This is a strong yes! I also appreciate the fact that there’s stuff there. I am most efficient with stuff in my workspace[1] so workspaces without stuff aren’t useful models for me. I can see where stuff would go and still be tidy and out of the way of the living space. The only thing I’d change is to add more light, but that’s what I’d need not what Ivy_Style33 needs.

[1] For those who are interested, here’s a mostly-complete list of what’s in my work space. A trash can, a recycling bin, a shredder, a printer, a very old photocopier (can’t use a fax machine to copy from a magazine or book), a pad or two for lists out on my desk, old calendars, all the year’s health bills because if I don’t keep VERY CLOSE WATCH on those guys they don’t reimburse me enough, a phone, vaseline, 2 sizes shipping labels, new printer paper, used-once printer paper, blue pen, red pen, thank you note pen, the stash of these pens (too expensive to buy one at a time), letter opener, highlighter, scissors, stapler, stapler remover, tape, calculator, paper clips, two sizes binder clips, business card collection (mine to hand out), credit card receipts (because banks make mistakes), work credit card receipts (required), two sets check books (legally required), passports, stash of scratch pads, envelopes, stamps, address labels (usually sent to me as part of a solicitaiton), old bill collection,[2] thank you note paper, 3 hole punch, tickle file (need the originals of class action lawsuit paperwork, for example), merchandise credit and gift cards, software manuals, contracts I’m working on, laptop, books not yet exchanged on paperback swap.

[2] This year’s bills go into a shoebox. Around February I sort them by vendor and keep in the basement. When they’re about 10 years old I ditch all but credit card and bank bills. This is far more paper than the Unclutters suggest. It works for me and – alas – I keep having reasons to need the actual paper bill or check. Most recently, my jursidiction decided I owed money on 8 year old tax bill. I was able to prove I paid it. If I didn’t chose to get old checks back from my bank I’d be out several thousand dollars. I couldn’t've asked the bank because it was bought out, then that bank bought out, then that bank went belly-up.

At first I didn’t really see the point of them, but I’m becoming a convert after seeing my dad’s desk recently. He’s got a laptop (among his 6 computers… don’t ask) and, as a second monitor, a 32″ wiide-screen TV. It takes a bit of getting used to at first, but oohhhh, all that display space is addictive! I do quite a bit of photo editing, and I’m planning a major computer upgrade, including a second monitor. Just might add to the Flickr pool at that point…

That was one of the most wonderful working spaces I’ve ever created/used, because the physical separation helped create a super-clear headspace for work; plus, I had about ten feet of desktop space (including the tops of desk-height bookcases); the physical divide cut the room from almost one wall to the other.

(That apartment was under 200sq ft; the living room was 6′x6′– oh, I uncluttered in there!)

I agree that the space looks tight, but perhaps the owner prefers it.

I like having a way to isolate the computer area. Visitors in my home have been known to help themselves to my computer to Google something or to play games during a gathering.

However, I find it to be too dark and claustrophobic, but I suppose that’s a personal preference. I need a lot of (natural) light when I work (for my comfort, not due to the nature of my work), as well as more openness. Some people work better in seclusion, though (see the increasing popularity of closet workspaces), and I respect their taste, it’s just not for me.

Also: I live in a bachelor apartment with no room separation of any kind, and I’ve never found the openness to be a problem. As long as you keep your desk neat, why the concern over visitors seeing it?