Containers need more frequent watering than plants in the ground. A selection of succulents in orange and turquoise tones would look very nice with your house color and brick. Know in advance the mature size of the plants you select -- some succulents can become tree-like. If you wish, add some blue fescue for softness. Because it is a small area, you could splurge on some fancier rock, such as coral with sea shells and sea glass mixed in. Or rounded river rock can be appealing, with a few larger, angular rocks deeply set for accents. First make sure the bed is weed free. If needed, improve the soil so that drainage is sharp -- succulents don't want to sit in wet soil. If you plan to use drip irrigation, plot your drip lines. Lay down a heavy layer of plastic, cut holes and plant your succulents. Spread your rock over the plastic. Stand back and admire your work.

I would suspect that wood or laminate warranties would not cover that kind of repetitive wear, but I'm sure some of the people who know more about that kind of flooring could say for sure. I don't know how transferable casters are when supplying them "aftermarket" -- might be a question for a good hardware store (not one of the big-box stores) or an office-supply place. I like carpet tile -- I put it all over my house (kitchen excepted). I wanted the color and the texture and like that it will wear far better than standard residential broadloom. It's also easier to move things on it. :-) Personally, I would avoid padded carpet tile, which knocks out the Legato and Tesserae available at the big-box stores and some FLOR lines. But you can get carpet tile on-line from various sources or from some local places that handle flooring exclusively.

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.