So, we are still having a hard time deciding how exactly to approach our faux built-in wall. We have 3 ideas, all featuring IKEA furniture:

Plan #1: Built-in Billys

cost: $380 (estimated; furniture only)

We already have 2 tall Billys in here, with extension units at the top. This plan would ideally include the new 15″ deep billy which is supposed to be released this month. We would use two short deep billys in the center, and then two short standard depth billys on top of them. We absolutely need a deeper space for things like the printer and my artbins. Since there is about five extra inches, we plan to use some inexpensive chair rail moulding to fill in the gaps. Tyler also came up with an excellent idea to install the library lights! The extension units come with an extra shelf we don’t plan on using, so we will cut them in half and install them vertically above the extension unit, and have the library lights mounted onto each piece. We would buy a narrow rectangular dining table (likely a something from CL that needs a little TLC), and use it as a desk that sits in the middle of the room.  I would probably frame an extra large (think like 6ft tall) cork board covered in grasscloth to go on the left wall.

The pros of this set up are: ample storage, easier to connect the iMac to the projector, and easy conversion to a dining area that doesn’t scream “I work here” when the computer is moved off the dining table/desk. Also, I keep being drawn to this in photos; I think it is the most sophisticated look of them all, and I think that’s something I am going for here.
The cons of this set up are: wiring issues, and lack of wallspace (which is something I really want), potentially no drawers, seeing the back of the iMac when you walk in the door.

Plan #2 Built-in Desk

cost: $237 (estimated; furniture only)

This plan is the cheapest and probably would happen most quickly. It is a workspace table top and a couple of table legs resting on top of the BESTA unit we already have. Annoyingly, a full BESTA set up won’t work in this space as it is about 1.5″ too wide. The top unit is an EFFEKTIV wall unit, and under it is a single shelf spanning the width of the space between the two billys. I’d install some of our bookcase lights under the shelf for a more lighting, and have a framed corkboard under that.

The pros of this set up are: ease in hiding wires, more table top workspace, not seeing the back of the iMac when you walk in the door, least expensive, utilizes the BESTA.
The cons of this set up are: The iMac and the printer would take up a significant amount of room on the table top, and for some reason, I feel like it lessens the sophistication of the look.

Plan #3; Built-in Effektiv + Billy

cost: $ 750 (estimated; furniture only)

Ah! Expensive. Plan #3 includes the two Billys with extension units that are present in the other plans, with EFFEKTIV units on the floor and wall in between them. A dining table turned desk is pulled out in the room.

The pros of this set up are: Drawers, wallspace.
The cons of this set up are: Expense.

Once IKEA releases those deeper billy bookcases, I think we’ll have a better idea of the ultimate cost and the possibilities of what we can do here. I’m going a little nuts waiting!

Living + Workspace Series:
• (09/15/11) Living + Workspace Layouts
• (09/29/11) The Midas Touch ← mood board
• (10/04/11) Building Our Own Coffee Table
• (11/11/11) Living + Workspace Update
• (11/14/11) Bookcases
• (11/22/11) Painting a Projector Screen
• (03/30/12) Before + After: Antique Lamp
• (04/06/12) Before + After: Front Door
• (06/19/12) Living + Workspace: Current Layout and Mood
• (06/20/12) Living + Workspace: A Revealing Update