Whether it's a small nook or an entire room, homeowners are starting to make shabby-chic style home gyms a priority. Engaging in a home fitness routine doesn't mean you need expensive workout equipment; there are several cottage chic home gym designs and home gym ideas that simply require some creativity, a little bit of space and a few get-fit goals. The best way to kick off any home gym remodeling project is to browse inspirational gym pictures and save all your home gym remodeling ideas to a Houzz Ideabook. As you start gathering gym ideas and planning out your shabby-chic style home workout room, determine what kind of exercise you’ll stick with — depending on your budget, square footage and interests, you can create a yoga studio, meditation space, weight room or even a climbing wall! Once you determine what kind of cottage chic gym remodel you want, think about what equipment you’ll need; a yoga area could simply require a mat, while other exercise rooms may need an elliptical, treadmill and sound system. Lastly, you want your workout area to be motivational — your home gym decor should simultaneously reflect your personal taste and encourage your fitness goals.

What kind of shabby-chic style home gym should I have?

Believe it or not, home gyms are much more complex than just a room with workout equipment. There are a wide variety of options, and if planned right, your cottage chic home gym remodel can incorporate many different regimens. If you want to make the whole family happy and create a space that can serve a wide variety of fitness interests, take an empty room, install a wood floor and mirrored wall, and add an exercise machine, stereo system and TV. This utilitarian space can now be used for aerobics, yoga, pilates, kickboxing, dancing, cardio and so much more. If there's a specific workout you enjoy, create a specialty space with the necessary accoutrements. Thoroughly research your preferred activity and find out what you need to create a space that will provide everything you require to comfortably exercise at home.

How do I create a double-duty home gym design?

As you browse home gym photos, you’ll notice that gyms often plays two roles. If you don't have any square footage to waste, turn your shabby-chic style home workout room spot into a dual-purpose room by mixing it with another space. Gym and home office combos are very popular, as are playroom, guest bedroom or garage hybrids. A stationary bike, treadmill or yoga mat easily blends in, so in reality, you can work out anywhere, but think about what layout is most practical and functional. For example, placing workout equipment in a bedroom might be a challenge if your sleep/exercise times clash, while a very well insulated garage might be way too hot in the summer.

What kind of equipment do I need in my cottage chic home design?

Your home gym equipment selections should be dictated by what you enjoy doing most. Yoga mats, freestanding weights and punching bags are always solid purchases, or you can splurge by investing in larger, more expensive equipment, like an elliptical, treadmill or multi-functional home gym system. Don't forget about all the little extras — sound systems and wall-mounted TVs can help get you in the zone, while wet bars help keep water and energy drinks on hand.

How do I decorate my shabby-chic style home gym?

When perusing romantic home gym decorating ideas, you will see a lot of different colors and set ups, but one attribute is always common: a functional layout. This is because you want to create a gym design that is optimized for extensive movement and motion, and without a functional arrangement, your entire workout routine will be stunted. When decorating your shabby-chic style home exercise room, make sure not to clutter the space with knick knacks and trinkets, or to overwhelm the area with too many colors and patterns. You want to make sure you create an environment that encourages energy but also promotes focus. Put up motivational quotes or artwork on the walls; write down your fitness goals and keep them where you’ll see them every time you enter the space. Paint the space a happy, energetic color and put up several mirrors so you can watch your progress. If your routine involves a lot of jumping or just general movement, consider investing in waterproof, joint-friendly tiles to save your floor (and yourself!) from wear and tear. If you want to keep drinks on hand, consider a wet bar; if that’s not a feasible option, a more budget-friendly solution is a small rolling cart or mini fridge.