Do a quick floorplan with measurements. Do you need any other equipment like a scanner/printer, filing cabinets, etc? Pick your rug first, then choose paint. Go ahead and start shopping for rugs using some of the colors you said you like.

Thanks! These are the dimensions of the room:

133" (desk to bookshelf dimension) x 130" (door to radiator dimension)

I don't really need other equipment; a small filing cabinet is the only other piece of furniture that I think I need here.

Do you have any suggestions for types of rugs to look for that would fit in? Material, style, etc. And any pointers for good stores to look at? I'm very new to this design process (and also furnishing a house) so any pointers that you can give are really welcome.

The room already looks small so I agree to not bring in anymore furniture. Doesn't make sense to have an armchair or side table If it won't be used. I suggest focusing on the rug and paint first. You can use a nice green plant in the corners near the window and perhaps a floor lamp to add some decor. A nice large wall art will tie the room together. So really, at this point you can choose any color rug or paint. I suggest blue, red or orange. Yellow would be too "comfty". The desk is currently pushed too close to the wall. Bring it out more to the middle but not middle exactly. I think a nicer comfier chair would add depth to the room as well.

Check Amazon, Overstock, Wayfair, etc for rugs. Limit your search by price, color and size.

Rugs Direct, Incredible Rugs and Decor, Rugs USA, Crate & Barrel, and eSaleRugs are companies I’ve ordered rugs from in the past few years and have had all good experiences with. Each I listed have visualizer features so you can see rugs mocked-up in your room. Very good sales going on right now, too.

I second Overstock and Amazon for rugs. Prices are really good on rugs on OS.

I like these various blue offices. I would add a bright yellow door and colorful art. Note the light patterned rug, which balances out the blue. Add rattan Roman window shades.

2018 Parade Home - The Cameron · More Info

Here's a flat weave rug with a couple spots of warm red to echo your nice desk.

Rug Unique Loom Estrella Blue Rectangular 5' 0 x 8' 0 · More Info

If you need file cabinets, get two small ones to put side by side by doorway. Go to a big box store and get a slab of wood to fit on top of filing cabinet and stained to match the desk. This desktop will be handy to put down in and out box. Maybe add a bulletin board over it stapled with bright colored cloth.

Thank you so much to everyone for your input and sharing your time and expertise!

@Silver Fox 88 - I like your idea of a big plant in each corner flanking the desk, good suggestion! Also you're right that I definitely need some wall art; I can't even begin to figure that out yet. ;)

Can you explain why the desk is too close to the wall? I had assumed that it was good to be against the wall, which leaves the most open space in the rest of the room. (The windows behind the curtains overlook the garden, so I want the desk facing in that direction.)

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@Jilly - thank you, I'm glad to know I'm off to a good start! :) The house was built in 1924, it's a center-hall Colonial. Thank you for the various picture selections, those are a great starting point, and I just learned that houzz shows you paint color names in photos, which is awesome.

I don't have a fixed budget, but since we need to furnish the entire house, I'd like to keep my office relatively low-cost. Ideally not more than about $200-300 for the rug, say 100-200 for a filing cabinet, and honestly I have no idea how much paint costs yet.

The rest of the house is some mid-century modern but from the actual mid-century (our dining room table is an heirloom from my grandparents), I also like traditional, new traditional ...? I like warm wood, bright colors, and plants!

And, great suggestion on the visualizer features for rugs on Overstock, etc, thanks, I'll give that a try!

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@housegal200 - Thanks for the pointer on how to balance a rug with the wall color, that's super helpful. Exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for! :)

Stalk fb and nd for used furniture since you have to do the whole house, and splurge for some nicer pieces for your main living areas. Greatbigcanvas.com has sales all the time. Paint - it’s expensive, and the “premium” brands are not worth the extra money. Buy regular Behr paint and primer in one, you will need to do 2 coats. An eggshell finish is lovely and easy for DIY, use a semigloss for trim.

Is there a program or website that can show me virtually what paint colors will look like on the walls? So, I can upload photos of the room and then try on different paint colors? That will help narrow it down to a few to get samples of and test them in real life.

It's your room Jona, feel free to keep the desk however you want. I only say to bring it out because it would not only fill the middle better but most importantly right now it's squished against the wall (what it looks like) and it would be hard to use the curtains. Usually you want a couple inches clearance to open the window, close the curtains, open blinds etc. If you pull it out a bit you can still see outside the garden and enjoy the view without having to sacrifice too much space.

As for wall art, Try Saatchi Art. I always find something nice there :) if budget is your concern Amazon is amazing even if some people might think it's cheap or mass-produced. It's your office decorate how you wish!

Thank you @ShadyWillowFarm for the tip about paint! I didn't even know there was "premium" vs "regular" paint - you guys are teaching me so much, this is really awesome.

And, got it @Silver Fox 88 about the desk placement, makes sense! And I appreciate the art tips as well!

I just learned about houzz, what an amazing community! :D

If you need ideas let me know. I'd love to see the end result of this room. It is small but has great placement of windows, structure etc.

Thank you @Silver Fox 88 ! I am going to start with the paint. I'll post some updates here once I start making progress. :)

My last question which got buried in the thread above - does anyone know of a program or website that can show me virtually what paint colors will look like on the walls? So, I can upload photos of the room and then try on different paint colors, before I buy and test a few samples in real life?