Point taken! Beverly's chair is perfect, if only it were 6" higher⦠ceiling is 12' and there's a pretty tall window behind this chair. I hadn't thought of Ballard (which is the frontrunner so far, I love that they do COM) but I've checked Arhaus, RH, PB, Horchow, Overstock, Wayfair and furniture manufacturers. If anyone has other suggestions, I would be very appreciative!

For quality leather desk seating check out Leathercraft or Mckinley Leather. Both of these companies manufacture in North Carolina and are considered high end. They both have plenty of colors of full grain leathers to choose from and a 5 prong base is standard on all their leather desk chairs. Seat cushion options include spring, down and firm. Most all of their chairs are available with a gas lift option for easy up and down and also a tension adjustment for when pushing back. Either of these companies should price below or well within your budget depending on where you shop. I have a pillow back full grain leather executive chair made by Mckinley leather that has a double pillow back and a spring loft seat cushion. I also keep a small leather stool or ottoman the same height as the seat cushion under my desk that I keep my feet on for most of the day. I usually am in my office from 7 until 7 each day so comfort and durability were huge concerns of mine and this chair is by far the most comfortable desk chair I have ever had.

If you're going to have an au pair for awhile I'd remove the office items and dedicate this room to bedroom only. The au pair deserves her own personal space to get away. Yes it's a small room but as long as it has a window and a closet and a door and is filled with the au pair's stuff not yours, it should be good to go.

"I could consider facing the slider. Perhaps I could build the desk so that it is T shaped along the wall with the window and I could sit at the desk facing the slider?" I think this is your best solution. That way, you have the view of the outside, but the monitors aren't floating in the middle of the room. To me, I think your best investment is a larger desk. Built-ins are great, but technology change each day and we are using less and less paper with more stored in our computers. You have that closet already, where items (including your printer) could be stored. Also, consider how long you will be in this house. Will a future owner want to use that space for a bedroom, for example? Best to keep things flexible. On the other hand, if you really want built-ins and have the funds, then go for it. But, the way you wanted the desk arranged in the beginning, the monitors will be floating out in the room. No horrible, but something to consider.