That closet office idea can work really well. I know someone who took the doors off and built a desk that folds flat to the wall when not in use. Another person used the space under their stairs for a built in desk and some shelves. It's about finding those odd corners and making them useful. Good lighting is key though, or it just feels like you're stuck in a cupboard.

Wait, you just STARTED having coffee with him? That hits hard. It's wild to realize how much time we let slip by before doing the simple stuff that matters most. His stories must feel like finding treasure you didn't know was in your own house.