claire_de_luna, It's good to know a similar layout works great for you! I was concerned it might look great on my drawing paper, but not practical in real life. I wrote down your suggestion about the table lamp. :) Thank you. talley_sue_nyc, We went with a slightly shorter but deeper partners desk, which is 76'' long and 50'' deep, so hopefully it will stick out less (6'' less). We ordered it 2 days ago, and it won't be here until 6-8 months later, but I will keep your quality suggestion in mind when looking for a filing cabinet (or a credenza). We are going to put the two 30'' monitors in the center of the desk, back to back, so my husband and I will be facing the screen, instead of each other. :) About separating papers/notebooks from the computer space -- we are very unorganized at the moment.. we lay out papers on our current temporary desks, as well as on the kitchen counters where the counter stools are.. How to organize papers better is definitely something we should figure out soon.

So we are having a home built and I intend on putting my "office" in the basement. basically I have a gaming desktop computer but would ultimately like to have an area for a small guitar amp, as well as my 3 guitars. I would also like to add a work space/ work bench area and maybe a TV to play some Xbox. I have no idea how to lay this all out and I am looking for any tips that any of you may have. The double doors are the entrance, the other doorway is a closet. There are no full size windows, only 2 small basement windows. I have no furniture other than an L shaped desk that a may or may not even keep. Am I trying to do too much with this space? Is this even the right forum to ask this type of question? Thank you!

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?

what a nice thing to do for your dad. i would move the desk away from the wall and position it so he can look out the window while he works!