DIY: Create a Yoga/Exercise Nook in Your Home

I've been spending a lot of time in the 'downward dog' position lately, and no, Mom, it's not as vulgar as it sounds. Since early June, yoga has become a part of my daily routine, and as my obsession continues, so do my yoga-related purchases. I have quite the collection -- from bricks to belts, mats and books. I'm morphing into a yogi as I type this, but my decor doesn't yet reflect my new zen-like attitude. As a matter of fact, the scattered books and yoga materials throughout my home are anything but zen. Surely there has to be a stylish way to organize my newly-acquired sporting goods?

Inspired by Jaime's reading nook post, I'm attempting to perfect a corner nook in my home devoted to all things yoga. A place where I can store my goods, take a deep breath and stretch out in child's pose.

I've put together a few fitness spaces to get you inspired. (Remember, you don't need lots of space to pull this off!) Each nook will have what I believe to be a foolproof recipe for yoga/exercising: functional [but pretty!] storage, mood lighting, a floor pillow for relaxation breathing techniques, and, of course -- an exercise mat that inspires the look. Let's go! (And for more fitness info, check out the wellness blog That's Fit.)




The Earthy Yogi
Inspired by beachy elements and cool, Pacific Northwest colors, this nook would be perfect in a tiny bungalow with a lovely breeze. Ahhh, a dream yoga spot.

What You Need
-Mat ($22): The Tree of Life mat will bring a reflective green into your Pacific color pattern.
-Storage ($60): A repurposed driftwood planter houses your brick and belts and a Jonathan Adler wastebasket in light blue (on sale!) hides your mat when not in use.
-Lighting ($26): Natural lighting, of course! Let your sun salutations do the trick, and add a few moody candles.
-Floor Pillow ($88): A rattan floor pillow brings the natural, coastal elements straight into your home.

Total cost: $196



The Hipster Yogi
Equal parts quirky, cool and hippy, the Hipster yogi craves a spot that will reflect her utilitarian loft, furnished with thrifted finds and timeless pieces.

What You'll Need
-Mat ($18): The Koi Fish mat in orange makes the perfect accent for that brick loft wall we're working with!
-Storage ($239): A repurposed umbrella stand houses the mat while IKEA lockers hide bricks, belts and books.
-Lighting ($397 for 3): A few Blazon Gleam Pendants will provide the perfect spotlight for your practice.
-Floor Pillow ($265): A Moroccan pouf from John Derian completes the city look for this nifty nook.

Total cost: $919 (Eek! Being cool costs more than we realized!)


The Soccer Mom Yogi
This nook is perfect for the busy mom of three bustling children with limited space to work with. Multitasking is our theme!

What You'll Need
-Mat ($38): What mat? A stylish cotton rug does double duty and fits the bill.
-Storage ($110): This jute two-drawer chest can hide all of your yoga materials, and then some!
-Lighting ($39): A diffused floor lamp is the perfect mood lighting to relax in "child's pose."
-Floor Pillow (DIY): A knitted pouf doubles as your relaxation bolster and a comfort for your child's bruised knee. DIY your own to re-create the $800 version.

Total cost?: $188

Looks like it's not nearly as hard as I thought it'd be to give a bit of yoga love to my home. Or is it? Ommmmm...

Read More:
-Paint a Rug on Your Floor
-Make Your Kitchen Comfortable
-5 Things You Can Do With an Old T-shirt