great Craigslist finds. I have scoured some, but just haven't found the right thing, I guess. Fun - What a great idea to hide away the printers, etc. We do have a closet in that room, which could work, although I don't think there is an outlet in there. Also, one of the printers (laser) is not wireless, but that could be changed, of course. Great idea. It's possible that could work. FinallyHome - Yes, Chic Coterie is the Hooker line, indeed. The entertainment center you showed first is beautiful. It is too long, though, for the space we have, unfortunately. I did the online search, and I see the items you listed. Thank you! I will look at their dimensions, etc., as well. mdln - I agree about the matching sets, the majority of the time. I really do like the first desk and file drawer I posted most. So if that can work, I would like to use it. Thanks, all. You gave me much to go on.