Below Buchanan is a basement renovation that feels as light and welcoming as one of our outdoor living spaces. The project is full of unique details, custom woodworking, built-in storage, and gorgeous fixtures. Custom carpentry is everywhere, from the built-in storage cabinets and molding to the private booth, the bar cabinetry, and the fireplace lounge. Creating this bright, airy atmosphere was no small challenge, considering the lack of natural light and spatial restrictions. A color pallet of white opened up the space with wood, leather, and brass accents bringing warmth and balance. The finished basement features three primary spaces: the bar and lounge, a home gym, and a bathroom, as well as additional storage space. As seen in the before image, a double row of support pillars runs through the center of the space dictating the long, narrow design of the bar and lounge. Building a custom dining area with booth seating was a clever way to save space. The booth is built into the dividing wall, nestled between the support beams. The same is true for the built-in storage cabinet. It utilizes a space between the support pillars that would otherwise have been wasted. The small details are as significant as the larger ones in this design. The built-in storage and bar cabinetry are all finished with brass handle pulls, to match the light fixtures, faucets, and bar shelving. White marble counters for the bar, bathroom, and dining table bring a hint of Hollywood glamour. White brick appears in the fireplace and back bar. To keep the space feeling as lofty as possible, the exposed ceilings are painted black with segments of drop ceilings accented by a wide wood molding, a nod to the appearance of exposed beams. Every detail is thoughtfully chosen right down from the cable railing on the staircase to the wood paneling behind the booth, and wrapping the bar.

Scandinavian Modern Interior

HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Lower Level gym area features white oak walls, polished concrete floors, and large, black-framed windows - Scandinavian Modern Interior - Indianapolis, IN - Trader's Point - Architect: HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles - Construction Manager: WERK | Building Modern - Christopher Short + Paul Reynolds - Photo: HAUS | Architecture

San Jose

Pixel Design and Build

Get Inspired in a better space for workout.
Small industrial home weight room in San Francisco with beige walls, concrete floors, beige floor and exposed beam.

Suite Retreat

Interiology Design Co.

The home gym was created in a previously unfinished basement area. With the on grade appeal, the wall of French doors floods the space with light. The rubber floor is the perfect material for working out on the extensive professional cardio and weight equipment. There is also room for yoga and stretching. Two walls of mirror, LED lighting and an independent HVAC system help it to rival a pro gym.

Scandinavian Modern Interior

WERK | Building Modern

Certified Luxury Builders - J Paul Builders - Owings Mill, MD - Custom Home

Dream Coast Builders

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary home weight room in Other with exposed beam, grey walls, carpet and brown floor.

Gimnasio | CASA DEL RÍO

JORNET | Arquitectos

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary home weight room in Alicante-Costa Blanca with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

Банный комплекс 400кв.м

Сафронова Юлия / Design by Y.Safronova

Inspiration for a mid-sized home weight room in Other with exposed beam.

San Jose

Pixel Design and Build

Get Inspired in a better space for workout.
Photo of a small industrial home weight room in San Francisco with beige walls, concrete floors, beige floor and exposed beam.

Банный комплекс 400кв.м

Сафронова Юлия / Design by Y.Safronova

Design ideas for a mid-sized home weight room in Other with vinyl floors and exposed beam.

Home Weight Room Design Ideas with Exposed Beam

A home gym can be a worthwhile investment, helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle, and saving you money in the long-run, too. All you need is a small exercise nook or a spare room that can be stocked with gym equipment. Strapped for cash? Workouts at home needn’t cost a cent; just throw down an exercise mat at the foot of your bed and voila. Home gym equipment can be large and bulky – a cross trainer, rowing machine or bench press, for example, will dominate most rooms. There are, however, alternative options for getting fit. Before you start planning the space, decide on what you actually enjoy doing, and what equipment you will get the most use out of. Depending on your budget and interests, you could have a yoga studio, meditation room, weights room, basketball court or even a dance studio. Browse the photos on Houzz for ideas and inspiration for home gyms, and save your favourites to an ideabook. Once you're ready, you can find the architect or interior designer to help bring your vision to life.

What kind of home gym should I have?

To get the most out of your home gym, plan a space that will allow you to incorporate many different fitness regimes. A spare room can be transformed into a hub for aerobics, yoga, pilates, kickboxing, dancing and cardio – just add timber floorboards or rubber flooring, a mirrored wall, an exercise machine, some dumbbells, a TV and a killer sound system. This way, there’s something for the whole family. If you have the space and enjoy doing specific workouts, consider making a specialty room like a yoga studio.

How do I create a double-duty exercise room?

Make the most of your home gym by making it a dual-purpose room. You could combine your gym with an office space, playroom, guest bedroom or garage, for example. Consider which space is most practical. A treadmill in your bedroom won’t be ideal if you workout at the crack of dawn while your partner is still sleeping; likewise, you won’t want to lift weights in a garage that turns into a sweatbox in the summer because it isn’t insulated.

What kind of home gym equipment do I need?

Again, this depends on what you enjoy doing most. Yoga mats, dumbbells and punching bags are popular purchases, or you could splurge on big-ticket items like a treadmill or multi-functional home gym system. Additional extras to help get you in the zone include a sound system, wall-mounted TV, as well as a mini bar to store cold drinks. Don’t forget to allow for efficient ventilation and cooling.