Making Over My Boyfriend's Home Office *ONLY ALLOWED TO BUY ONE NEW ITEM!*

Thank you to HP for sponsoring this video. Click here for more information on the HP+ Smart Printing System: bit.ly/3j25CtQ. #HPInstantInk #BrandPartner
Hey guys! I'm Alexandra Gater and I show you how to do rental-friendly upgrades and DIY projects on a budget. New videos every Saturday! In this episode of My Rental Reno, I'm tackling Noah's home office! He wanted an industrial-style home office makeover with an added challenge: I could only buy one new item!
Products mentioned in this video:
Links marked with a AF are affiliate links. That means I receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products through this link. Products marked with * means they were gifted to me from brands but I was not paid to feature them in this video.
Canadian Links:
Credenza: fave.co/381hBkM AF
Chair: (similar) bit.ly/2OFsYoy *
Rug: fave.co/3D5A25V AF *
Desk: fave.co/2XEKp0h AF
Desk chair: fave.co/37Xn4Jg AF
Art print: etsy.me/37XBrNL
Ceiling light: amzn.to/3mmec8m AF
Whistler art: fave.co/3zbAeyb AF
Stowe Mountain art: fave.co/3z9SCHE AF
U.S. Links:
Credenza: fave.co/3gjDAYK AF
Chair: (similar) bit.ly/2OFsYoy *
Rug: fave.co/3D5A25V AF *
Desk: fave.co/3k8Phm8 AF
Desk chair: fave.co/3AYvMTR AF
Art print: etsy.me/37XBrNL
Ceiling light: amzn.to/37YnejF AF
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GET IN TOUCH:
Alexandra Gater
P.O. Box 68555 Walmer
Toronto, ON
M5S 3C9
EMAIL:
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Thank you so much to each and every one of you for your continued support. I get to make these videos for a living, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it.
Videographer, Carla Antonio: carlaantonio.com
Senior Editor, James Resendes: vimeo.com/jame...
Junior editor/vlog editor, Alessandra Sconza vimeo.com/asconza
Intro designed and animated by Lindsey Deschamps: lindseydes.com
All music sourced by licensing.
All opinions are my own. It's important to hire licensed professionals for certain projects; if you're unsure or unqualified, please don't attempt any projects seen in my videos yourself.

[@VeganChickInOz]

I’m loving the challenge of using what you have. We don’t need to completely re-buy a rooms worth of furniture every time. More like this! Loved the after, such a welcoming space ❤️

[@mylifeinanutshell6931]

Also get together with a few friends and swap stuff you are trying to unload...I mean rehome 😁🤣😅

[@trishpipkins]

I thought your chair wouldn't look right but it totally does! That bookshelf is amazing. Seriously beautiful. Great job. I demand pics of Noah and Lottie having read time. 🤣💖🐈‍⬛

[@PromisedJubilee]

It's so cool how the rug brought out rusty tones in the chair. It totally looks like a different color!

[@amandakwolyk3711]

Paint the bookshelf wall that navy color you painted his living room. It would make it so moody and warm!

[@Cathilee86]

I love the way your style shows through but Noah's taste is the primary focus. Also, Noah talking about story time with Lottie in the reading nook was just so cute

[@carlyh6913]

Hahaha she killed me with her expression when he said the adorable thing about Lottie. Her face was like ”My child and my man, reading together 🤣🥺”

[@RiddimKingdom]

Reducing, reusing, upcycling and repurposing is the way of the future. We have managed to make over an entire 5 bedroom house with ALL reclaimed furniture

[@1TigerJo]

I didn't see your comment before I commented above to do an entire space this way. Thank you! We're on the same wavelength. I love that you did this, even builders are doing this to build homes, reusing materials. I once saw a restaurant redo their decor, and they literally had a dump truck where they tossed beautiful tables and chairs - it was shocking to see that.

[@KelseyDrummer]

I love reclaiming furniture! I have some ratchet side tables I'm going to spice up, because I didn't they'd probably end up in the dump.

[@hjcabc]

That bookcase and light fixture are both unique AND absolutely made for each other! The whole office is a great mixing of old and new!

[@outoftheburrough]

I'd love to see the sloped ceiling and short wall below the window (& maybe the flat section of ceiling) painted in the matching navy, I think it would throw a different slant on an accent wall & keep a lightness but also a dark broody moody aspect to the room

[@meriahmakes6870]

Be careful with the hand weights being right on the furniture. The coating most of those have will eat away at furniture finishing. Put a placemat or something under the weights to protect the furniture finish!

[@SuperLunchable]

I didnt know that, thanks

[@meriahmakes6870]

@@SuperLunchable happy to spread the word. I’ve seen many photos of people’s furniture getting ruined from them!

[@udlove09]

What! I need to go move the weights!

[@LuckyLifeguard]

bumping up so other folks can see!! i didn't know this either

[@meriahmakes6870]

@@LuckyLifeguard I learn a lot from product reviews - there are tons of photos of damaged furniture finishes from them. Hope more people find out before it’s too late!

[@pwr2th3peaceful]

His reaction was really sweet. I feel like he's not super emotive but you could tell he was really pleased. Love that

[@senselessrose]

Noah's Rug and your chair were made for each other. It looks so good. Love the shelves too, and the light was definitely worth the splurge and rule bending. It was a really great price and really does pull it all together.

[@leanneb6622]

Noah's so lucky to have you. That office looks AMAZING. He didn't even comment on you buying 2 things 🤣

[@AlexandraGater]

And I’m just as lucky to have him! 💕

[@munkeyzoo]

Three if you count the print ☺️

[@m.maclellan7147]

@@munkeyzoo I am pretty sure that was a "freebie" from HP, who sponsored the video !

[@AlexandraGater]

I actually purchased that a while ago for a different makeover and printed it again for this one (the beauty of downloadable art)

[@JaZmine147]

@@AlexandraGater I remembered it and was wondering why you printed it again instead of using the old one. But it's cool that you can have it in 2 different spaces as well.

[@SabJ-c4o]

Hi Alexandra! I am a huge fan from California. I started watching you about a year ago when I suffered a medical emergency. Your show really helped think less about my circumstances and so it’s become a comforting space that I enjoy. You make it look do easy but I know it’s a lot of work! I just wanted to share a great tip for storing files that I’ve used in my home. I hate metal filing cabinets, so we stored our files in baskets on our book shelf. You can actually store hanging files using the sides of basket as the base and then place the folders in the hanging file. You don’t need the ugly the metal frame! Hope this idea works for future reno inspo. 😊

[@cindicopeland9731]

I love Noah! He seems so laid back & willing to just give you free reign- to a point. What a great challenge!

[@WebcrawlerGal]

It looks great!!! You are right they are so expensive. I had found a small metal filing cabinet at goodwill (about $ 8.00). Removed the handles and spray painted it expresso to match my printer cabinet. The drawer was covered with rustic contact paper from amazon to match the desktop to giving it an industrial look. Then I added the handles back on the file cabinet. And lastly, I added the caster wheels, from eBay, so I can move the cabinet around and back under the desk. The estimated total price was under $30. I got the idea on a KZbin video.

[@kirstenrubberducky]

As if I didn't love James enough, we're now getting The Princess Bride clips thrown in?!

[@cindysand4012]

I love the way James edits! 😄

[@AlexandraGater]

Me too! He is truly the best of the best.

[@1TigerJo]

@@AlexandraGater But so are you Alexandra. You're a joy to watch.

[@mojoholo9529]

You’re Noah is a game guy. It’s so nice to see you working together, and to see him let you do your thing. Wishing you both the best and happiness.

[@sandrah4358]

Love that overhead light fixture- makes the whole room sing

[@margaretorden7568]

I really like the shelving and the fact you used a small business. Having a view of trees from where you work is a real boost - I’m lucky to have this where I work too. The office looks so stylish. Noah now has a comfortable and inviting place to work. Well done!

[@natmanzoccothriftdiy1222]

I dig this a lot! Awesome example of working with the stuff you already have (and making carefully chosen additions)!

[@natmanzoccothriftdiy1222]

also I have a Branch chair, it rules

[@lr5612]

It turned out amazing, love how your design style has evolved over time, I guess your taste and Noah's is a perfect harmony (even if it takes a little fighting to get there 😂)

[@hildat1907]

Little fighting is healthy, means both are engaged in the project.

[@divinerdetective44]

The rug and the chair together really make it and bring so much warmth to the space.

[@CorpseBride64]

This office is so warm and functional, I truly love it. My favorite thing is still the rug, which I remember so well.

[@sheenabyrne1200]

Just got the notification that you posted a new video. I haven't clicked so fast in my life. Thank you for all the wonderful work you do and sharing your talent. You and Noha are so cute together.

[@AlexandraGater]

Sweetest comment, thank you!

[@donnab8010]

Somehow the room looked bigger. I love the color scheme. Alexandra, you're amazing.

[@SuperAxlgirl]

The space came together beautifully. The rug looks gorgeous there. Love all the hand-me-down pieces.

[@lindap9079]

Thank you for saving the trunk from being thrown away. It is beautiful.

[@Nefertsukia]

I love how this turned out! Great reuse of what you already had, I think it's also important to promote the fact that we can recreate spaces with a sprinkle of creativity, resourcefulness and using items we already own. :)

[@nancys4775]

Love the room. Also, you and Noah are just adorable! This is coming from someone old enough to be your mom. : ) One of these days I'm going to send you a picture of my AG inspired office. Just working on the last part right now. You continue to inspire this 57 year old woman.

[@1TigerJo]

I've watched a lot of decor videos from various people and out of all of them, Alexandra is my fave, not for the decor, though I like much of it, but because of her, she's a delightful human being - a joy to watch, she brings a smile and a lightness. And now that she and Noah found each other, I'm so happy for them and love their blend. I'm 70, and love the artists studios and homes interiors like Picasso and Calder - so I love seeing more color that Alexandra loves.

[@karenv525]

Looks fab. The carpet & chair colors go so well together, such beautiful warm tones, and it pairs well with the bookshelf and it's color coded books. Great job.

[@andrewandleatadraper519]

I love that Noah is involved and that he knows what he wants. My husband is what ever you want dear. Greetings from Perth , Western Australia 🇦🇺

[@petranilla14]

Love it. You should have painted the wall behind the bookshelf black as a nod to his past livingroom.

[@musicbymer]

Alexandra you outdid yourself with this make over !!! The rug with the chair and the light fixture really made a difference . It looks much bigger and really lovely !!! Congratulations.

[@ghassedir]

AHHH! In trying times, these videos are such a balm. Making peaceful spaces is so important. Also, shout out to patient and supportive partners. Here at the end of 2022, I am deep into planning for a major overhaul on a new space I’m moving into. My own partner has wanted to update his space for years as well, and now I’m all like MAKE A MOOD BOARD and he’s like - make a what, dear? I did get him to look at furniture options, so we’re making some progress. I’ve been bingeing this entire series over the last week or so, and I am brimming with inspiration for my move. That’s a big deal! Thank you for all you do.

[@MonK3yzUnkL]

I am a fan of that ceiling light purchase. Adorable!

[@heidil.4651]

Office looks awesome but the best part is the two of you in the beginning discussing the makeover. Y’all are cute and funny together. He definitely seems to try and keep you grounded in a kind and loving way. Lol.

[@eeleye99]

I love James' editing - the sassy jokes always crack me up!

[@carriekaron2561]

I think you should make an all day video of Lollie. I love her🙋‍♀️💕🙋‍♀️💕😻😻😻

[@Linv4nT]

With all the skiing art, I really thought you'd hang up the ski's as decoration. So I guess i'm just a little sad they're just stuffed into a corner.

[@elsaweber4323]

I love that you always have some minor imperfections (in this case the holes left by the tract lighting) but you just keep cheerfully moving forward. Mainly your love of the process is what is so contagious. Everything doesn't need to be perfect. That's a good lesson for me and one of the many reasons I enjoy your channel.

[@ellengates7843]

The room looks so large now that it is "styled". Love the new overhead light!!

[@NeFordo]

Great home office space. Shows you can use mostly what you have already and it still get the job done in a whole new way.

[@discoQueen127]

Wow my notifications actually worked! 🙌🏼 I’m here! 😄

[@marybethlongstreth186]

This is one of the BEST!! I love how the recycling of things made the room come alive. The colors, Noah's style, purchased only 2 items. Fabulous!!!!

[@malindarayallen]

I'm literally watching this as I redo my office. 🗄️🖇️📋📔🖥️🪴

[@antiquesrestoration3874]

I love that he added a challenge into the makeover. Well done.

[@aviajarehema7393]

Another great home office makeover. Highlights IMO: Credenza, Chair, Rug, Desk, Desk chair, Ceiling light, art print. BTW, isn't this the same room that eventually the IKEA Pax system closets painted in an olive/army green type color scheme were placed on the wall (where the steampunk pipe type shelves shown in this vid ) ended up?

[@opalmoon2256]

Great job!!! Love it...wasn't to sure about the chair but looks perfect with rug..new lighting👍 sooo much needed!!!💙💙💙

[@Liza03V]

I have to admit that you are such a nice couple. So lucky to have one another. The office is stunning! So masculing but so industrial. Hope to create the best memories in this house turning it into a home. Well done!

[@NO-ib1ip]

Love the rug. Coloured walls would look amazing.

[@fitzroy5862]

absolutely gorgeous! Love how you 'shopped' your old places to pull this together. lucky Noah!!

[@reetzoriontwo]

This space turned out great. Amazon has a woven seagrass file box that would be perfect for this office. It has a lid and it's on casters for easy maneuvering.

[@jillsebestyen9039]

Do you have the link?

[@Kath-Erina]

Omg yes please link it!

[@peggynorton5535]

Gorgeous!! Love the shelving unit. So neat that you tied all your previous stuff together and made it so cozy.

[@deirdreclinch6223]

wow wow wow wow wow its beautiful.......love that you used items from both your homes.....its much better for our planet & ties in really well with the HP ethos xx

[@stefaniemikesz2682]

Favorite room in the house. It combines both style very nicely. Love it

[@junerobbins6871]

I love this office makeover. Im hoping that I get an office for my crafts when I get on my sons property.

[@nawaisena]

I always like when you decorate men room. It does look manly, but still look great. I love this episode so much.

[@lucillea-r9568]

Building my home right now and for the 1st time I am gonna have an office gotten lots of ideas thanks

[@Idontwantachann]

So, I really appreciate the balance between you two. He’s so practical in challenging you to use what you have. I wish I could pull it together with what I have like you did!

[@ulqulqu]

I always feel like "that's not gonna work, that's not gonna work" but then it always does and I'm amazed. 👍👍

[@lourlopezsk]

This is one of my favourite makeover of yours only because most of it was repurposed. This is so much more realistic than buying new items! And it's much better for the environment ❤️

[@Rita123xyz]

You make everything look so good! Very talented and great taste.

[@therealBridgetDoss]

First of all, I love your channel! I think this is my favorite room design/make-over!!! Love it!!

[@BeautyandtheBronx]

Very cute and cozy! I was missing you painting an accent wall but it looks semi-moody anyway ✨

[@sophies8573]

This is my favourite makeover of yours! So cozy and beautiful! And functional at the same time.

[@beinthisspace4688]

Wow! That trunk is gorgeous! Also, so is the room. Good frakking job as always 😃

[@MileHighBeauty]

Love this! And absolutely love how you two are with each other ❤

[@EmmaVB82]

This is a really great room makeover, and does a great job at giving Noah all the things he needs and requested in his office, blending both of your design styles so it looks cohesive with the rest of the house but still his own (though I have to admit, I was hoping for a darker moodier accent wall in there somewhere, like a lighter version of what was going on in Noah’s old living room! But mostly because I’m a sucker for dark and moody offices *looks around at current living-room-office with all the walls still white from when I moved in… 😒*, and also making use of things you already had! I think the light fixture was a totally necessary bending of the rules (I also love globe lights with opal glass shades, and I’m definitely going to get some of these in my flat when I get to the “make things pretty” stage!), and I’ve been coveting that frame chair from Article for ages too (it’s one of the pieces we definitely have on MADE.com in the UK as well). What I’m saying is, double thumbs up! 👍👍😄

[@khill6197]

Totally out of the park!!!! The light was the cherry on top. 🍒

[@MariaLoysen]

Once again you've knocked it out of the park! LOVE IT!!! SO much!

[@hollyhasegawa6095]

Wow Alexandra, such a great make over, love this office space, you always do such a great job, and so cool you had all of this furniture already, love the industrial book case, and the light really goes beautifully in the space. Once again you have given me more inspiration to work on my own space, I am presently working on getting rid of so much old stuff that my parents had and I have been hoarding over the years, getting rid of so much stuff that I really don't need has been such a great feeling, making my space more open and organized and just making it feel so clean and more simple. Thanks once again for another amazing video, sending love and hugs, bye for now.

[@happygitana]

Love it! You and other design channels has sharpened my eyes; the track light holes, the cord.. nooooooooo..basket and spackle stat😆😘

[@lbgr830]

You guys are so funny. The comment “we’re mixing shelves” is a couple moving in together in a nutshell 🤣😂

[@kristynamorris5875]

Oh my, I absolutely love the combination style you created in this room. You are just incredible Alexandra

[@Raxx777]

love love how this turned out and that you re-used so many pieces you two already had to make a wonderful mix of items. Also love the old- lamp and chest for example- mixed with more modern pieces. Great Job !!!!

[@avigailsumaylo6253]

His office turned out sooo good!! I was just thinking towards the end, hey did he like it the chandelier you put🥰😆 The bookshelf is my favorite ❤️ You did an awesome job girl👏👏👏

[@carakroeker4493]

Super impressed with how this turned out! Kudos!

[@janetiremonger9609]

Honestly, I think you can take any room and any pieces of furniture and turn it into a beautiful space that would be beautiful afterwards. You are so talented!

[@AlexandraGater]

Thank you so much!!!! 💕💕💕

[@angelaglaros]

Lovely vibe, it’s light and bright but also very Noah!

[@dalattar]

Love how it turned out 💗 I just wish there was an accent wall behind the book shelf and reading chair

[@carlyh6913]

Wow the family trunk is dope with the line going in a V in the middle, so glad you saved it AG. I can't believe they were going to get rid of it. Btw I lost it over the 'GOOD-DAY SIR!'

[@trishawall9619]

Very nice space for him, manly yet warm and inviting. Great job! I just want you to know that I love the music you use, I never tire of hearing it. 🙂

[@aoifelalor6629]

Awwww noah looked so happy! Really enjoyed this, I'm making over my boyfriends office right now too lol!

[@Ania_z_Krainy_Czarow]

What a fabulous room! Brilliant office space, lovely reading corner, fab home gym. A man cave, all in one. I really appreciate long shots of finished makeover, I can see clearly how it all is put together and get some inspiration. And the music is a cherry on top. Thank you.

[@mayranava7595]

This room looks great but I would have loved the bookshelf wall to be blue like in Noah’s old place. I love that deep color and I think it would look amazing. But this space turned great. Great score on that furniture piece that you got from his family

[@vickytimmerman1365]

Great job, condensers were used in many doctors offices for years and years and years. 20 years ago I did other doctors office and used one for storage

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

LOVE THE MCM crewdensa AND that black chest piece-lucky Noah....SUGGESTION:: Put the printer paper into a basket or container....I see filing cabinets on Marketplace all the time.

[@janetsweeney7432]

looks great. would love to see a dark accent wall.

[@nozztozz]

I just discovered Branch Furniture! Funny that you mentioned them. I love them!

[@christineadams796]

I love your boyfriend's office I love the new light fixture and the bookshelf those are my favorites but I love the whole room you did a fantastic job I knew you would I'm really glad that he likes it that's what matters most

[@therockinwomanify]

Glad ONE of you is environmentally and budget conscience.

[@ruthanderson1758]

Great job - it looks wonderful. Only change I would make would be to swap the location of the desk and the credenza - the only reason I say that is because I can't work directly facing a window - I need the light coming from behind or beside me.

[@francesw.2666]

A little box or basket for the wound up plug wire on floor behind that stunning leaning lamp? Room looks terrific. The rug really is perfection.

[@ohwhatadiy]

You did a great job Alex! Very inspiring to only buy one (two) things! I could learn from this!

[@mangomus]

Also, Noah's face when you said about renovating the kitchen 😅 "greeeeat"😅

[@ceer9141]

Love it ALL except the filing "basket" 🤣 This room is my fav! 😍

[@vmpapillon8984]

Ahaha as an absolute book nerd I so got the "oh we're mixing shelves now". 😀 I don't think I could have done that, kudos to you 👏!

[@vcrouch6041]

One of my favorite rooms you have done!

[@suegiddinge424]

Love the book shelf! So glad Noah liked it!

[@clee2865]

Love the light! And everything