If you haven't already found the dining table, I suggest you look for a computer table. My DH picked one up from a local school and the keyboard area is where my machine sits. The rest of the table (and it is big) is for spreading quilts out or my "stuff." All that he did was support the keyboard area with some wood. My sewing machine is flush with the rest of the table....same concept as your idea, but much simpler (in my humble opinion.) The keyboard "drawer" is off center but I have room on both sides. LOTS of room on the left side and some on the right.