It's not the *desk* that needs to be interactive and fun; try ditching the chairs and getting stability/yoga balls :) http://www.philly.com/philly/health/kidshealth/Teachers_ditch_student_desk_chairs_for_yoga_balls_.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/28/exercise-ball-classroom-desk-chair_n_2206743.html http://www.kshb.com/dpp/news/education/kindergarten-classroom-has-no-chairs http://newadventuresinfirstgrade.blogspot.ch/2011/09/where-it-happens-wednesday.html

They are right, get a pro to help! Even if you jut pay them for a few hours, its worth it! With that said, instead of making the 10x13 bathroom accessible to guests, why not leave the other one as is, since it is common already and change the 10x13 into study space? Then there is not a bathroom opening up to the kitchen. Also it is larger and will allow for more space. Next owners might make it into a large walk-in pantry. Or if you can put laundry in your unit, you could add that to that room also. Desk could double as folding table. Master bedroom - put the bed on wall that backs to bathroom. Gives you great view of bed from doorway and allows natural walk way to balcony.

the back wall panels look like ikea besta doors. the hanging cabinet could also be besta boxes, but with customized doors. the console in front of it, you could get a similar look by using a malm console table and cutting it to height. from there you'd want to use a couple of besta cabinets to create the closed off storage. the low bench could be made with plywood and then stained or painted to match the finish of the malm/besta combo you choose. besta cabinets :: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/11794/ malm console table :: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80196480/

This is a fabulous room. It oozes a bygone charm that you would lose by adding false ceilings and tube lights. Please don't! Go all out to preserve this magnificent floor and the beautiful furniture. That mirror is superb, as is the old painting. Keep the wall colour as is and change the upholstery after polishing and keeping the beautiful wooden furniture. The upholstery is mismatchedat present. But the different styled armchairs look very comfortable. Keep them. No modern furniture will give you such comfort. When you re upholster, refrain from choosing firm foam and such nonsense. It is far better to have good quality down or cotton, which moulds to the body shape. Invest in a high quality traditional patterned Persian or Kashmiri carpet for a restrained stroke of colour. Your upholstery should pick up colours from this carpet. So should the curtains. Please never even consider vinyl blinds, horizontal and vertical. If you tamper with this room and remodel it to be 'modern'- you will lose a treasure.