I work at home and the first priority in my home office is how it functions as my workspace. My husband works at home too and he feels the same way about function over style.

We don't work the same. We don't have same needs. I don't like his office, I keep the door closed. He thinks my office is funny looking, he says "permission to speak" when he enters it during the work day. And that's rare . He will normally call or text even though we are in the same house. We are both "at work".

I wouldn't want to be on a laptop keyboard or screen. I have full size keyboard and wireless, ergonomic mouse. I have 2 large monitor screens. The whole shebang is on a height adjustable stand. I stand as much as I sit.

Lighting/Window coverings:. Since I am at work indoors it is important I can see out. I position my workspace so I can see out. To be honest, seeing your husband's desk positioned with his back to the window, forced to look at the coach and tv, saddens me. Have you considered turning the desk? To treat the window I would get a light filtering roller, solar shade and flank it with colorful panels. I would want to minimize the amount of the window that is covered when it's up to allow maximum natural light. It's purpose is to reduce glare when needed. Your husband's work space needs a task lamp.

I don't know what your husband does but think about colors. Does he like a calming workspace or does he want a more energetic stimulating one? Right now with the wall color and the couch you are pretty somber. He may prefer you punch it up a bit with orange or keep the mellow vibe going with blue and olive.

With regards to a rug, think about his chair. Will it have a plastic pad so he can still roll easily? Or is the rug just for over by the sofa?

50 hours a week is a lot of time in one space. Let your husband's work needs and comfort be number one and prettiness take a backseat.

For me a U shaped work space is always the most efficient, so I'd get a credenza under the window for file storage and such and then get a work surface to put along one side of the desk. I also always like at least one chair in front of the desk for when someone wants to sit and talk for a minute while he's working...even if it's just me. A lamp on the desk would be essential for me. Good lighting is important while working.

Roman shades either inside or outside mount would work well and aren't froufrou. If you want them masculine, maybe a stripe or a paisley would work. I like oriental-style rugs as they look warm and rich and work with modern or traditional furniture. I wouldn't match them in the two areas, but coordinate them.

I'd move the sectional into the room more in both directions even if just by a foot as it looks so crammed into the corner right now. Get a nice leather ottoman for putting one's feet up and do at least one end table with a lamp for warmer lighting.

I agree with what Annie said.

Are there any colors you like? My guest room is painted with Sea Salt. I have some orange colors in the room and find they go well. It adds a little color. I would suggest incorporating some beige or tans for contrast.

My room is definitely feminine but wanted to show you the orange with the wall color.

Shelly, like I said everyone works differently. I am glad he picked everything now he has to be content.

I still like the idea of the light filtering solar shades. I have them in my kitchen and I think they are just wonderful. They go up and down so easily, no finessing required and if you flank them with pretty panel there will also be softness. You can get styles that look like a woven natural too, and that would add a textural element to the space.

I love the addition of a bright like the panel aktillery9 shows in her guest room. I think a rug with blue and orange would be great. This is from esale rugs: