Webster’s dictionary defines harmony as a pleasing arrangement of parts, and I think that is what we seek in every room, yet in the world of design harmony reaches far beyond the aesthetic. Harmony is not only about how things look but also about how a space supports the way we live. Some rooms invite stillness and reflection while others encourage movement and energy. When those two needs share the same four walls, the challenge becomes finding a rhythm that allows both to thrive. Can an office space devoted to sitting and thinking live in harmony with an exercise space that invites strength and motion. Let’s take a peek into the dual-purpose room of a Zinnia model to see how these two activities come together in perfect harmony somewhere in the heart of The Villages.
• Flooring
The flooring was installed throughout the entire house. This luxury vinyl is Grandeur Ashville GD104 by Nuvelle. It is a top tier product with a ten-millimeter overall thickness that gives it a solid and substantial feel underfoot, and a thirty-mil wear layer that makes it an excellent choice for an active home. The planks are generously sized at ten inches wide by eighty-two and a half inches long, creating a more expansive and higher end visual. The embossed texture allows the grain pattern to align with the surface detail, giving the floor a more realistic and natural appearance.
• Wall color
The wall color is Popular Grey 6071SW. It is a grey with a gentle tan undertone, which gives it a warm and welcoming presence. That warmth allows it to complement the tan tone of the floor rather than compete with it. I love that the floor is tan instead of grey because it gives the room a grounded, timeless foundation. This is how to use grey in a way that feels current but lasting. The colors settle comfortably into the space without ever feeling cold or trendy.
• Built in Desk
The homeowners each wanted their own desk space, so a built-in workspace was created along the two back walls of the room. They chose not to install upper cabinets, which keeps the area open and sleek and allows the room to feel larger. The desks bring the grey and tan palette together once again, with cabinetry in a soft tan and desktop surfaces in a deep charcoal grey. There is plenty of room to spread out for a project or simply enjoy the comfort of having dedicated space whenever it is needed.
• Mirrors and floating shelves
We installed a large mirror above each desk space. The homeowners were unsure at first, but they quickly came to appreciate how the mirrors open the room. Instead of looking directly at a wall, they can glance up and see the rest of the space reflected back to them. It creates a sense of depth and connection, making each desk feel less confined and more a part of the room as a whole.
• Floating shelves
The homeowners had military careers, and they had some remarkable pieces they wanted to display. Floating wall shelves became the perfect solution, offering space for art as well as the items that complement it. The shelves are from Pottery Barn and are simple to install, yet they bring a polished look to the room. Now the space holds objects the homeowners enjoy seeing every day and pieces that visitors will find genuinely fascinating.
• White side panels
The windows needed softness and a finished look, so we added white linen side panels from Pottery Barn. They are hung ten inches out on each side of the window, so the inside edge of each panel just grazes the window frame. This placement allows the full width of the glass to remain visible while giving the window a taller and more generous presence. The panels draw the eye upward and add a soft layer of texture, bringing a calm, finished elegance to the room.
• Exercise area
There is plenty of room for an exercise space, so we placed the homeowner’s favorite rug so that it touches both walls and creates an 8’ by 10’ workout area. The Peloton bike can sit lengthwise or at an angle, and the homeowners preferred the angled placement because it gives the space a more natural flow. They have a solid set of dumbbells and more than enough room for yoga and stretching. The mats are stored neatly behind the bike in the corner, and the entire area feels open and inviting, ready for a workout whenever the mood strikes.
• Military art
The two walls that frame the exercise area became the perfect place to showcase a collection of art that honors a military career. When viewed together, the pieces tell a story of service and courage, each one adding another layer to the narrative. As we hung the collection, the room seemed to shift, taking on a quiet strength, and my heart swelled with American pride.
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