I think that I would feel isolated if I were downstairs. I don't have a sewing room. I have a table in our bonus room and a another table for ironing/cutting etc on the other side of the bonus room. I like that I can sew for a bit, get up and tend to the kids and then go back to sewing. If I had to sew downstairs, I probably won't get much done. I wouldn't go to the basement.... its lonely down there and no good light. My vote is for staying put.