i would say, choose a theme just for that space and work around it! for example: maybe "asian" theme! paint the back wall RED or ORANGE, have a piece of buddha statue on the top most rack, you can use one shelve to just hold books with some decorative book ends, and instead of the chair, you can use the asian trunck boxes (if you google for asian trunks, you can see what i am talking about! - look for square boxes), this way, you can also tuck those boxes under the desk/shelf when not in use and the trunk could also be a storage for your files - you can also place a floor vase with some bamboo sticks - the asian theme would really work here as your wood is black/brown this would also turn out to be a peaceful writing space - enjoy!

Yes, JudyG that's exactly the way people were using the taller table. Sort of a café look, or casual bar setting. One home had a beautiful huge kitchen all done in white with dark wood floors and RH style fixtures and hardware. Where you would normally think would be a traditional dining room, they had made it up with a large high table and 6 barstools. It almost looked like an extension of the island. Another one was in a very open and light kitchen. It was smaller and where you might think of putting a breakfast nook they had a round café-style table with four barstools. I liked it because it gave a more casual appearance. If people were sitting at them, they were on the same level as those working in the kitchen. Almost like a bar at the island for that effect, but with some separation.

Perhaps a large round table might mean a rug is not at all necessary. It could be a metal tray table, or carved wood like Rebecca Mitchell Interiors illustrates. Ideas also to consider, using multiple tables can be found at http://www.houzz.com/multiple-coffee-tables. I also agree with comments above that some color is needed on the walls. You could then hang round mirrors, or an unusual curved shape like RMI shows above.

Tsilanko, I would always recommend professional installation where needed. But what I am doing here is suggesting that WHEN you are planning to build or renovate, to consider how your plans will affect you in 20 or 30 years time. Split levels are very hep when you are young. A kitchen 3 steps down at 30 is rarely a problem, but might be a hazard at 60, or, as Marjie1059 suggested, if you break a leg. ... All my parents' homes were terrible for old people. They were forced to move to a bungalow in extreme old sge because the location and design of their home was more suitable for an active young couple with a large family than for an elderly couple with stroke disabilities. I would not want to move again, so my present home has features built in that make ageing in place simpler. Mostly small changes, like grab rails, and lever handles on doors and faucets. A major disability suddenly suffered requires major changes if permanent. I did look at this because it came up in the discussion, but if you look at the heading, Planning for Disability, it means just that. Plan ahead so you don't have to make expensive changes later on. But thank you for your advice, yes, major changes are not in the DIY domain.