I feel like I can't go any further w/o figuring out how to layout this open area. The intent was to make it a place where my 3 young kids could do their homework and have additional storage. I do have 2 Ikea desks in the light birch color which I thought about painting. The dark color on the wall is Ben. Moore Eclipse. I LOVE the dramatic effect it has on the back wall when coming up the stairs from the living room and it looks good against the gray in what will be the laundry area(background). But when I painted the whole area Eclipse, it made the area feel so closed in eventhough it has lots of light coming in thru the suntunnels(the big round 'lights' on the ceiling - they are like skylights). I'm hesitant to change the color until I figure out the layout though. The white furniture I have in there now will not stay, but I do love the white color against the Eclipse. If I put all white or light color storage units and desks in the space, will that calm the closed in feeling? I have a neutral in the hall space..should I bring that in the study area? Maybe just in a stripe?