I am planning a compact reading and content-creation nook in a spare-room alcove and would appreciate some practical design advice.
The space needs to work for three different purposes:
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Laying out cards for personal readings
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Taking consistent overhead photographs and short videos
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Storing several decks, notebooks, lighting equipment and small accessories
The layouts range from a simple three-card row to a larger ten-card Celtic Cross. These are the actual layouts the workspace needs to accommodate:
https://deckaura.com/pages/tarot-spreads
Disclosure: I maintain the linked website. I am sharing the page only because it shows the real table layouts and working area I need to plan around.
I am currently deciding between a 24-inch-deep built-in surface and a 30-inch-deep surface.
The 24-inch option would preserve more walking space, but I am concerned that it may feel cramped once the following are added:
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A full ten-card layout
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Space for a notebook
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A small monitor or tablet
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An overhead camera mount
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Two compact lights
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Room around the cards so the photographs do not feel crowded
The 30-inch option would provide a better working surface, but it would make the room noticeably tighter.
I would appreciate advice on the following points.
Desk depth
Is a 24-inch surface normally sufficient for detailed tabletop work and overhead photography?
Would a 30-inch surface provide a meaningful advantage, or would it mostly create unused space at the back of the desk?
Floating desk or base cabinets
I like the visual simplicity of a floating desk, but base cabinets would provide storage for decks, notebooks and camera accessories.
Would shallow drawer cabinets on one side be a reasonable compromise, or would an open base make the nook feel larger?
Surface material
The surface needs to photograph well without creating strong reflections.
I am considering:
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Matte laminate
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Sealed natural wood
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Microcement
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A removable fabric or leather desk mat
Which material would be easiest to maintain while still looking good in close-up photographs?
I would prefer a warm neutral finish rather than a very dark or theatrical room.
Lighting
I need soft, even light across the complete desk surface without shadows from my hands or the camera mount.
Would you install:
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Adjustable wall-mounted lights
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A ceiling track with movable heads
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Under-shelf lighting
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Removable photography lights used only when needed
The room should still feel comfortable when the photography equipment is turned off.
Overhead camera position
I am considering either a wall-mounted articulated arm or a ceiling-mounted camera point.
The wall-mounted option would be easier to adjust, but I am concerned about vibration when the desk is touched.
Has anyone built a compact overhead product-photography station into a home office or craft room?
Storage
I would like the decks to remain accessible without covering the work surface.
Would you use:
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Shallow drawers
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Narrow wall shelves
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Closed upper cabinets
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A vertical pull-out cabinet
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A bench with storage beneath it
Some boxes are visually attractive, so a small amount of open display storage would be useful, but I do not want the background to become cluttered.
Electrical planning
The nook will need power for lights, a camera, a tablet and occasional battery charging.
Would you place outlets:
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Directly above the desk
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Below the desk with cable grommets
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Inside a cabinet
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In a recessed power strip at the rear of the worktop
My main priorities are a clean background, minimal visible wiring and enough usable surface for the larger layouts.
I would be especially interested in photos or examples of compact craft desks, jewellery photography stations, journaling corners or other small workspaces with similar requirements.