We specifically searched for a retirement home that had a living room large enough for a studio. The room opens to the front door and I put a screen to block some of the room off. Visitors immediately peek around the screen to check out the 12 ft quilting frame & machine, cutting table, 6 sewing machines, commercial embroidery machine and an office cubicle. This is a perfect arrangement as I can do my thing while the laundry is chugging along or cookies are baking. I was on the quilt guild's studio tour last year and still get requests from members who want to bring a relative or friend to check out my studio. So use your home and not let it become a shrine to a seldom used dining set or velvet couch.