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

Can the safe be moved over by the window on the right side? You want to make the most of the long walls for shelving as in your inspiration photo. Empty walls are always just screaming for shelving in my opinion! A desk that incorporates drawers or shelves and a flat space is always better than a simple table like you've got. Either a couple of filing cabinets or two cubbies that are table height will be a great base for the computer desk. I'd run that along the wall where the desk currently resides-I'm assuming the safe is in that corner out of the photo? Then put shelving up on that wall. You can get inexpensive brackets at the hardware store and they sell wood that you can either paint or stain, or melamine covered shelving in lengths up to 12'. They'll even cut them to size for you! A plain hollow core door would make a great desk top-they're cheap at the the Orange Apron hardware store. I always make sure that anything that needs to be plugged in, like the computer, printer, a lamp are closest to the outlets. My office/craft room is tiny but I have a nice wooden desk with drawers on either side, and a farmhouse type table across from one another. A bookcase on one end and a sewing machine table on the other. On the walls I've hung some cabinets I got at Ikea in the clearance section, on all other walls I've hung shelves to hold baskets, books, scrapbook paper, etc. My room doesn't have a floor to ceiling window but there are two windows which limit where I can put things. I haunt thrift stores for furniture I can paint or repurpose, baskets and containers to store things in. Luckily my town has dozens of them, plus a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and we're within an hours drive of Ikea. I've managed to outfit my office on a tight budget, also utilizing Craigslist too.

I work from home as well - and a lot of those cord storage solutions aren’t realistic for a true WFH setup. I’ve got dual monitors, printer, docking station... and the cords seem to be mating a multiplying. Oh and I have to be hard wired (not Wifi) per company rules... so more cords tethered to wall. Realistically, I’d say place your desk along that “back” wall without the window. Then place a low credenza or shelf under the window for additional items (printer, binders, whatever you’ve got.) I’m a flincher - I jump when people approach me from behind, and was nervous about having my back to the door. But honestly, at home there aren’t many interruptions :) In my office I chose to place my desk along the wall with the window - so I can see everyone walking their dogs all day long. (Haha) And- see deliveries coming so I can go on mute before the bell rings and the dog barks like crazy.

Hi RL, So basically in the revised plan I am happy with everything left of the kitchen (ie the new family room and casual eating area that we will create by combining the former breakfast nook and a small recessed study and its adjoining covered patio). Our main reason for making this change is that the nicest/sunniest/widest part of the backyard spans the left side of the back of the house. We are planning to add a rectangular pool, landscaping and plant landscaping n this part of the yard as well. Creating this new family room/casual eating area will give us a chance to add a big glass door and allow us to take advantage of northern California's indoor/outdoor living style. In contrast, the rest of the backyard is pretty narrow and dark. See below for original floorplan shown in context with existing and proposed patio/pool. So given this new family room/casual eating area, I am struggling with how to re-assign the three remaining "public" rooms to the right of the kitchen (currently labeled "living room", "dining room" and "family room".) I have these three rooms, and I have three room functions (1) formal living room, 2) formal dining room, and 3) office/den), and need to match the space with the function. I am willing to remove/add/change walls as needed. Which of those three rooms is best suited to each function?