ILC: I don't think that the room could handle two hutch desks, seems to me that it would be overpowering. I think every room needs a focal point, be it a fireplace, built-in, bed, or something else. I also think that piece needs to fill a space height-wise, or you have to group something above it to fill the focal point on the wall as well. With a wall of built-ins, then the sofa becomes a balancing focal point. I would look to a custom kitchen cabinet shop for ideas. All better-quality cabinet makers create pieces for a home office. It's a matter of how you arrangement them and what sort of material you use for the surface. Corian is easy to clean and granite would look fabulous, but you can also get stained or painted wood to match the cabinets. Google on it or look at cabinet maker websites for more ideas. No matter what look you go for (old world, modern, traditional, English country, etc), it will be clean and efficient because you design it to fit your requirements. The downside is you don't get to face your partner, but rolling chairs on a hardwood floor can help you there. What a fun project! Here is a link that might be useful: Google Search: Built-In Desk Wall

So sad. I feel she is looking down her nose at you as a stinky ex-smoker. You must be banned, you are the devil! I would just stay quiet on the matter. Ignorance is bliss and don't give her any more opportunity to talk down to you. A grandparents love and knowledge they pass down is more important than squabbling over bloody carpet. I feel for you really. My inlaws sound the same as your DIL's mum. They visibly used to crinkle their noses and sneer when my mum went outside for a cigarette, come back in change her top and wash her hands and teeth and then cuddle my first born. They even got to me a bit and I mentioned it to my mum who was very hurt understandably. Having four children now, I stick up for myself a lot. And just go quiet and change conversation when I see ' the face' starting to form. I agree with the poster who said, it's weird DIL's allergies only come on in your house when they have two Labradors one of the worst breeds of dog for shedding continuously, year round and they have a double coat so there is a lot of dander too. False objections There is a lot out there these days to hurt our children. Diesel particulates from being in a pushchair next to a road right in the line of the exhausts. Mobile phones and the masts, coal and nuclear power. Foods, poisons that leach into our water. Even fluoridation of water. At some point we all have to die. That's the only guarantee in this life. Life spent worrying and holding back is not really the way I'd like my one chance to go. This is a tense time so I'd lay low. Wait till baby is here and just get involved. After all, it's not like baby will be with you a lot of the time any dangers that are perceived are so low frequency. Sounds like this baby needs you in his or her life to inject a dose of reality and not 'bubble' or 'sugarcoat' things. i am a non smoker, have never smoked Hate it. But I think you are being made into a bit of a scapegoat hereHave just read your update above. How bloody sad. I wouldn't let this happen if I were you. Swallow your pride and make yourself part of that baby's life. Why should that woman get things all her way. Like you say, well planned. Perfectly executed. Set the seeds and walk away and you end up looking like the awkward one while she gets to coo over your grandson. Please, do not let this carry on. Call your son and meet somewhere and take things slowly but go from there. Your son needs you too.

Thanks decoenthuasiaste! I think we will follow your advice and position the desk that way. This way I'll have the window to my left and can look into the backyard if I want, and also face the large wall where we can place a nice long & short bookcase with art. I think the reading area to my right (on wall that current has guitar and standing lamp) will look great. We are going to try a rug like this one to complement the more modern bamboo desk top and dark navy walls:

@Jess. You're Welcome! It's difficult to get a perfect room and your needs in a small space. For me, placing the desk there, would be fine for these reasons.... This is a Dual-Purpose Room 1. Your desk has a light weight feeling to it, it's not bulky, although one with more storage might be better functionally. (which is still ok) Not a lot of choices for you 2. Because you enter the room moving to the left, that pathway is all clear. 3. You won't run into a desk at current space, when entering the room 4. Better use of the space between the closet and doorway, given it's construction 5. Visually, a better, more inviting floor plan overall 6. Furniture placements are more aesthetically pleasing (better balance) 7. Better use of space you have 8. Sofa & coffee table area are inviting and functional. It won't feel like there is nowhere else to place the sofa in your home 9. You will 'feel' good about the room and like going in there 10. The room might even feel larger