Is there anything behind there? It could be where wiring, plumbing, ducting, etc., runs through the home. Drill a 1" or larger hole and look around with a flashlight. Probably just framing members. If so, just rip out the plaster and patch the holes with drywall. I would leave the shelving though, maybe even extend it up to the ceiling. It goes with the house and gives the room character. You could just miter that edge of your desk at 45 degrees to give access to the shelving. More on reddit.com

Providing my two cents as a standing desk owner, though no shelf space above. If you want a shelf above the desk then it will be quite high up to accommodate the raised desk + all stuff on the desk, and whatever clearance you need for you height (don't want to smash your head every time you stand up). For me, I raise the desk to elbow height as I like the right-angle when standing. I have colleagues who sometimes raise their desk to almost shoulder height but they are a bit shorter so can actually do that, also I don't generally recommend putting your weight on the desk, unless it's rather sturdy (read: better than the IKEA standing desk). So, take your own height while standing on your toes, and compare with desired desk height + stuff on desk, whichever is greater is the lowest height where you would put a shelf, and you can judge for yourself if you like a shelf at that height. If the shelf isn't deep, then you can maybe ignore your own height, but people generally don't stand straight up, they may bend forward while doing so. Add margins when unsure. Anchor to the wall well, and beware stuff falling off, you only have one head. More on reddit.com

I have floating shelves above my desk for decor but not storage. For storage I bought an open bookcase and also placed a shelf on my desk. My monitors are on mounts so I use the space above and below the shelf. More on reddit.com

The first color scheme More on reddit.com