I am very happy with this purchase. This desk is stylish and sturdy. Made with real wood. Because it is wood, mine has some knots on the top. To me, they look prominent, to a family member who cherishes real wood and it's natural flaws, it looks just fine. Not sure what I would call the color though.  It looks just like the picture on the website. It is grey, but the tan streaks running through make the overall color look more like taupe. The middle drawer can tilt down for a keyboard or can stay up and be used as a drawer.