No matter how big the house, one truth comes up again and again: carving out space for a gym isn’t easy. Even in homes with sprawling square footage, the gym always seems like an afterthought. That’s why more and more people are turning to the garage.
But here’s the thing—there’s a big difference between tossing a treadmill on a concrete slab and designing a garage gym that feels inspiring, functional, and elevated. At Iron House, we’ve transformed some of the most overlooked spaces into true wellness destinations—like this garage gym we designed in Asheville, North Carolina for House Beautiful Magazine’s Whole Home project.
An IRON HOUSE project for HOUSE BEAUTIFUL Magazine
Why the Garage is the Perfect Fitness Opportunity
The garage is one of the most underutilized spaces in any home, and when reimagined, it offers incredible potential:
Flexible space: Garages often have the open floor plan that basements or bonus rooms can’t match.
Ground-level durability: No worrying about dropped weights or noise overhead.
Access: Pull right in, walk a few steps, and you’re in your own private fitness sanctuary.
Garage Gym Challenges You Need to Solve
Garages weren’t built with wellness in mind, so they come with a few obstacles:
Temperature control: Too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter—solved with insulation, ventilation, or mini-splits.
Lighting: Harsh fluorescents kill the mood. Layered LED lighting and natural light make a world of difference.
Flooring: Concrete is hard on the body; custom gym flooring protects joints and elevates the look.
Storage: Without a plan, a garage gym can quickly feel cluttered.
An IRON HOUSE project for HOUSE BEAUTIFUL Magazine
An IRON HOUSE project for HOUSE BEAUTIFUL Magazine
Elevating Beyond the Basics
This Asheville garage gym shows what happens when you go beyond the typical setup:
Design as inspiration: Bold artwork, oversized mirrors, and thoughtful layouts transform the garage into a place you want to spend time in—not just a space to “get through” a workout.
Luxury equipment: From Technogym cardio to free weights displayed like sculptural elements, every piece adds to the environment.
Smart storage: The third bay wasn’t wasted—we built in a custom storage system that conceals not only fitness accessories but also traditional garage items like garden tools, bins, and sports gear.
The result? A space that functions like a high-end studio, but with the convenience of being just a few steps away.
Why Work With a Designer
Anyone can roll a mat onto concrete and call it a gym. But a garage gym done right takes planning:
Electrical needs for treadmills and lighting.
Storage solutions that keep equipment clean and accessible.
Flooring, insulation, and acoustic treatments that make the space comfortable year-round.
At Iron House, we don’t just place equipment—we create an environment. A garage gym should feel like an extension of your home, not an afterthought.
Final Thought
A garage doesn’t have to be a cold, utilitarian box. It can be the most inspiring room in your home—the place where you clear your head, move your body, and reset for the day ahead. With thoughtful design, your garage gym can be more than just functional—it can be elevated.