Oh, do use your open, well lit area and enjoy it! When I started quilting after I retired, I had my sewing machine in a bedroom with light and a nice view from the windows, plus fabric storage. I set up my cutting table and ironing board in our living room. It was set up most of the time, other than briefly for holidays. We do not do entertaining, just kids and grands for the most part. When people come to our house we normally sit at the kitchen table to visit. It worked great. Then I was able to move all my sewing to the basement and spread out, have a design wall which I love. It is very nice, walk-out basement so pretty good light, but actually, I sometimes miss being on the main level. So if for some reason the stairs are no longer an option for me, I wouldn't hesitate to go back to my original set up.