Kids like to play games on a desktop, and so want it in a common area so its easy to monitor, and so need to add it somehow. I can put the computer on the counter top but then they won't have space to fit their legs in.

Thanks for your advice. The kitchen/family room are one big huge room. When I say kitchen its just so readers can understand how the counter is made like a kitchen counter.

Post pics of the counter. I’m having trouble visualizing the current space.

The area where you see the aquarium. Not at home, so can't take a better picture right now. WE have thought of extendable counter/floating desks that can go over the counter maybe.

Do you have a space in this large room where to put a table or a desk with the computer on it?This would seem more convenient.

No, a desktop computer is not going to fit there. If you put an extension in, then the kids chairs will block the area. Consider a 24 inch monitor and a laptop in some other location.

Make a space in a room for games there is no way you want them playing games while you are trying to watch TV or just plain relax. Pop your head once in a while to see what they are doing pretty soon they will be in their rooms with a laptop it is what it is.I have International students they play games on their phones or a laptop.

I understand wanting the computer in a location where you can monitor what is being viewed. I did alter my family room bookcase for our home computer - back before laptops - but my bookcase is not nearly as nice as yours. I added a large piece of "desktop" on top of my book case "counter area", removed the doors below and did a slide out under the desk area for the keyboard. Then, after I got a lap top, I used the area for sewing, then changed it up again, and it is where I paint.

My pics -work in progress: · More Info

Some things which make this work for me - this was an old 1970's all wood bookcase. I can return it to it's former state with a bit of carpentry - I saved the doors but would need to fix the upper center face frame I cut away - so while I can return it to its former state, it would require repair. It has been a great space for me to work for about 20 years, but we have a separate living room (used more as another family room) so this area does not need to be fancy. My house is more cottage style so the cabinet skirt is fine. I would have been more hesitant to change up a nice looking space as you have.

I'd buy a laptop designed specifically for gaming. Not cheap, but neither is replacing cabinetry.