I used my very formal living room as a run over sewing room. The only problem my hubby had was it was the first thing you saw if you walked in the front door and it was always messy looking to everyone but me. Only business people use the front door. We too use our den for family and friends- it's more homey! I also didn't like it when someone would walk in there and start to pick up stuff and just nosey around. I never said it but I didn't like it. I finally put it all back. I went to our rec (wreck) room over the garge and made it as my sewing room. It's got a door and everything I could want. Just my story