I think you may have answered your own question by saying storage would be very useful. What you put there depends on what you want to store and then the unit would be designed accordingly. Do you need drawers, shelves, cupboards? Would you store books, sweaters, or display 'stuff'. Or?

If I want to read I always pick a spot that is pleasant - usually near a window. I wouldn't want to curl up in that spot even if I'd fit.

If the book is good I'll read anywhere!

What if you just leave it empty for now? You don't need to build anything in. When an idea hits you on how to furnish it you'll be able to find freestanding pieces that fit it quite nicely; it's a nice standard size.

Maybe for awhile you could just put a cozy chair there with a narrow side table and a piece of beautiful art on the wall above it and have a quiet spot for reading. When your other storage areas are fit to burst you could add doors and make it storage, or add a closet system. If you need a bookshelf you'll easily find one that slides in. Or put a folding screen in front of it to create a brand new hide and seek spot! A chest of drawers will fit, a desk as you mentioned earlier will slide right in... I don't think there's any need to pay your contractor to finish this area with a permanent fixture!

I would make it a closet with doors. Always need more closet space in the bedroom.

I, too, would expand the closets.

We were displaced for only 3 weeks due to a flood and it was horrible. Fortunately we were able to stay with family but it was so stressful. I can't imagine being out of our home for almost a year.

Your house looks great now. I love the light fixtures, are they original? Hopefully you can breathe a sigh of relief soon! :-)

Yes, relax, leave it alone, maybe put in a closet later.

Meanwhile, spend the money you save on a big ol' ugly lazy-boy recliner and a Kindle Paperwhite. If it were me, I'd revisit the Russians - Dead Souls, The Idiot - no, wait, the most under-rated book of all time - Bambi.

:) love the pop of colour

I would probably use it for storage. Drawers up to about 'high-boy' dresser height and shelves behind cabinets doors for the rest of the space.

Those will be deep shelves if you use all of the space so plan how you think you'd use it. Extra pillows? Since I live in Wisconsin, deep shelves would work for me for storing extra comforters, blankets, quilts.

Or use the lower part for drawer storage and drywall over the remaining to hang a TV?

I empathize dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane. I went through many in Florida. 1 hurricane destroyed so much, I packed what was left into 1 car & moved to VA to start over. Everything worked out eventually. It will for you, too ;)

Glad you're ok. It really changed my perspective after going through such an ordeal. I don't take things for granted and I prepare for the worse & pray for the best more.

It's a great feeling once everything finds a norm again. I hope you have that normalcy, calm, & peace soon, too.

I think a 2 door closet would be quite useful for storage.

A different door in middle to add interest to the space.

Inside closet depends what is going to be put in. Cost of items from $- $$$

Space for hang 1st (if applicable) $

shelving $$

drawers $$$

Every 36" width needs a support. A longer than 36 " wide shelf usually warps over time.

Because it's only 28" deep, I would shy away from the desk option. The chair will be sticking out in the room.

If you really need a desk & If you have room to hide a fold up chair, it's possible. 36" minimum for sitting area. Much easier to get in & out of. I prefer much more open area to get in & out of in my swivel desk chair. Chairs on wheels suggested to slide in to avoid the chair hop in effect.

.......

Closet desk area are great for deeper closets so the back of the office chair can be hidden in the closet when pushed in under countertop.

Of course, people can get a chair with no back/ stool, but that can get uncomfortable after sitting awhile.

Thanks all for your ideas. The images really help too. One thing I should have mentioned... since my house is flood-prone (the 1st time, Memorial Day 2015 = 7 inches, the second time, Hurricane Harvey, Aug 2017 = 3 feet), I'm trying to keep anything that leans toward an 'investment', off of the ground / about 3 feet and 'up.' In other words, I'm buying Kichler and Craftmade Ceiling fans but will buy a very inexpensive entertainment center. The money goes only toward things that can't be ruined by that horrendous black water. Yes, my range and appliances were high-end, but that's really the exception. Even if I didn't expect another flood occurance, my budget doesn't really allow for more doors, rather maybe a 'screen'... and probably not a custom bureau, but maybe an inexpensive ready-made one...so all the ideas are great. Thank you all!

Do you need a place to do your hair & makeup? If so, you could get an inexpensive makeup vanity and stick in there. You can buy one for around $100 at BB&B (w/ coupon) or make your own using a pretty mirror to hang on the wall and a narrow desk/shelf with storage for makeup/flat irons, etc. Looks like you already have a light and outlets there.

I got the Charlotte 2-piece vanity set a couple of years ago. It is regularly $250, but between a sale & 20% off coupon I got it for $100-125ish. (It is probably worth what I paid, but definitely not $250.) I'm short so it works fine for me, but I'm not sure it would work for taller folks because of the mirror height. You're only a couple inches taller than me, so it might work. However, if I had your space and I was a serious product junkie, I would hang a mirror on the wall and then pick a vanity based on storage. Or, you could look at building the vanity out of ikea storage drawers or use a small desk with good drawers. If you google makeup vanity and ikea you'll find inspiration.