After dropping our house guests off at the airport, Emmett & I got right back to work on our home gym renovation. I figured I owe you a fun update! Spoiler (because it’s too good!)… the wallpaper is up and I couldn’t wait to show you. We’ve tackled drywall, electrical, flooring, and now we’re crossing wallpaper and cabinetry off the list. Click through to see an update in real-time, and to see what we have left on our to-do list before it’s time to reveal this room! We’re moving right along.
If you missed this project announcement, the room renovation we’re currently tackling is our home gym. We thought it would be a quick and easy space to remodel- and we’re hoping it gives us extra motivation to get in better shape this year. If you missed my previous updates, check them out here…
Here’s how it’s looking today…
Installing Wallpaper

I’m in love with the classical Roman wallpaper, featuring busts and nude gods and goddesses. Here’s to hoping seeing those sculpted abs will put me in the mood to do some weight lifting, ha. It really is a fun pattern, fit for a gym.

Emmett finished installing the wall covering over the weekend, but I still need to chalk the seams. Did you know, with black wallpaper (or any dark color)– you can use chalk or a pastel to hide the white edge at each seam? That’s a handy hack to save for later. You might also notice our black outlet and switch plate covers, pictured above. Check out this post for my designer tips for making outlets and light switch plates look better! This is the first time we’ve used black, but it works well in this room.
A Sneak Peek at the Cabinetry

If you’ve been following along for many years, you probably recognize this cabinet door profile with he subtle beaded edge… I used the same one we installed in our previous kitchen in our last house. This time, I used walnut instead of alder.

We’ll be installing a custom built-in within the closet niche. Our solid surface countertop is also fabricated and ready to go, along with the walnut floating shelves. By the way… solid surface is the perfect material for projects like this. Remember when I shared what to know about solid surface countertops (pros & cons)? This is EXACTLY what I was referring to and is the perfect example. It’s budget friendly, too.
We’ll be tiling the backside of the built-in, behind the floating shelves, for a textural backsplash effect. I selected a gorgeous nero marble mosaic tile. Here’s a reminder of my design plan, if you missed the initial mood board:
Design Plan Mood Board

Our Remaining To-Do List
If you’re wondering what’s left on our renovation to-do list… this is what we need to tackle:
Demo closetRemove carpetIntall hardwoodsWallpaperPaint- Install built-in
- Tile backsplash
- Install millwork (quarter round at floor)
- Install new interior door and hardware
- Install lighting
- Add reeded film to egress window
- Install window treatments
- Move our equipment back in & style the space

FAQ
We’ve slowly been replacing all of the interior doors throughout our home with an updated, solid-core, three-panel style. You can see a peek, here: How to Order & Replace An Interior Door (With Designer Recommendations).
It is! I actually posted a tutorial, if you’d like a visual, along with my step-by-step process: Faux Reeded Glass Window DIY.
In addition to the window film, which hides the window well (while still allowing natural light in), I’ll be installing a woven shade layered with pleated drapery panels, pictured below. I ordered the flagstone color. This post is a must-read: How to “Train” Readymade Curtains. I’ll be using that same technique.

Related
Looking for more posts on our home gym or basement renovation? I’ll link some past posts below for you!
- Home Gym Renovation: Before Images & Demo
- Home Gym Renovation Update: Drywall, Flooring, & Paint
- How to Install Hardwood Flooring in a Basement
- Basement Bar Reveal
- How to Measure, Select, and Install Interior Door Hardware
- Faux Reeded Glass Window DIY
- Basement Media Room Reveal
- How to Replace & Upgrade Your Cabinet Doors
- 20 Ideas for Making a Basement Bedroom Feel Cozy on a Budget
- How to Install Panel Moulding

Above, we still need to paint and install the quarter round to conceal where the floor meets the base. It’s coming along though! I’m really excited now that the cabinetry and countertop has arrived, and the wallpaper is installed. Things are shaping up!
The post Home Gym Renovation Update: Wallpaper and Cabinetry appeared first on Room For Tuesday.