I wasn't sure what I wanted but when I saw this piece I knew I had to have it (the red and maple).  Everyone compliments it and I was easily able to find a chair to match. It feels like an old-fashioned ladies' desk/secretary and is an elegant place to do everything from paying bills, keeping up with email, and working from home.  It's very sturdy and as single woman, the assembly was easy.  However, it was only front do or delivery and the package was so heavy that I had to take it up three flights (old building -- lots of charm but no elevators) in pieces.