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

Going with the theme your are trying to achieve, I would add a black leather ottoman to replace he white table. The built in shelf I would remove and sheetrock over it or paint in a matte finish black. Before you paint in black be sure your have accessories such as silver or reds to put in that space to set off the black background. You can put a series of pictures with silver frames or art objects of silver , red or combination. I love your table and chairs.

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.

I'd suggest dark red curtains if you need curtains at all -- the windows are beautiful as they are, and I'm not sure whether some kind of blind might not give you the ability to darken the room when you want to. On the wall, if you are real fans of any movies or TV shows, three big posters would be fun. Otherwise, I would still suggest using three pieces of art there of that size, all equal in size and somehow relating to each other. Three floral works, or three works in the same style, perhaps. I think a large plain textured rug in a light neutral from one of the cushion fabrics would tie the space together well. You might also consider a lovely low coffee table on the rug to lay out your snacks and drinks for serious media nights.