72 Sq Ft Bedroom Makeover | DIY Removable Board and Batten

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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! Today I’m making over a tiny rental bedroom using a removable (and renter-friendly) board and batten DIY! This bedroom was tiny, needed to function better and was in need of some style and colour. I hope you love what I’ve done with it!
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Alexandra Gater
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M5S 3C9
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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/jamesresendes
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.

[@AlexandraGater]

Have you ordered you pom pom slippers yet? There's just a few left in stock!! (As in, under 10 pairs left!) alexandragater.com/collections/pomd/slippers

[@carolargentina]

You look great with long hair 🤩

[@shadyshandalear]

💖 ✨ 💝

[@Datgurlmeechiecooks]

I’m here for the Graham Effect-!!!❤🎉😂

[@joannperales2976]

I agree

[@sasuenglish252]

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[@kriscox4019]

Graham needs a spin off show that focuses on his projects for others to learn from!

[@missrobinhoodie]

Just what I was thinking!

[@ingahappy7887]

Exactly my thoughts. His so talented he needs his own DIY channel.

[@LoveyCee]

I think he’s perfect right where he is.

[@shadyshandalear]

My BF is super handy. His dad was a Carpenter, so he’s unfazed by DIYs. But Graham blows us away! My hard to impress S/O pretends like he’s not listening, but takes notes! lol 🤦🏾‍♀️😂👨🏻‍🔧

[@phyllisstein1837]

I agree. He could do both channels.

[@originalrockhead]

Viewing from the UK. One thing I love about this channel is that Team AG focus on real world spaces that people live in. So many other interior design channels always seem to show/use examples of huge homes and massive spaces. Also, all the tips/purchases/diy are affordable and achievable for the average person watching without having to go out and invest in a workshop full of tools.

[@Bonafidevixen10032]

TOTALLY agree. Real world solutions pls!

[@JudgeyJudgeyable]

My favourite part. I come to get ideas for myself because my space is tiny as well

[@victorialovatt976]

Deffo (UK person here too) it’s what keeps me watching Team AG …I was just thinking Alexandra has a real talent dealing with smaller rooms, making them a definite livable space rather than just something off the cover of a magazine. Lots of creative ideas dealing with storage, decoration, colour palette etc that I have used in my flat! ❤️

[@originalrockhead]

@@victorialovatt976 I love the finishing touches too. Really helps make the space look cosy. I always note down a lot of ideas for things I want to bring into my rooms

[@RamblingsofGeo]

Its great to see smaller places, as us lot in the UK have much smaller spaces that are easier to envision with these styles.

[@lisamartin704]

It looks so cute! But I do wish you would also work more on the view not just when you walk in, but the view from the bed. The corner behind the door would have benefited greatly from some sort of angled storage cabinet, or maybe some art on the wall to the left of the door opposite the bed. You are so good at decorating and correcting how spaces feel when you walk into a room. I'd love to see you grow in how the rooms feel when you are actually using the spaces. Not the first makeover I've noticed this tendency in. More of a 360 view, when you are visioning would work wonders.

[@cosyapartmentireland6986]

Yes, I was hoping they would paint the ceiling too. I'm sure that looks pretty grubby next to the lovely painted walls but that's all you'll see when lying in bed.

[@anyk.3424]

Yes, exactly my thoughts. More of a 360° view!

[@ANAMARIA2606]

Yes, very good point, there is sort of a “accent wall” tendency… And I would also love to see the ceiling painted!

[@Mel-qr5ob]

Corner shelves maybe. But with how small that corner is, if you're making the commitment to do shelves you may as well do it literally anywhere else in the room that won't have things potentially knocked off by door movement breeze. Remember a cabinet has doors and solid walls. If you filled that corner up to the heater you block off some of the already limited natural light and outside view. If you only fill the corner to the start of the windowsill, you have a oddly shaped cabinet which would only fit a cup on each shelf. I think replacing the chuck chair with a made for purpose chuck bench is a good choice. Also storage you can only reach when other items are rearranged, like a cabinet door being blocked by a open room door, isn't ideal

[@CherryBombBuzz]

I was thinking the same. For example a little solution for all those bags hanging behind the door, I believe something could have been done there, and in the little corner space next to the radiator.

[@itscarolinemary]

Graham's nods of approval and shakes of his head when it goes too far, dead! 😂😜 the renter friendly headboard is sooo cool, I love that dusty lilac colour! Also, I love the sconce you chose, it's beautiful and it really ties in with the ceiling light!

[@lynnnovak889]

Chefs kiss! For additional storage, maybe an old coat tree in the corner, where the old chair was, would be useful for hanging her pocketbooks!

[@rockjockchick]

Great idea

[@lenesvingel4450]

While everything in this make-over is well-tought out, I think we should all take a moment to appreciate the maghogny drawer front. It’s beautiful.

[@belinechloe]

I truly love Graham from the bottom of my heart.

[@cristianamyers5893]

Meeee tooo!!

[@juliebey8240]

Love the Graham cam👏 and his supervisory style with those facial expressions 😊 love the colors and the nightstand set up is awesome 👍 Another great makeover by Team AG🎉😊

[@marcrouleau6182]

Love the finished room, you and your team did an amazing job. The caulk talk had me in stitches, and the rooster sound effect was perfection 😂

[@jenpink4298]

That had me crying!😂

[@B_is_for_butter]

James is an awesome editor!

[@daisukishikamaru4920]

😂😂

[@tynaedwards8452]

I really like this room. I like that the side walls are not cluttered to make it feel smaller. For all the purses that were behind the door, maybe a coat rack where the chair used to be would be a solution. Love the color of the back wall and the board and batten.

[@CheerUp2]

A coat rack would be perfect for that corner!

[@rockjockchick]

That is a perfect idea

[@robinjones1955]

Either that or a few rows of hooks... can be used for purses or sweaters, etc.. Another great idea would be Ikeas shoe cabinet.. theres 2 tilt out drawers.. would hold purses just as well as shoes... very narrow. You can even stack 2 on top of each other.

[@FlowWithJeaux]

Okay.... I didn't expect this one to be SO COOL, I was thinking, "well its small so what could really happen here." And oh man... was I wrong. How did a decoration on the wall become SO functional?! I am shook. Also, the editing was a joy in this episode. Great job again y'all

[@kapar9282]

The AG Team did a wonderful job at making this room look larger than it is, yet warm and cosy! 💜

[@leannpower9599]

It’s amazing that your business and channel have gotten to this point! However please stop calling projects “DIY” when the person building the project is using a full workshop to build it… and is also a professional. It’s fine to have a professional design business now, and those of us that have followed you for years respect that.

[@alisonharris4]

Graham has such great creative problem solving skills that perfectly compliments Alexandra’s creative vision. As someone who has managed engineers, a lot will just do what you tell them to do or tell you something can’t be done. A creative problem solver will see your vision and find a way to get there or come up with other ideas. The two of you are the perfect combo!

[@vick9895]

People who actually have time to argue over how to correctly say "caulking" really must have A LOT of time in their hands... On another note, I love how good of a DIY teacher Graham is! And this room looks SOOO good, loved all the choices you made!

[@harmonyjoy]

Personally I think you should keep saying caulk and use the rooster sound. 🐓😂

[@theebajanqueen6599]

I want Graham to come to my house for a couple of weeks he's a marvel. Instead of people getting in a tizzy about how 'caulk' is pronounced, lets marvel at how AG knocks it out of the park every time ❤

[@meshiawriter]

I'm glad they chose Kate. I could tell from the way Alexandra was rushing along the Zoom call that her space was really negatively affecting her mood/making her agitated, so it was great to see her smile at the end. It looks like itcostst an arm and a leg to even live in a closet sized space in Toronto

[@TelevisionwithTricia]

Great makeover! Love the lavender color - such a fresh departure from all white walls. I really thought the client (Kate?)'s comments about how some of the decor was from a previous time in her life when her style was different - that really resonates with how we have to make use out of furniture or decor that may no longer represent the current us while you wait to upgrade to new things or move to a new space. Hope she loves her new bedroom!

[@caseystephens5537]

I am cracking up at the clucking throughout the video - I’m from southern US and I say words people make fun of, great video as always! ❤️

[@trishphillips-johnson2500]

We Southerns love our language, don’t we?

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

I'm just glad to know you were saying it weird on purpose. My dad is a plumber and I distinctly remember him teaching me how to say caulking, "Caw, like a crow. Caw-king. the Caw-King," because he didn't want me going to school at age six and telling everyone Monday morning when the teacher asked us "well, what did everyone do this weekend" that I had helped my dad with '🍆-ing' and he'd end up with a disturbed teacher calling him. So, my whole life, now all I can see is a crow wearing a crown, perched on a tube of caulking.

[@glorial1569]

The room is Absolutely brilliant and Graham is too !

[@christyxandrick5168]

Another breathtaking makeover! So beautiful! I love that you showcased her art! And Graham comes through again with a magical DIY! Bravo Team AG! 🎉👏🏼🥂🍾

[@diva7892]

Honestly, Graham is the best .... No drama, no facial cringes .... Just action, results and a lot of beautiful structured furniture At this stage, if he quits the show, I wouldn't watch!

[@slovenkas7733]

You guys are cracking me up with the caulk! Seriously though, so impressed with this makeover - that room was DE-pressing! Those lights are everything

[@p.k.daughtry8337]

Beautiful transformation. I think I would have painted the ceiling to avoid the yellow ring left by the previous light. Or, you could have used a medallion to hide it.

[@lynnfox391]

And the baseboards

[@DawnDavidson]

I am curious as to why some of the inspo pages were blanked out? Some sort of copyright issue I presume, but how weird to have it in the inspo!

[@thezebracutie15]

Enjoying seeing trends start skewing towards more color! I've always been a fan of color and having more inspiration with colorful designs is great!

[@merhipsyhealing9467]

wait i'm so confused. Why are the inspo pics all blurred out?

[@emsaphs]

Probably because they're from Pinterest and didn't give credit to the owner 🙁 i know she does in her recent videos tho! ☺️

[@Yaniza]

🐓 acrylic latex sealant 🐓 Such a creative way of clapping back! 😆👌🏾 beautiful make over as always💕💕

[@lourdessantiago3291]

This makeover shows that no matter how small a bedroom is it is possible to make it great. The beautiful lavender headboard gave it the big impact. Great jobs guys.

[@KristinHBergenstein]

I really like the idea of having a small bedroom like this one. Having a separate space for your clothing so that your bedroom is only a place for you to rest seems like a really good idea.

[@joannelson6334]

You lived in a tree house? That is so cool! You, Alexandra, are an amazing person. So talented!

[@amylouise3624]

I feel like it would have been EVEN CUTER if you'd also painted the ceiling mauve (I only say this because for some reason in one of the early shots, it almost looks as if it was, and I was like 'ooooo').

[@paragirl1]

The way Graham is nodding while she's drilling?? So funny!!

[@rosehillier]

I'd like to see team AG do Kate's living space!

[@originalrockhead]

Also, you should feel free to say caulk the way you want. Don't let the internet make you self-conscious or dictate your pronounciation of a word. We all know what you're talking about and in the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter. Doesn't change how creative Team AG are with all the ideas you have and makeovers you do.

[@gabrielmaroto18]

I love the pink sweater the black skirt and the leopard shoes i’m trying to teach my sister that she can wear leopard with fun colors I’m gonna send her this link❤

[@maddscientist3170]

radiator cover is needed up to the windowsill to extend the 'shelf' space

[@boomerangsruckflug8513]

You know what? You are the only KZbinr whom I'd give my apartment key and just say, "do it" and come back when it's finished! Not kidding!!! ☺️👍💖✨

[@blumischief]

I recently came across this channel and have been binge watching all video. I must say thatAlex and Graham have such sibling energy to them 😊

[@marly-paigepetersen]

Why was the inspo pics blurred out?

[@ethylethanoate952]

I have been watching Alexandra's video since 2018. I couldn't forget how many times I binged watch the Home Primp series. I was drawn to her style: colourful, functional and full of textures although I am a huge fan of scandi designs. Today, I am really impressed how much she improved since 2018! I was aware there were many negative comments back then, but she managed to constantly improve and thrive in making over homes. I love this makeover, as well as Bonnie's studio makeover, they were honestly impressive, jaw dropping and so inspirational. I hope one day Alexandra could remake my little space in London! Great job, I'm looking forward to your new videos. xxx

[@stephanieroumeguere353]

Still trying to get up with ALL the episodes. 😅 2018? Well then i will get no sleep the coming 6 months i guess. 😴😪

[@sharinarnal1206]

I CANNOT be the only one who needs a Graham in their life - standing beside me, smiling and nodding as I tackle things that I don't think I can handle ❣️

[@carolargentina]

Beautiful !!!! Please makeover the living room for Kate 💚

[@josephines.creatures]

Adding Graham to your arsenal has made a huge difference! That wall is so functional and beautiful!! Shout out to the rest of the team too, you are amazing!

[@DiRidpath]

LOL. You need to just say "caulking" and let the haters hate and ignore them. 🙂 If you notice a lot of comments from me it's because I just found you so I've been binge watching. 😁

[@nopenahda8617]

I grew up working in the construction industry and am currently building my second home and everyone I know pronounces it caulk as "callk". So you were right...Maybe it's pronounced differently elsewhere but I'm from the NorthWest US...

[@saintgigi]

1. You can say "caulk (kôk)! If people can't deal, they need to focus on more important things in life, seriously. :) 2. Graham is an international treasure (posting from Seattle WA). I'm always amazed about what he can do, and the love, care, and passion he has in his work. 3. Great job, everyone! I look forward (and watch) every new show.

[@erinmoore5797]

Graham seriously outdid himself in this one 👏

[@marriedlife2083]

Graham you are EXTREMELY talented !!!! You need your own show🎉😊You are a huge Blessing to this show. Hands down perfection!!!

[@natkutcher5150]

The censored client inspo is very funny to me!

[@carolkim9795]

Looks pretty. It would have been nice if you had cleaned up/painted the ceiling after the old light fixture came down.

[@evaspringeth4882]

I'm impressed by the way you take care of even the smallest details like the latex sealings over and over again😍

[@rosac464]

I wish they would have built a radiator cover but still gorgeous

[@tamarabrennan1988]

My daughter and I love watching your videos here in rural Mexico. We appreciate the inspiriation we gain for upleveling our little home. We did not know what you could do with that challenging space but look at the transformation! Beautiful.

[@lovingmayberry307]

This ought to be the Graham and Gator Show. Beautiful ceiling light deserves a much more attractive bulb!

[@itscarolinemary]

I hope you makeover her living room/office to match the vibes!! 😍

[@margarettekanealii4101]

Graham is so talented. Every makeover is always over the top good.

[@Natalia-pc7fm]

It takes some imagination to see the lilac in that off white color but purple could easily overwhelm the space so good choice. Behind the door I would have placed a nice hanger or some form of organisation for her purses and bags.

[@kimmieb2u]

Love how you dealt with the caulk issue. Some people just can't handle commonplace parlance.

[@user-vg1fr3ew9j]

I agree with some of your other viewers, Graham is one talented guy!! His thought process never ceases to amaze me, very very creative! You guys are very thoughtful of what your clients needs are and then you take it a step further👍 Each job is beyond their expectations. Oh yeah, anybody else think Graham is a young Ashton Keutcher? 🤔

[@julieforan3559]

The “caulk” debate reminds me of the scene in 27 Dresses when Katherine Heigl tells James Marsden that she is good with caulk, and gives her a really funny look.

[@corinna_maybe]

🐓🐓🐓 LOVE the inspo! Like EVERYONE in the comments, I'd marry Graham in a heartbeat, but I simply ADORE everyone on the team 💜 The ideas and your implementations are just mind-boggling to me and I appreciate you so very much. Would have loved a plant in the space behind the door and the ceiling painted as well to hide the crusty remnants around the old light fixture but that's totally something Kate can do later on if she feels like it. Her whole space is gorgeous 😍

[@KoiAi_]

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING TIP: if you take that roller, load it up and make a "W" on the wall first with the paint then do your vertical lines over the "W" as well as the rest of the wall, it makes things go a lot faster. You can thank me later. 💕

[@shadowdancer909]

This is gorgeous! I have to say as a Southern Californian I wince when I see items on a shelf above the bed.

[@wendykarle3114]

What can't Graham do? Fabulous innovations excellently executed.

[@shanleymello6527]

You and your team have such amazing work chemistry.

[@flamingoliz]

The lilac color is beautiful, love how it pairs with the gold lighting and the art. What a fun and peaceful space ❤ Also I'm dying at the 🐓 add in 😆

[@nakymatonlapsiN]

Graham's facial expressions during the screwing were a journey

[@AlexandraGater]

😂😂😂

[@millie8311]

Been watching Team AG for 3 years now and this room totally have me especially that it's a small room normally people don't know what to do with it

[@msGoodventure]

You need to say acrylic latex sealant three times in front of a mirror at midnight to summon Alexandra to you house

[@josephinedeck9821]

Wow Graham is so talented. I love everything you did to brighten up this room & make it appear bigger. Love the lilac colour.

[@vickinoeske1154]

You killed it on the lighting! And, you didn't use mustardy yellow/gold in the room. Yay!

[@smokindragon04]

Love your design but Graham was the star of this show!

[@jenpink4298]

This is beautiful! And you used some really great ideas in here! I love the board and batten with the small display shelf at the top, and the sconce light. Also everything about that whole cord management system on the extra plug, that’s just so smart and so practical! And I’m sure she’s going to have sweet dreams on her new Brooklinen bedding. That’s what I have and it’s scrumptious. Great job by you and your team!

[@gillianharris9534]

Highly recommend getting bed risers or the zinus 18inch platform bed base from Amazon! It fits eight 68litre totes under it, and I live in 550sq ft so I can use all the extra space I can get 😂

[@josefinadiazabal]

My goal each week: eagerly await Alexandra to upload a new makeover video 😍

[@katrinarefior700]

Same.

[@andymusa459]

Love it always can't wait to watch it, n see what graham gonna do hehehehheehe

[@KB-hs7vh]

What an amazing way to kick off 2023! You absolutely nailed this project! It’s so fun to see what cool ideas you come up with, Alexandra! & to see Graham’s talent shine! Is there anything that man can’t do?! Love your team! Thank you for sharing! 💖💖💖 (p.s. when are you gonna decorate Graham’s room?? 👀)

[@lindawarden-burglund9603]

This tiny bedroom is transformed from small, dark, and uninspiring to bright, cheerful, and comfortable. The lilac is such a lovely color. It says spring to me, and it goes beautifully with Kate's artwork. Love the board and batten wall, the sconce, and the display shelf. The bedding is so cozy, and I really like the woven bench. The room actually looks spacious. In fact, the whole thing is pretty perfect!

[@kathlenewang539]

Love the integrated handle of the drawer front! Beauty

[@mishka_savahl]

The room came out beautiful, what a big change to a small space

[@dianegamage4969]

Love this small bedroom.... wish I had one like this

[@wingkiec8613]

Genius board and batton solution! I love the B&B look but don't fancy putting loads of holes into the wall, so this is perfect! We'll done team AG! Another brilliant makeover!

[@WholeHeartily]

Kate is cool! It’s nice that her space better reflects her style and personality

[@molliemae6855]

Fabulous! Love it all! Especially the amazing light fixture!! Maybe an Edison bulb would look good, too?

[@danaknight1910]

Agreed ...the only thing I would change is that overhead light bulb

[@anjelanglois5808]

I absolutely love the chicken "caulking," it's hilarious 😂

[@katrinarefior700]

I love how bright and airy you made this space. It's calming but not underwhelming all at the same time!

[@rachelbatterson1664]

That chandelier!

[@tia.the.mockingbird]

the way I gasped when Alexandra held up that light.

[@michelle_jasek]

the clip at the end of you whispering into your mic about Graham being mad 😂😂😂

[@elimaylugo2474]

OMG! The caulk drama is hilarious. 🤣😂

[@javabeanstudio]

Honestly, I absolutely love this makeover, but in the reveal at the end.. the wall with just one single 4 inch embroidery hoop cracked me up. xD Like??? It looks so lonely.

[@ieshaiman]

Graham so talented 😭 He has the magic carpenter hands. Makes me miss my grandpa. It was nothing he couldn’t build. 😭

[@anajanemejia-norway854]

you know its "graham approved" when he nods and smiles at you 😂😂😂😂😂

[@dididaah]

Graham's nods and looks, I can't! 😆❤

[@beramyers8873]

Graham is the man. His skills are above and beyond. He is the G.O.A.T of creating and building

[@erikam230]

Can I please have a Graham? He's such an amazing craftsman and teacher.