Hey Joyzzz, IKEA is really brilliant at making small spaces attractive and efficient. I'd google "IKEA Studies", "IKEA Home Office" etc and go from there. Also, don't forget the excellent https://www.ikeahackers.net/category/hacks

A few ideas:

The bookshelf that is to the left of the computer desk, that sits father back then the rest of the room (in that little nook). Do you need that there? Can you move whatever is in there to the existing book shelves to the right of the desk on the wall? If you don’t need it, I suggest using that space for something like a plant that can grow in shade. If you DO need it, why not put a nice, neutral curtain over it that is lightly textured? Something like: https://www.westelm.com/m/products/textured-upholstery-velvet-curtain-ivory-t4352/?pkey=ccurtain textured. (Just look for a heavier linen one. Just seeing the weave adds texture).

Also maybe paint it a lighter brighter white? The color of your bulbs could also be changed to be a bright/blueish hue instead of the yellow hue we seem to be getting. Nice, bright white paint and brighter bulbs would help,

Can you replace the desk or the bookshelf? There are a lot of desks on Amazon right now that have great reviews and are a little more modern and minimalist (and I think a more minimal desk would help make the room feel bigger). Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Mr-IRONSTONE-Computer-Writing-Headphone/dp/B08T8SLBHT/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=minimalist+desk&qid=1625770103&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExMzhWQTRMUEdHOTVSJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjU4NjMwMlFGUllBM1c0VVo4TiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzU1OTc4MkxJMDkyWDMxSVo1WSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&th=1

A new office chair with a pop of color would be great too! I don’t know how comfy this is (and I would only buy this yellow color if you can get the walls a brighter white): https://www.amazon.com/Art-Leon-Mid-Century-Armchair-Bedroom/dp/B084RMQWTH/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=office+chair+modern+boho&qid=1625770260&sr=8-9&th=1&psc=1

And last but not least, some type of additional storage where you can keep everything you don’t immediately need off your desk. That will help it feel less cramped.

Oh and some art in the main wall, of course! Or maybe a larger framed mirror to get some additional light and illusion of space?

Thank you so much for your ideas. I’m in a pretty remote part of the world (Tasmania) and there is no ikea here. Nevertheless, their sites offer great inspiration. Jessica, the idea of a curtain is creative, I’ll try that out. Hopefully I can send you updates soon. Once again, thanks heaps for your ideas.

get a door for the closet, or a solid curtain that you keep closed. put some art on the back wall, and get a desk lamp, sconce, or small pendant for above the monitor. (the current lighting is too diffuse, so this will help.) and I hate to say it but... you need to organize that desktop and bookcase. get a few fun organizing accessories for the desk (like pretty pencil cups, pretty tape dispenser, etc). the bookcase could benefit from some cool looking book ends.

for the little scrap of wall to your right, get a peg board cut to fit it exactly, and use it to organize some of your tiny desk things. they're great for photos, notes, little trays, pencil cups, hooks for scissors, etc. you can paint them. places like Ikea and Container store have "fancy" looking ones, but the accessories that hook into them are not universal (meaning the hooks you buy at home deopt won't fit), and are kind of expensive. but they are really cool looking. The Ikea one is wood and can be cut, but I think the fancy ones at Container store are metal:

Ikea Skadis:

Regular home depot type pegboard, painted:

You're not wrong about cleaning up! I've organised my desk and its so much better. ILoveMod I love your idea of a little peg board. When you were suggested getting a door for the closet or a curtain, was that for the "mini-area" behind the desk?

Can't tell from the photo but is there enough room to turn the desk so it faces the window?

When you were suggested getting a door for the closet or a curtain, was that for the "mini-area" behind the desk?

Yes!

yes, I see the "mini area" as a closet, and it looks cluttered. putting a door or curtain would visually simplify the space and make it seem tidier.

A desk facing a wall is a stressor for me. Cover up what is in the nook either with a curtain below or get some decorative boxes or baskets so that space reads calm, no clutter. Then move the desk over to the other wall so at least your back is not to the main part of the room. That's another subliminal stressor, back to the room, can't see anyone coming or going. Bland wall above current desk location needs a big picture with a "happy place" scene on it for you. Get some cozy lamp close up lighting, not loud overhead only. Find a bulb that is yellow light, not white.

Very nice!

wow, it looks sooo much better! I love all of the choices, so light and calm.

get the curtain hemmed if you can, it'll look tidier.

that rug might not work out in the long run-- it looks too thin and textured for chair rollers. I can see it's already buckling. I gave up and just don't use a rug in my own office.

if you find you must have a rug and this one doesn't work out, the best kind of carpets for office chairs have a flat pile and are kind of stiff so they don't buckle as easily. indoor/outdoor rugs with a thin grippy pad underneath are working out well in two of our other workspaces.

I have this one from Target, and I love it. (they keep going out of stock but it's popular so I think they plan on bringing it back):

or this one could look good in there, and it is in stock.

the STOPP rug pads from Ikea are thin and super grippy. been using them for years, I love them.

That’s as is a good idea for the rug. I was wondering why the chair kept catching on it