need avise on room set up & acoustics

hi there,

i've moved into a new flat and have been setting up a home studio. i need advise particularly on placement of acoustic panels, bass traps, etc... i've attached a diagrams of my recording space and where i'm thinking of putting the panels/traps. any advise would be greatly appreciated.

*NOTE that this is a section of a larger room. the bookshelves serve as dividers. i'm restricted to using this portion of the room.







i also have a few related questions...

1. how important is it that there be a certain distance between the monitors and the wall directly behind them?

2. i've read of the importance of symmetry with your mixing space and how one shouldn't set up in the corner of a room. will the bookshelves on the left be enough to achieve this symmetry even if i've set up in a corner of a larger room?

3. will the curtains on the right side suffice or would i still need to find a way to treat that side acoustically

4. when recording vocals, i plan on having the mic face the curtains so that the singer is facing the bookshelves. is that the wisest way forward? also considering getting a vocal reflection filter but have read that what's behind the person singing is much more important.

5. have i set up panels and traps in the most ideal locations? should i add anything else to the room?

6. is it ok that there is a small space to the left of the desk (between the shelf and the wall behind the monitors) or should i close that space?

7. should i seal up the large pathway leading to the next room with a gobo or something when i am mixing? (the space between the second shelf and the far wall)

any help would really be greatly appreciated!!!