I'm sorry to hear about your loss!
Men do like to be included and a good way to include him would be to ask his opinion on things like shelving, benches or tables, and bookcases. Is he handy? If he likes to build things, have him make a fat quarter shelf, like the kind you see in the quilt stores or a large thread rack; stuff like that. If he's not but he enjoys going to the hardware store (and what guy doesn't!?!), send him to research things like the best shelves to hold fabric and books. If he's like my DH, he'll know what will work best for the workspace. :wink: