Thanks for the responses! I was actually thinking about a Formica finish called "Black Walnut Timber," but I'm just not sure if it would make the area look smaller than it is. I haven't considered wood because I always thought it was more expensive. But maybe I should look into it. I'm not sure about the butcher block because there are very warm (kind of golden) colors in the room with the floor and the paint... But in any case, thanks for the great suggestions!

I've had the PB Bedford Desk for about 7 years. I purchased it because it was the only corner desk I could find that was appealing to me. I would not recommend it to anyone. It looks great but the quality is poor. The veneer is very thin and is mostly constructed with MDF. Just not worth the $$. I have been the only person using the desk since my DH has his own and it has had average use. I am getting ready to CL the top and the CPU cabinet. It's been replaced with an IKEA Melltrop dining table that I have seen used as a desk on Houzz.

Very helpful that you gave your pallet and thoughts. Choose your countertop and then your desk and cabinet colors. Countertop colors are limited, while paint colors are infinite. You can color match to Silestone Altair since you like that one - then go a shade darker or lighter for a nice color flow. Your pallet is very dark - except for the golden/beige walls- ranging from a black/brown to a brown/green. These are tones we used more in the 2000's so be sure and choose updated lines in the furnishings or the room will look dated already. The floor is beautiful! For the rest of the furnishings - choose a light colored rug, chairs in a beige or bring in a pop of a rich blue. Definitely add some greenery in natural stone pots on your shelving to bring in nature. A large, modern art piece would keep the vive fresh in this traditional space.

Wow, so excited to see such good and varied inputs on my request! Thanks @Flo Mangan - I am now certainly going for a ladder shelf for the corner. I am not sure of moving the desk away from its existing place for precisely the reasons @functionthenlook mentioned - my desk job can sometimes result in 8-9 hours, and I do plenty of video calls throughout the day. So not only is it nice for me to have a view (which BTW Flo is right, it is limited since the windows are a bit above my eye level (photo of the view below)) but it is also pleasant to have light on my face. Further, the remaining space in the room comes in handy when the occasional extra guests stay over and the sofa beds need to be pulled out. Thanks everyone for all the rug options - this weekend is going to be (window) shopping weekend :)