Hi, not sure how big is the window, but consider placing a writing desk by the window to take advantage of the view. Perhaps a style that is clam and relaxing would be better suited in this situation.

Do you use a desk? I do almost all my work on a laptop while either sitting on a leather club chair with ottoman or lengthwise on a sofa in front of a window. My desk is used exclusively for piles of papers. So the first thing I'd do is ask myself whether I really needed a desk at all, or whether a comfortable library-like sitting room focused on the view would be more useful.

That mention by feeny of "library-like setting" prompts me to make your sanctuary resemble a home library. I'd place a pretty area rug at an angle in the room and cover one wall with Ikea's Billy bookcases. Add comfy chair and ottoman, and Dytecture's desk by the window. A small TV could be hung on the wall if you like to check current events.

white light and airy with a green garden view sounds perfect. i wish i could find this picture that i found a long time ago of a writer's little cottage out in her backyard. it was divine.

can not find it, but it was basically white shabby chic look, with one whole wall used as bookshelves. there was a beautiful crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the room, but it was an open 2 story room. You could still do something like that, but move the chandelier towards one of the corners in the room. i think putting a small desk in the closet would be a good as suggested above.
one thing that wasn't mentioned however is what kind of writing do you do...that may lead more ideas in other directions. and a picture of the space would be great as well! :)

A space I had a few years back, overlooking the back garden and perfect for a combination of daydreaming and working. I pared down the furnishings and floated the old wooden table in the centre of the room, so as not to feel pinned to the wall ! Also had a low level, angled bookcase (not in view) and stored papers and such in baskets, for a decidedly more relaxed feel. I couldn't lie on my floor, having ripped out the fitted carpet and replaced it with 'shabbied-up' floorboards (for a more cottagey look) ... Covered the regular office swivel chair with a casual .. not too serious or well fitting .. silky chair cover, added the extra chair .. and was good to go ! (My room was 12x12)

I love this eclectic study/desk area with the inspiration of nature inside as well as outside. The ladder bookshelf is also a clever way to store office supplies and decorative objects meant to spark creativity.
Happy writing!

Hi enamenefield,

In addition to the great ideas others have suggested here, I'd like to add that you also focus on the daytime and nighttime "moods" you want for the room. The inspiration garden sounds wonderful, especially if you choose plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds etc. Also, consider light-filtering shades for the time of day where the light maybe too distracting. TheShadeStore.com has some great textural roller shades etc.

At night, use dimmable lighting from a few different sources, (such as lamps, pendants, wall wash, back lit crown or cabinetry etc) as the mood they create can be wonderful and relaxing. Consider a few different seating options in the room. Sometimes just sitting in a different chair can make you think differently (upright vs relaxed)

Also, your color choice is critical to the kind of atmosphere and mood you want for the space. Select colors that are inspiring but not distracting.

Steve

OK, my imagination has been triggered. Thanks for all the wonderful hints and ideas!
Moving the desk into the closet instead of using the wire cubes I used before will give me some extra space. I do like to write in my big oversized chair so the combination of those two ideas will work together. Haven't finalized the colors yet, but now that I am thinking about lighting and being able to manipulate it...I am excited about the possibilities. I like ambiance. Music (jazz and romantic) is going to be a part of the environment too. I will have to rethink the garden as it is right under the window. May decide to make it extend further out into the yard and cut the Rose of Sharon bush down a bit. As soon as I lay it out I will post a photo. May not ever come out of my dream room.

Best of luck and know we're eager to see pictures!

I suggest that you put up a couple of window bird feeders--preferably one is for hummingbirds. Then put a post with regular bird feeders that you can see from your window. Make sure that the garden visible from your window has native plants whose seeds the birds like to eat. I'm in the midwest and right now the goldfinches are swarming my purple coneflower and cup plant. The birds add magic to an outdoor space.