I always look at Google images to get ideas. There are a lot here... should give you some inspiration!

Here is a link that might be useful: google sewing room

How about turning it into an apartment and renting it out? (I watch way too much HDTV.) Sounds like you just need a kitchen.

Do you use the area yourself? Google is a good idea, but so is just setting up a temporary space ie. sewing machine, table, ironing board etc. and being sure you would spend time there. I would create a family room/sewing roon, with closed cabinets for fabric and stuff as well as games puzzles etc. It sure depends on how the space will be used...year round or just when the grand kids visit.or for extra sleepig space.
Wish I had it. Right now, DD lives in guest bedroom, GD sleeping on the sofa and my bigger house is long gone in California. So much for down-sizing.

I've commandeered a spare bedroom for my sewing/craft room. It's a relatively small space, so I've had to be super organized to store (and be able to find--LOL!) my supplies.

Here's how I've made my space work for me: a couple of bookcases to house my large collection of children's books (contemporary story books, antique storybooks, cooking and craft books) and games. I've got my craft supplies in labelled plastic bins in the closet. My best find, however, if a European Computer cabinet. It looks like a tallish armoire. When you open the doors, there is a large space at the bottom (perfect for bolts of fabric and quilt batting. Then there are 2 pull-out shelves--great for storing thread, bobbins, buttons, etc. Above that are 2 more shelves on which I have my fabric folded so it exactly fits the space, arranged by color. On top of the cabinet, I've got a big basket of my small scraps--rolled so they are easy to see and grab as needed. It's amazing how much that one cabinet holds. I also have some hooks within reach of the sewing machine that hold my: scissors, tape measure, rotary cutter, etc.

With my intense use of the storage space available, there's plenty of room for my sewing table and ironing board. I'll probably even manage to squeek in an extra arm chair we have, once we buy new furniture for the living room.

Whether you have a bit or small space, I think organization is the key. Those plastic shoe boxes are great for storing things like: pipe cleaners, beads, small spools of ribbon, other little 'gizmos' you happen to have. Larger bins are good for storing leftover skeins of yarn and so forth. I make sure each is labeled on the exposed side--makes finding things so much easier. I'd also recommend not using open shelves for storing fabric so it doesn't get dusty or faded before you get around to using it.

Of course, it's nice to have some 'entertainment' available--a TV or radio, or maybe a little DVD player.

I'd higly recommend thinking about the arrangement of your equipment. I've got my sewing machine at right angles to my ironing board. Since I use an office chair with wheels, it's easy to swing from one to the other, when I'm working on something that needs frequent pressing (when doing that, I have the ironing board set up so it's low enough to use when seated--otherwise I prefer to press clothes standing up. I also keep a decorative crock in my sewing room--it's large enough to hold a couple of 'fills' worth of water for the iron, so I don't have to constantly be running down the hall to get more.

Another thing I like to keep in the sewing room, is a small dorm-style fridge so I can keep a supply of drinks (and sometimes even lunch) handy so I can work with minimal breaks. I also love that my sewing room has a lovely view out the windows. If yours doesn't, because it's a basement room? There are some amazing photo panels you can put under the lights of a dropped ceiling--pictures of clouds, or hot air balloons, or branches of flowers--they make an interior room feel a little less closed in.

Carpet--for a sewing craft room, I like something with very little nap so it's easy to find dropped pins, beads and other tiny bits. If your carpet is thicker, you might get an area rug to put under your work area.

Have fun designing and using your space--it's so nice to have a well-organized space to do your hobbies. One where you can leave everything sitting out and no one will care. Enjoy!!!!

How fun and wonderful to have that space. Be sure to put in a nice big table, good lighting. Shelves and storage will be wonderful to keep you organized. Have fun.

I can't think of where on the web its at, but there is a place where you can put in the dimensions of your space. Add windows, walls etc. Then place furniture or cabinets, or anything else for that matter, and see what the space would look like. I've played there in the past, was fun! And it helped me to make decisions about spaces. I'll come back if I remember where its at, or what it's called.

Great ideas everyone!! I am not a "visual" person and it's hard for me to picture things in my head. I appreciate it :)

I have a desk-high cupboard in my sewing room; it has shelves for my fabric stash. It would have been even better with glass doors, but you definitely do not want your fabric on open shelves. I also have two spool racks hanging on the wall. If your basement is warm enough, I would not recommend carpet in your sewing area. We used the peel and stick vinyl tiles so we could do it ourselves. If you have enough headroom, wooden floors are nice, too. I agree about good lighting; that is essential.

I brought a drafting table years ago from CL and DH built a small platform for it so that I don't have to bend over when cutting fabric, etc. Easier on my back.

Some quilters put a sheet on a wall so they can pin up various ideas. I haven't tried that.

Have fun with your "new" room!

What a great problem to have: Space to call you own - a place to den. Now, I am wondering if you are complaining or bragging? Plenty of shelving is good. Just start using it and let it develop to match your interests.

You may want to consider making it a dual purpose space. it could also be used on a temporary basis as guest quarters. (But don't make it too inviting else one of your kids might move back in - just kidding.)