My first sewing area was in the middle of the living room and eventually my creative 'mess' wasn't appreciated; then I moved to the basement and I hated being there; then I moved to a small area off of our family room and that worked fine as I was in the midst of everyone and everything but the area was too small. Last year, we did some shuffling and I took over a spare bedroom upstairs and it's my favorite place to sew!! My mess is contained and I have all the comforts of sewing! I did include a comfy rocking chair so my family can come and sit comfortably and we can visit in my sewing room! The downside of it all is that I now realize I have way too much stash for my own good!!