Page 6 - March 2019 Lakewood Edge

improvements and updates
IN THE HOME

GET FIT WITH A HOME GYM

by Kathryn Weber an early morning workout Having a home gym means FINDING SPACE leaning mirror to the opposite
means having to get dressed excuses about inconvenience If you have a spare wall. This will double up the
he resolutions to lose for the day at the gym. Good go away. Plus, with a gym bedroom, finding space for light and make your space
weight, stop smoking intentions aside, having in your home you’ll be able your gym is solved. But what feel larger and more open.
Tor cut out sweets is a a home gym is perfect for to work out, clean up and if you don’t have a spare This is also a great option
common goal for each new anyone who wants to exercise go about your day without room for a gym? Basements if you’re renting and can’t
year. But resolutions such as more, and wants a way to be having to lug it all in and out and garages are tempting make changes to your space.
going to the gym can fall able to do it conveniently and of a car or wipe down someone gym spots, but if they’re not However, if you’re converting
by the wayside when the avoid excuses like the weather else’s sweat from your favorite heated or air-conditioned, a room into a gym, give some
thought of heading out for or inconvenience. exercise machine. they could be too cold or too thought to adding mirror
hot to exercise comfortably, on one wall. The mirror will
and that could discourage you help to keep you motivated
from exercising. Instead, look and check your form at the
for a corner of a room where same time. Overhead, add a
you could create a gym space. track lighting style fixture will
Once you have your gym site brighten up your gym area and
selected, it’s time to outfit it help you see well.
for your workouts. Other ideas for your home
gym include adding a television
EQUIPPING THE SPACE so you can watch and ride your
No matter what type of exercise bike or run on the
exercise you prefer, there are treadmill, for example, or do
several things you’ll want to do follow-along exercise videos.
whether you lift weights, walk Give your gym some musical
on a treadmill or do yoga. The inspiration with Bluetooth
first is to find good flooring. speakers so you listen to your
Look into interlocking gym favorite workout playlist and
mats that you can use to keep your motivation up.
outline your gym or your gym Add a hook on the wall for
space. These mats are terrific a towel and place a basket on
for almost any type of exercise the floor against the wall to
and will give your feet and gym store clean towels and other
equipment added cushion and exercise equipment. For other
stability -- and give your space members of the family into
the look and feel of a real gym. working out, install personal
Second is lighting. Make lockers for a locker room
sure you have adequate experience at home. n
lighting from windows or
from overhead fixtures. If ©2019 Distributed by
there’s a window in your gym Tribune Content Agency,
area, consider adding a large LLC.

by Kathryn Weber

f there’s one thing that’s
become a mantra in the past
I20 years of decorating, it’s that
less is more. But there’s a new
wave of thought that’s decidedly
old-fashioned, and it says that less
is sterile and un-homey. There are
those who feel that there is comfort
in stuff, like the overfull bookshelves
in your grandmother’s living room,
the ceramic figures that adorned
the tops of dressers, and the chintz
and patterned wallpaper that gave
her rooms life. Has our give-it-all-
away decluttering left us with little
to cherish and a home absent of
hominess? Some say yes.

MAXIMALISM DEFINED
If owning very little and
having few possessions is a relief,
maximalism is not for you.
Maximalism is a trend that bucks
the “less is more” idea with a
belief that more is more. However, THE RETURN OF MAXIMALISM
Maximalism isn’t about clutter
and hoarding. It’s finding comfort
in excess or repetition, such as
with color or design. In the arts,
maximalism celebrates patter and has offered a respite from the busy, versus being anchored firmly by can manage, and if you’re tired of moose head? There’s no reason it
texture, and it has a no-holds- hectic and oversaturated world. color, collections and the stuff of living in a white out, then pull in can’t go over a chintz covered sofa
barred view of design. It’s streamlined with scaled back your life. some color. next to a contemporary leather
It doesn’t matter that things don’t possessions, clear, open spaces and Pile up the pillows on the sofa. sling chair.
match; it’s exactly the point that they muted, neutral colors with emphasis PERMISSION GRANTED Mix and match patterns to your Maximalists see the neutral
don’t. Putting together what works on colors and textures of nature. It’s If you’ve grown weary of heart’s content, but try to keep a emphasis as a home going nowhere,
for you and your personal aesthetic the absence of excess that creates feeling the need to relieve your little order by organizing some of and being transported is where they
is the key to maximalism. To a Zen a Zen-style home. And it’s that home of your possessions or to the chaos. If you have a collection, want to be. If you love big, bold
decor enthusiast, the visual array is stark absence that the maximalist streamline it to a point that it’s try pulling it together so that it design you are part of a burgeoning
clutter, overwhelm and excess, and notices and that makes them feel uncomfortable, maximalism is can make a statement instead of trend and it’s colorful, loud and
adds visual stress, the point at where uncomfortable. The lack of color your escape route. Embrace your spreading it around the house where proud. n
maximalists feel comfortable. and personal items represents loss joy of color, pattern and excess so it looks cluttered and loses impact.
of connection and feels like your you find your comfort zone again. Put your stuff out and let it take ©2019 Kathryn Weber
BUCKING ZEN floating in your home—the very Simply put, there may be only so center stage. Use juxtaposition to Distributed by Tribune Content
For years, the Zen style of decor thing the Zen style is aiming for— much white, beige or brown you keep it interesting. Have a stuffed Agency, LLC.
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