Anatomy of: A Home Gym
Setting up a workout space at home that’s functional and stylish is possible—just ask Orlando Soria. The designer and former host of Build Me Up on HGTV transformed an empty room in his California lodge into a bright and cheerful place to break a sweat.
Pick a Spot
Before you choose a room to set up in, think about what kind of spaces you’re drawn to, because you want to encourage yourself to work out. “I love bright, airy rooms, so I knew my gym needed to have great light,” Soria (@mrorlandosoria) says. “If I put it in my garage, it would be too dark for me to want to spend any time in.”
Brighten Up
There’s no rule that gyms have to be dark and dreary! Consider adding some color so you don’t have flashbacks to P.E. class. “The space should give you energy and make you want to move your body,” the designer says. He went with a bold-but-soothing palette of pink and beige.
Avoid Clutter
Take stock of the equipment you’ll be using (weights, machines, mats) and arrange them for easy access and orderliness. But avoid trying to fit too much in the room, says Soria: “I originally had a lot more shelving, but once I started using the space, I realized there wasn’t enough room to actually exercise, so I had to remove some of it. Working out takes up more room than you realize.”
Finishing Touches
To keep the space from feeling sterile, look for opportunities to add good, functional design. “I made storage into a design element by adding simple wood pegs to the wall to keep pull-down attachments neat,” he says. Pretty bins and baskets keep smaller equipment contained, and open shelving keeps your gym feeling airy. Add art and smaller accents so there’s plenty of personality. At the end of the day, it should be a room you actually want to spend time in!
Work Out in Style
Kuggis
Keep open shelving looking tidy with simple covered bins ($15).
The Frame
This TV (starting at $530) keeps you entertained while you work out, then displays your favorite art when it’s off.
The Shorty
A petite locker ($169) that comes in 10 bright colors is just like gym class, but cheerier.
Blake Towel
Swap out the old sweat towels for some luxe-looking, salmon-colored ones ($5).
The B MAT Strong
At 6 mm thick, this super-cushioned mat ($98) protects your back on wood or concrete floors.
Portrait Series A
Frame a playful print—or a series of them ($46)—to add personality to the walls of your gym.
By Hannah Baker | Portrait and gym images courtesy of Orlando Soria | All other images courtesy of the brands
