You can see how the two different desks - and their lack of storage - is a big part of the visual clutter in this room. Even if you have a high clutter tolerance like I do, a lack of clear workspace is a huge motivation killer; creativity needs room for activities.
It took me a few weeks to wrap my spatially-challenged brain around a proper design here, because this build had a lot of requirements: The work spaces had to be cohesive but clearly divided, so Kelsey's sewing projects couldn't spill over. They had to have as much storage as possible, but also extra desktop area. Then they had to break down into smaller pieces to go up a set of stairs.
Finally, it all had to be as inexpensive as possible, both because we had zero budget and because that's how we roll. ::eye brow waggle:: (Our labor is always free, but in this case we're gifting the material costs as well.)
I started watching FB Marketplace for pieces we could incorporate into the desks, and soon scored this hefty pair of nightstands for $30: 
They were dingy and dated, but the giant drawers were perfect for storage.
Next I talked through my ideas with John, and he worked his magic drawing up a scale sketch:
First the Before again, because I like a dramatic reveal:
And now, preeeee-senting our newly installed, double-sided, 10-foot long custom work station:
AND THE CROWD GOES WILD
This baby's got it all, let me walk you through the details.
First, construction-wise, I cleaned up the nightstands and painted them a lovely gray:
