I too have been working on renovating my sewing/exercise room. You can see my before/after pictures here:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-87293-1.htm I am solving the problem of what to do with my rulers & small cutting mats by having my husband hang a pegboard on the wall behind my cutting table(desk). I'm not completely done yet, but am already enjoying the new layout & cleanliness.