An alcove appears to be asking for a desk. It may actually be asking for a bookshelf. The difference often becomes clear after one afternoon of screen glare and nowhere comfortable to put your feet.
Test a working day before a cabinet drawing
Use a temporary desk or stable table in the proposed position. Work there with your actual chair, screen, keyboard, and ordinary lighting. Notice reflections, the door behind you, background noise, and where you set a drink.
Do this across several days if possible. A pretty corner at breakfast may face strong afternoon light. A doorway that looks remote on a plan may be the busiest route in the house.
Protect the person-sized space
CCOHS’s workstation guidance emphasizes adjustment to suit the individual. A fitted surface should not force your body to suit the joinery. Preserve legroom, practical screen placement, and a comfortable working height; plan adjustments appropriate to the user.
Bring cable routes, power access, ventilation for equipment, and monitor-arm attachment into the design. A cable hole added after installation is a rather small solution to an entire missing cable plan.
Choose what can change
A built-in can be excellent when the location is proven and the fit creates useful space. A freestanding desk is often the better first answer for a new home office or shared room. You can still add fitted storage around it. Our preference is to make the part supporting the working day adaptable before making the whole wall permanent.