I am really excited about this reveal, because it is our first home gym design ever. The second bedroom of ‘Noor‘ was made into this small home gym. And though this gym is quite tiny, it had me more than a little nervous, simply because it was our first home gym design.
Home Gym Design
So let me start out by saying that I absolutely love how it turned out… and I think you will too!
We used the gorgeous grey oak veneer that we’ve used in the rest of the home, and sprinkled in a few black highlights. Since most gym equipment is black, even as this space fills up with more equipment, having only one predominant colour will keep the visual clutter minimal.
The Plan
It’s a very simple plan. Though this bedroom was to be converted into a gym, the clients didn’t want to let go of the opportunity of having some extra storage. So they requested for wardrobes. Other than that, this was a blank slate for us to work on.
We put the wardrobes along the entrance wall.
It is always better to work out in front of a mirror so you can keep an eye on your form while you exercise. So we covered the entire wall next to the wardrobes with mirror paneling from floor to ceiling.
The Wardrobes
The subtle, grey oak veneer looks just as fabulous on this wardrobe as it does in the rest of this home. It adds a dollop of warm vibes here yet keeping the colour palette light and neutral.
We could have gone handle free on these wardrobes as we often do, but I wanted to add the black handles as a decor element.
The Mirror Paneling
The handles look great as is, and absolutely stunning when they double up into the mirror panel.
The mirror panel on the wall goes from above the skirting to the beam above, which is almost at ceiling height. Besides the fact that it is an important functional element, I love it’s use as a decor element in this space. It makes the small gym look large and spacious. And I love how it reflects the artwork, the track lights, and especially the wardrobe with its long handles.
The client had requested a ballet barre, and we mounted that along the mirror.
The Window Wall
The gym has full length sliding windows that open up to the balcony outside. They let in a whole of natural light into this home gym.
We didn’t want to block this light out. But we wanted to keep the harsh, direct sunlight out during the day. Also, privacy had to be maintained at night.
We installed Roman blinds layered with these airy sheer curtains. They let in just the right amount of light to make this the dreamiest place ever for a workout.
The Flooring
We went through a lot of flooring options for this gym before finally settling on this. We first considered wooden flooring, but I didn’t like the idea of moving heavy equipment on it. That might scratch or damage the floor. I also wouldn’t like the noise of a weight falling down on a wooden floor.
Next, we considered carpeting. But the humidity and dust in Mumbai didn’t make that a very exciting proposition.
We finally decided on this vinyl sports flooring. There will be no problem with sound, scratches, dust or moisture. The foam backing also makes it easy on the joints.
Light It Up!
Though the LED panel fittings in the ceiling provide ample light to work out in this home gym, we added the track light for some zing.
You can focus the lights on various equipment or any particular area of the gym. If you turn it towards the mirror it reflects off it beautifully. It also helps us take our black highlights to the ceiling.
Befores and Afters
As always, a few before and afters of this home gym to end this post.
The entrance wall..
These two, simple pieces of artwork can be seen from almost anywhere in this gym thanks to the mirror. And they sure make every view better.
The wardrobe wall…
The wardrobe not only gives us a lot of useful storage space, but with it’s stunning reflection in the mirror it completely ups our home gym design.
The mirror wall…
If I had to pick one single design element that completely makes and transforms this space, it would be this wall mirror panel.
The window wall..
Striped Roman blinds layered with the lightest of sheers gives us privacy while still allowing all the possible natural light to flow in freely.
Our first attempt at a home gym design was quite successful, me thinks. We managed to combine form and function to make this gym both practical and beautiful. I loved all the learning from looking up loads of pictures, reading articles and searching for the right materials to make this come to life.
This post also wraps up our home tour of ‘Noor’. Click here to see the all of the spaces of this radiant home that we designed.
We’re already working on exciting new projects which I will continue to share with you as they are done. Sign up here so you don’t miss any of them.
Until next time,
.
Photography: Biju Gopal of @bizou.photos