Hi there! Brienne again: wellness designer, sustainable interior designer, and mindful yogi who has spent years blending my passion for thoughtful design with my love of movement and mindfulness. Today, we’re talking about something near and dear to my heart: the art (and necessity) of storage design in wellness spaces.
If you’re running a yoga studio, gym, or wellness business, you already know that first impressions matter. But beyond aesthetics, a well-designed interior with effective storage solutions isn’t just about looking good—it’s about helping your operations run smoothly, reducing stress for your members, and growing your business by making your space a place people love to be. Let’s dive into some practical storage strategies to help you create an organized, inviting, and efficient environment.
"Before + After" yoga storage transformation | Mache Design Studio
Why Storage Matters in Wellness Design
Storage might not sound glamorous, but it’s the unsung hero of a successful wellness space. A clutter-free studio not only enhances the visual appeal but also signals to your members that you’re professional and organized. Think of it as “functional feng shui”—a way to keep the energy flowing while avoiding bottlenecks and micro-frustrations.
Whether it’s students hunting for a yoga block or members squeezing past each other to grab their shoes, disorganized spaces can leave a lasting impression—and not the good kind. Instead, let’s create a studio that reflects your values and prioritizes the well-being of your community.
Breathe Building Entry with reclaimed materials | Mache Design Studio
1. Entrance: Ample Shoe + Coat Storage
Picture this: your students walk in, greeted by a warm, inviting space with benches to sit on, cubbies to stash their shoes, and hooks for coats. It’s a simple yet impactful way to set the tone. Providing ample shoe and coat storage isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about creating community.
Benches give students a place to sit and chat, turning the entrance into a hub of connection. Cubbies and hooks keep everything organized and ensure the practice space remains uncluttered. Use natural materials like bamboo or reclaimed wood to tie in the sustainable vibes—after all, no one wants to walk into a wellness studio that screams “plastic bins.”
Pro Tip: Add a soft, natural-fiber rug to define the area and provide warmth underfoot. It’s all about making people feel at home.
Yoga Pearl Reception with yoga mat storage | Mache Design Studio
2. Reception: Yoga Mat Storage to Build Loyalty
If your reception area is the heart of your studio, then yoga mat storage is its heartbeat. Having an attractive, organized place to store rental mats (and teacher mats!) not only keeps things tidy but also makes your studio more approachable for newcomers.
Offering rental mats encourages loyalty. Imagine this: a first-time student arrives without a mat—no problem! You offer them a clean, high-quality rental mat stored in your chic Mache yoga mat storage rack (check them out at Mache Studio). They feel cared for, and you’ve just added an additional revenue stream.
Rental mats also help you compete in an increasingly crowded wellness market. When potential members see your thoughtful setup, they’re more likely to choose your studio over one that’s, well, less polished.
Yoga Union Locker Rooms with reclaimed materials | Mache Design Studio
3. Locker Rooms: Secure + Spacious Storage
Your locker room is a sanctuary—a place where members can transition from the outside world into your wellness oasis. To create this feeling, you’ll need:
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Lockable Storage: Provide compartments large enough for laptops (15-inch minimum). This encourages members to safely stow their devices, and other valuables, and fully immerse themselves in class.
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Used Towel Bins: If you’re offering hand towels for hot yoga or shower towels, place bins near exits for easy access. And yes, empty them daily—nothing ruins the vibe like an overflowing dirty towel bin.
By prioritizing practical and spacious storage, you’re telling your members, “We’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to.” And that’s the kind of experience people keep coming back for.
Yoga Union yoga prop cabinets | Mache Design Studio
4. Yoga Prop Storage: Minimize Bottlenecks
Yoga props are essential tools, but they can also be space hogs. Enter yoga-specific storage solutions, which are designed to keep blocks, bolsters, straps, and blankets neatly organized and ready to use.
The key here is accessibility. Ideally, you’ll have multiple prop storage areas to minimize traffic bottlenecks before and after class. Think sleek shelving units or cubbies sized specifically for yoga gear—no more cramming props into ill-fitting racks.
By decreasing these micro-frustrations, you’re not just improving the flow of your space; you’re creating a seamless experience that inspires loyalty. After all, happy students are returning students.
Yoga Union retail with reclaimed materials | Mache Design Studio
5. Retail Storage: Curate + Declutter
If you’re selling wellness products—think candles, water bottles, or yoga apparel—your retail space needs to be as inviting as the rest of your studio. But here’s the secret: less is more.
Store the bulk of your inventory in the back and curate a few samples on the retail floor. This decluttered approach allows the eye to rest and helps customers focus on the items you’re showcasing. It’s a visual breather, much like the white space in a well-designed webpage.
And don’t forget the back-of-house storage—it’s vital for keeping the retail area neat and organized. Investing in high-quality shelving or cabinets pays off in both function and aesthetics.
Yoga Union message wall with reclaimed materials | Mache Design Studio
6. Message Depot: Build Community Connections
Think of your message depot as an analog LinkedIn for your wellness community. This is where you can:
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Share approved local wellness services (hello, community support!).
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Post upcoming studio events and workshops.
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Highlight staff and member achievements.
The best locations for a message depot are the locker room area and near the entrance—anywhere with high foot traffic. Use corkboards, framed pegboards, or sleek magnetic boards to create a professional yet approachable vibe.
Breathe Building primary yoga space | Mache Design Studio
Your Studio: The Ultimate Container
At the end of the day, your studio is more than just a physical space—it’s a container for the energy you, your staff, and your members bring to it. By investing in thoughtful storage solutions, you’re not only organizing your business but also cultivating a sense of peace and professionalism that keeps people coming back.
Ready to elevate your wellness space? Let’s work together! At Mache Design Studio, we specialize in creating beautiful, functional interiors tailored to the needs of gyms, yoga studios, and wellness businesses. Here’s to building spaces that nurture, inspire, and grow your community—one storage solution at a time.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out my latest article for more design tips aimed to align your values with your studio’s interior design.
