Dark as a tomb photos.

You have no dimensions. Length width etc

You're telling us you only need one knee space, but not how much desk space you might need

So..

What are the dimensions?

What are your needs?

How do you work etc

What IS "traditional ranch" ?! Why does the door look stripped and unpainted?

Why would you keep built ins, unless you need them, and those are hemming in the room.

Add more info : ) below in a comment box

that's pretty dark.

start w/updated lighting.

I say paint. paint the cabs, paint the walls.

here are many w/very similar L dimensions.

install some under cabinet lighting too

I like this in white w/the updated countertop

I like these shelves around the window. would be easy to make.

Need desk space for gaming computer - prefer monitor mounted on wall, CPU sits on floor under “desk”, keyboard and mouse space needed (no judgment please 😂).
Use cabinets to store printer and office type junk.
The door is an antique/vintage sliding barn door.
The room dimensions are:
13’ 4” long
8’ wide
10’ ceilings

Pics show Rendering of exterior of home to show ranch style and traditional home interior and furnishings. Barn door picture included.

Love the ideas Beth! I currently have under cabinet lighting so the electrical is there for it. Thank you!

Thank you Jan!
Thoughts on what I replace the door with? A pocket door may not be feasible. Perhaps two small doors that open in?

The opening is...........what dimension?

That's a fantastic collection of globes. Do you want to show them off with lighting?

I have that rug!

Are you in Texas? Hill Country? (I’m in D/FW.)

Sorry to go O/T. I really like your warm cabinets, and think your rustic sliding door fits the style of house, so wouldn’t be any help here. Just thought it cool that we have the same rug. :)

Hi Jilly! Yes, I’m in the Texas hill country outside of San Antonio
Thanks for your compliment 😊

Thanks Apple Pie - I have collected many antique globes and I like the idea of upper cabinet lighting which I do not have. Thanks for the idea!

Hi Jan,
The opening is only 32”. The entrance to my laundry room at end of hall is 36” and has two small double doors.
This office was built with the idea of having a sliding barn door.

Some ideas:

--Paint walls a warm white with bright white ceiling and trim.

--Replace oak piece and rocker with wide, low bookshelves/cabinets/drawers, narrow depth all the way across in white base and dark wood top--maybe live edge top for that Texas look--that echoes your dark pieces. Leave those pieces the way they are--rich and warm.

--Reframe all your photos in white. This will greatly lighten the walls. I'd be tempted to just have the map be featured on that wall and relocate the photos elsewere.

--Get a long rug that lies very flat in one of the colors of your fantastic map. Check out flor.com for carpet tiles that you can easily put together.

I like that, ff. Reminds me of:

BM Templeton Gray:

Another nice color is BM Tarrytown Green —

And F & B Minster Green:

Even if these are too dark, just finding a warm, saturated paint color (even in a lighter hue) could make a big difference.

As much as I like and prefer the stained cabinets, I don’t think painting them the same as whatever wall color chosen would be a crime. The Farrow & Ball Instagram account shows lots of great examples of built-ins and woodwork continuing the wall color in the room. It depends on the vibe wanted, what is best for the use of the room.

Hmm. If you decided on painted cabinets, your current wall color might look good on them.

Regarding lighting, good ideas above, and add some nice lamps around. :)

Wow! Thats a very different idea than I had in mind but it looks sharp!

The simple ideas I can easily incorporate now.

A G, if removing the big cabinet on the right is an option, something stand-alone with a smaller footprint might look good … especially if in a different finish than your others for a more collected look.

Just some examples:

You could have something custom made down there or go to places that sell Mexican pine furniture/other rustic pieces.

Or … maybe add glass door inserts to yours.

I am so encouraged by everyone’s help and suggestions. Thank you!!

Now I need to get hubby on board. 😉

😁

Keep us updated! Love your house, Hill Country style is one of my favs.

I will!