Nothing wrong with small and compact rooms. Great that you made a zero budget work for you. I love the L shape work space and use one too. Small rooms can make storage a challenge so it really helps to be organized. One option is to think "up". I love the sewing rooms with the cabinets on the wall for storage.
My room is 10x12 so rather small too. I installed 3 rows of shelves over the work table. There are 3 different work tables, a 72x24 cutting table and a lateral file cabinet for home office files.
There are also behind the door organizers that hang on the door. These take little space but with added hooks can store rulers and other flat items.
Enjoy your space!