How To Design A Room From Start To Finish | All The FREE Tools I Use

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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 walking you through how I plan a room makeover from start to finish, plus all of the free tools I use to make the process easier. I walk you through planning my kitchen makeover so you can see the process happening IRL AND get a sneak peek at what I have planned for this room! Full kitchen makeover coming in September!
Tools I use:
Smart Draw: bit.ly/3gESNTw
Milanote: milanote.com/a...
Larisa’s Vintage Shop: / shoppe.clover
Hemme Custom: hemmecustom.com/
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GET IN TOUCH:
Alexandra Gater
P.O. Box 68555 Walmer
Toronto, ON
M5S 3C9
EMAIL:
[e-mail]
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: www.lindseydes...
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.

[@BambiOnDashboard]

My rule of thumb is: If it's difficult to change, then make it a timeless design. If it's easy to change, then make it quirky and fun.

[@kendrabaca3892]

I really like this :)

[@valoriegonzales3167]

Big brain

[@natalievisser4169]

My parents have textured tiles above their stove and we have found it harder to clean than smooth tiles at my house. So thought I’d let you know for something to consider above the stove/hob.

[@dilshaad_23]

I was typing something to this effect! Then figured perhaps I'm just waaaaay different ito cooking 😅 When my Mom finally got a kitchen makeover she also opted for mosaic tiles, and when I first saw it (white on walls, black at the stove) my mind screamed "cleaning nightmare!" 🙈 Granted we have a culture of cooking daily - steaming pots, spices galore - but the tiles are definitely not recommended unless the stove is barely used 😆

[@MerryBee707]

Same here. I find if I don't wash/wipe them daily, they collect grease and dust so quickly on the textured surface.

[@simplelifesg3459]

Agreed! I had textured tiles as my cooktop’s backsplash and it was incredibly troublesome to keep clean. Went with a single piece of glass backsplash instead at my current place. Large smooth tile slab(s) would work too.

[@prajaktasathe]

I just finished typing and bang saw urs 😂

[@kundipot]

I agree with you. But then it really depends on how much cooking happens in a kitchen. I’m Indian so anything that can’t be cleaned easily is a big NO. But if the kitchen is there to look pretty and maybe do some photography in there - then open shelves and organic tiles can look magazine-lovely.

[@valerieann2751]

Remove the cabinets above the fridge, they are usually worthless anyway and then you can get a tall skinny fridge that works better for the space. Also, why not just remove trim from the cabinets and then paint the fronts? Save a lot on money, and the cabinet bones are in good shape. Also love open shelving for above the sink, in a nice warm chunky wood . Definitely the white tiles

[@debloui]

Agree to all of this!

[@Kath-Erina]

The surface of the cabinet fronts appears to be plastic though and not painted wood. So you can't sand it off and paint would probably not stick very well (even with a primer) and would likely to chip off easily over time. And also she wanted to change the style of the fronts (from plain to shaker). But I very much agree. If it was me, I probably would have gone with another colored sticking vinyl foil for cabinet fronts (i belive there are products made specifically for cabinet fronts)

[@Everybodylovesthedee]

Right. I would have also considered using peel and stick wall paper to make it fun.

[@Everybodylovesthedee]

@@Kath-Erina you can use liquid sandpaper about 1-3 times to deteriorate the top layer sheen, then use appropriate paint.

[@naroacanalo8544]

I definitely agree with you. 🙌😊 Especially about taking the cabinet on top of the fridge. She could put a shelf with some art and decor instead, to make it beautiful.

[@melissataulbee2048]

The rental should be timeless on the tile.

[@joycedavis9996]

…glad to hear noah’s input and ideas…❤️ his herb wall garden idea.

[@amlambert]

He sure has a lot of opinions on things... 😐

[@0846752]

I’m so happy you didn’t choose the patterned tile

[@sandywlaschin3878]

My thoughts too. Go with timeless on the permanent items.

[@joannejmskkyvetos3890]

Alexandra! I would really like to see a video of you taking your landlord around the house once all is done. His /her comments and expressions to the wonderful work you've done.

[@kjsmith2122]

So over open shelves. Just become a dust collector. The new kitchen cabinet doors will make a huge improvement!! Get DIY Danie to make some doors for the pantry. She can make something way better than you could buy!!

[@kathykov1]

YES!!! My thought exactly!!!

[@m.maclellan7147]

You could use moulding on top of current cabinet doors to get the look she wanted for much cheaper then new doors !

[@sarahkamarudin5041]

I agree! I think having glass front for the cabinets would give the same feel to having open shelving but keep the dust collecting to a minimum.

[@valeriasauter3223]

I have open shelves since the kitchen (IKEA) came with the Apartment.....who came up with that stupid idea anyways? Everything get's dirty and dusty! I'm totally with you!

[@comoed4978]

classic timeless tiles! the other ones feel "noisy"

[@TheGreengarden96]

I actually like the cabinets. I would love to have a kitchen with white for top cabinets and wood on the bottom. Something about it gives me mid century vibes.

[@zuzuspetals38]

Yes but w/o tht wood trim piece she’s going to remove….

[@thatbrabgirl]

I’m not a fan of “open shelving” but I have a lot of junk and like to hide it lol. Can’t wait to see it done !

[@clairao3657]

Agreed. I don't want my kitchen stuff exposed, and I don't own any items display-worthy. Also, with my cats, I probably would end up losing storage space to create shelving spaces for my cats... But I recognize that Alexandra loves open shelving, and if her landlord is fine with it, go for it.

[@cramperella]

Tired of open shelving.

[@valerieann2751]

I like some open , most closed. There are a few things I want to see and display. But need to hide a lot. Plus just a little open shelving can really open up a small space

[@rethinkthatkat]

The organic timeless tiles are stunning! I also love having open shelving above my sink. Not having a heavier cabinet in my face when doing the dishes makes it surprisingly more enjoyable lol

[@valerieann2751]

Agree!

[@mechel203]

Great plans for the kitchen maker over. My one suggestion would be to get a counter-depth refrigerator. It may cost a little more but it looks amazing and gives more floor space in the kitchen. I did this in my kitchen with ikea cabinets and it makes the whole kitchen look expensive and elegant.

[@LASmithBuxton]

Literally breathed a sigh of relief when she went with the white backsplash tiles. Timelessness, FTW!

[@ellenmason3833]

I have vintage reclaimed doors throughout my house and we used those frosted window decals to hide the mess.

[@kundipot]

Agree the glass is what makes those doors so awesome

[@manny_yk]

To the person reading this: Even though I don’t know you, I wish you the best of what life has to offer 💜

[@madheremadthere4616]

Thank you! And right back at you!!

[@carmenrosario1709]

Same to you!

[@valerieann2751]

Ditto🥰

[@lindsay8584]

Same to you, my friend :)

[@dorimardelavega]

Can’t wait to see this kitchen!! I am glad that Noah is getting more involved!!🙌🙌

[@mariaandreinaguzmanapolina869]

Timeless backsplash tiles for sure! Those white tiles are stunning!!!

[@erikakts]

Omg make sure the tile you chose is easy to clean since it’s going behind the stove

[@rebecarendell]

Those textured tiles look gorgeous, but are very difficult to clean, particularly if they are sat behind the hob.

[@darrisnelson5223]

A sealer would help but they will still be challenging to get clean.🤔

[@rebecarendell]

@@darrisnelson5223 It's more the fact that they don't lie flat, it just creates more surface area for bacteria, and makes it less easy to wipe clean. I love pretty things but I like practicality even more 😂 However I completely agree that a sealer would make an improvement, and I would absolutely recommend that.

[@darrisnelson5223]

@@rebecarendell Good point about the uneven surface being even more difficult! My current home was a vacation rental at one point and it’s life…They put pavers on everything the floors the countertops And backsplash backsplash.🤦‍♀️ well I understand it may have seemed easier to maintain for cleaning companies it’s not the most sanitary in my opinion. If I was redoing a backsplash I would keep it smooth and simple just like the countertops. Easy to wipe down, no greasy stains, etc. Obviously you understand this line of thinking!😆👍🏻

[@rebecarendell]

@@darrisnelson5223 Absolutely! Sadly, I'm more than old enough to have experienced more than my fair share of difficult to clean rentals, and I am all about a life of ease 😂

[@darrisnelson5223]

Your system works well. When designing and constructing my second home I carried a pad of bread paper with me everywhere! This was 1989… We didn’t have the digital tools that we do today. My ‘mood board’ was a binder where I had been collecting ideas for many years. I had tabs for each room and whenever I came across something I liked even if it was just a color it went into the binder. I use a sharpie and made notes on the magazine page. If I didn’t have a magazine page I would sketch the idea… And believe me I can barely draw stick figures so it doesn’t take an artist to do a simple sketch!😆 I carried around a measuring tape with me everywhere as well. You never know when you come across something and you need measurements. In those days we didn’t have iPhones but I did have a Polaroid camera and used it to take photographs and then glue them to binder paper and put them in my binder. This all worked out well… It took us four years to build the house and it was stunning! Best of luck with the kitchen remodel… We know it’s going to turn out gorgeous! Can’t wait to see what you and Noah create!❤️❤️

[@AnnaNguyen42]

Great episode! Really helps me with planning my own space. Shoutout to James also with the editing and illustrating your ideas. I always forget how good it is because it blends so well. Especially, after watching badly edited ones where people just talk andt the timing is all off or there's no visual showing what they are talking about.

[@valarya]

I always pick my quirky elements in areas that don't take a TON of demo/effort/money to redo... like backsplash lol. Def keep that timeless so that your landlord won't have to update it as often. Those irregular tiles are GORGEOUS!!

[@TamarLitvot]

I love your plan, and yes, your explanation of your process was extremely helpful. Particularly loved it when you talked about how you can get confused if you pull all sorts of ideas and pics before doing basic measurements and thinking. Exactly what happened to me and I so wish this video had come out a year ago! One small thing - Smeg appliances are beautiful but 2 things: They are at the peak of the trend right now and will definitely date the kitchen (OTOH, fridges last only 9 or 10 years these days, unlike older fridges, so maybe that doesn’t matter) And Our neighbor who has an appliance store carries Smeg and won’t sell any to us because they are apparently not very reliable. Look into reviews to make sure that what you buy has a good reliability record.

[@arcoloys]

I definitely would pick the pale tiles. Yea because it's timeless and would match with everything, but mostly because it's just gorgeous 😍

[@mayaberliner3955]

Woah smartdraw is a gift from heaven, thank you!

[@marlenesmith4033]

I LOVE THE IDEA OF THAT CEILING LAMP WITH TWO LAMPS & ONE OUTLET. IT'S A GREAT IDEA!!!

[@pascalelewis]

Alexandra! You need to show us this lovely goofy side of yourself / of your team more often! I loved that you guys kept more of those imperfect moments in the video. It was a tad less polished than usual but way more endearing imo, I really liked seeing a bit of the behind the scenes humanness and the laughter that goes on. Can't wait to see how the kitchen turns out! Best of luck with your upcoming projects!

[@doris1998]

Timeless and classic for sure because tiles are harder to install. Paint you can play around with. I have subway tiles in kitchen and bath. Great video!

[@JL11775]

I love the textured tiles in the stacked design. Timeless!

[@jinyiduan2546]

Watching your video is like a therapy to me haha thank you for your contribution to the world

[@DanikaBasista]

Absolutely loved the breakdown style of this video! Also, I had already started using Milanote and already LOVE it, and they keep getting better!

[@glendacox6540]

Timeless. Timeless. Timeless

[@lillypad6689]

Great video! I just wanted to let you know that Ikea cabinet doors are all uniform in size, you can just order new doors off the shelf from their range …. You can also easily replace any broken parts, buy extra shelves etc

[@karinlouwturnley5926]

Lets get started! Yeah baby.

[@carolinagonzalez8733]

Timeless for sure!!! for money, for the environment

[@jenknox2478]

Timeless, never get tired of it

[@droomprinsesje1234]

Shaker style fronts are really easy to DIY, just glue/nail trim around the edges of your current cabinet fronts and drawers and paint them any colour

[@ribbleslipscomb5171]

Kudos to Noah, for all his good ideas. I like your plans so far, Alexandra, the fabric for the bench is a wonderful choice, love it.

[@rosalinddudley9420]

Looking forward to seeing your final reveal.

[@imaredhead1]

Super useful info; macro view, leading to micro details. Not sure that irregular tiles in a backsplash are super functional for possible messy cooks… Nice to look at but function must also be considered. Thanks for your rental ideas, even for property owners!

[@oaklandcookie]

I like the idea of the white tile and cabinet fronts. Classic is best for a rental and you can always update with accessories. Love the backsplash tiles.

[@whatsupbosh]

I've been loving the look of a classic white/neutral tile, but adding in a bright fun coloured grout!

[@PurpleCheese1011]

could we get an art tour of your home??? so obsessed with the prints you pick!!!!!!

[@lealeclerc920]

I’ve seen some of the comments about textured tiles being harder to clean. I’ve been around for quite a few decades and I can tell you now, they are all absolutely right! If you really love the textured, find out ahead of time how to clean it, or get a sample and throw some cooking oil on it, or tomato sauce, etc. that might splash on it from the stove. Then try to clean it. Also, leave it for a day or two and then try to clean it. Sometimes we might think we’ve cleaned it well, but then the next day we realize there’s still some residue, and it can be twice as hard to get off. Think about the types of things could stain the textured also.

[@shaindyhorowitz3783]

I hope you choose colored cabinet fronts! I agree with Noah. I also feel like you wouldn't see enough change in the makeover without it.

[@birds5226]

I don't see the kitchen outdated at all! Except for the backsplash Really why people hate wood !

[@laurenambrose4012]

Sounds like it’s going to be lovely. I love the idea of the herb garden on the wall.

[@tigerbuchman4099]

The irregular tiles just seem like a burden to try and clean.

[@livenubian-homedecordiylif8384]

This is super helpful!! Iam actually planing an office makeover so this vid is coming in at the perfect time!!!! 🥰🥰❤️

[@AlexandraGater]

So happy to hear that :)

[@yolandamercado6721]

This video is very helpful. I still believing that your choice of dark colors like the one on the stairs and now your cushions, is not a good one having a cat, but you really have good ideas and I love your work.

[@fraurosenthal2958]

Your guide on planning a room is really up front and super helpful! Thank you!

[@angelaglaros]

I agree with others that highly textured surfaces in the kitchen are a recipe for collecting grease and grime. I vote for the smoothest and sturdiest shiny tile you can find for ease of cleaning!

[@KB-hs7vh]

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing your ✨light✨ with us Alexandra! Watching your videos is such a mood booster for me! 😊

[@racheliannucci4720]

Love the funky back splash!!!

[@ennasus5964]

Very interesting to follow your process. Just can't help thinking why changing the white cupboard doors with other white cupboard doors? 😮 In my opinon just the handles are the key here. And why the effort when you actually want to throw most of them away anyway and put in shelves? And will those tiles be practical or will they collect dirt on all the nooks and look old damaged and dirty? Just wondering.

[@shei9051]

Loveeee this video! Please make more of planning video like this before the makeover video, it makes the next video more exciting to watch!

[@gayatriverkhedkar5253]

For the pantry doors with glass you could use mirrored glass to make them opaque.

[@JordinmTau]

Use the irregular tiles for the backsplash and then use the quirky ones on the under-side of the island to make it more of a focal 👌💃👏

[@thebeachyfarmhouse6410]

Cant wait to see this kitchen transform. 🤔💕Although I Think the current backsplash match your teakettle perfectly😘

[@KarlaGuevaraWalton]

For the panty door you can frost the glass to hide the groceries. That what we did with ours. I tried to keep it nice because I love organization, the Prokeeper containers have been a game changer for us, plus toons of baskets.

[@nks18]

You know it’s gonna be a good one when you hit like a minute into the video 😂 hilarious !!!

[@ohwhatadiy]

Very helpful video AG! I usually go in with no plan at all this will order my chaos!!

[@katiedecker9835]

Did no one else notice her write back spash?? At 8:25. I still love you, Alexandra!

[@yadiraj2680]

Tha banch is new, I've never seen something like that, I love it

[@musicismylove92]

I would go more timeless with the backsplash, and use appliances / plants / books / etc to style it in a variety of ways over time.

[@karenstairs8273]

I really like the herb wall garden idea

[@crisserrano5197]

If the kitchen gets dark in the evenings, maybe you can keep the wooden trims and put led-strands behind them! I think it would look really cool and is very functional.

[@vickytimmerman1365]

I love the tile in the kitchen to be more of a neutral. That way you can change out the Decour all the time and it always works and you’re not defined to one color

[@joane5777]

Omg, I needed your silliness today Alexandra❣ Luv ya girl~ J

[@AlexandraGater]

Thanks, Joan!

[@joane5777]

@@AlexandraGater And Hi to Lady Lottie and Noah too🌟

[@janetmiller175]

I really like the classic tiles. A really good idea about an herb garden.

[@marlenelieb5935]

We just got a new Cabinet with glass doors and I left the upper part as is and staged some of our nice dishes in there, but I also didn't want to have the burden of keeping the lower ones looking nice. Therefore I took some lovely fun wrapping paper and taped it to the inside. Now I have the look of the glass doors without the hassle. So easy, cheap and fun and I can change it easily whenever I get bored with it. Regarding the tiles we went with the classic look and took the timeless tiles. Everyone loves them but I actually regret it because I think they are so boring.

[@ConnieBradshawbradshawshouse]

I'm glad you choose the timeless backsplash.

[@PeggySMitchell]

As a person who has a Ragdoll cat named Morgana, I would advise against black fabric in the bench seats. Your kitty is so comfortable there, but the shedding…oy

[@nic_ccc3366]

This was so helpful. If only I had a fraction of your creativity and design style. Keep up the good work, greetings from Australia. 👋

[@eskimoki9630]

This is a great video! Thanks so much for sharing your process. Obviously, I’ve always done it wrong and started with the inspo, then not really following through with all the ideas, because they didn’t work it my space 🤷‍♀️now I know that I should rather start with what I already have and with what already works. This is an awesome tip! Will definitely check out the software too when starting to redesign my kitchen space…

[@beverlydust5381]

Thanks for giving me ideas about how to plan a renovation in a rental apartment.

[@brib1626]

the herb garden wall is going to be epic!! I want more natural sunlight in my place so I can create one!

[@cquinn03]

I like the SMEG refrigerator! Also, I adore the sitting area near the window, I can't wait to see what you do here, it's already really nice.

[@cquinn03]

I have to add to this. I would definitely remove the cupboards above the refrigerator and have the taller (bottom freezer) SMEG fridge. Don't worry about losing IKEA cupboards. They are really easy to replace. You could also shave the IKEA cupboards 1/2 off and then just have a shorter cupboard to have a taller fridge.

[@_axeler8_950]

Perfect timing! I’m moving into a new apartment this week and I am finally allowed to paint and drill holes but it’s a little overwhelming. This was so helpful!

[@nancyschad2969]

Love the plan. I'd like to add one note about the terra cotta pots. Water will leach out hence the white discoloring. I'd be careful that the pots don't come into direct contact with the wall. Most terra cotta pots have a drain hole, so that will also need some planning. So excited to see the kitchen make over video.

[@jenwylie4093]

I think you can't go wrong with a white kitchen. Add colour in accents. White is just so classic. :-)

[@parelpaardje]

Your laugh tho is just adorable ❤️

[@Richard-oc3vt]

I like the ideas you're throwing out at us 😃 and the shaker style cabinet doors are gonna have a great impact on the new rental makeover 🤓 can't wait for the end results 😀 !!

[@caroleanderson1106]

Nice that you included Noah in the plans.

[@manasavavilapalli]

Great plan. Looking forward to this makeover!

[@twilde3754]

Timeless -- the place is vintage -- embrace the vintage by keeping the elements timeless.

[@Imyourcherryybomb]

Im loving the herb garden idea a looot.

[@leadicenta6028]

Really nice to watch the process and can't wait to see the result :)

[@noorawan7646]

Love those paperclip stools!!

[@lucialopez-maya6581]

This amazing! Thank you for sharing and looking forward to seeing the kitchen transformation 🥰

[@dorimardelavega]

Timeless !! If it was your own place I will say the funky one for sure!!

[@aolivestone6000]

I love watching you do these room by room makeovers it’s quite educational to know what you can do to each space. And as far as design goes I personally like modern contemporary design so I can really speak on the type of design you like because it’s just not my vibe but love the videos And congrats on your new space I hope that you and Noah enjoy your new home for many years to come ❤️❤️❤️💝💝💖💖💖🥰🥰

[@Redberryfarm888]

Love to see your progress in this new space - it is now a 'we' space, not just a 'she' space as the designer. (Imagine you are out on a design job... he has some buddies over and they are like, "Dude - what's up with the pom poms?!") You two can be a great team and grow together. Will be exciting to watch the blending of two individuals tastes.

[@GardenerPhyl]

Ohhhhh this video was so very helpful. Thank you!

[@katsnow9256]

I love everything about this make over! .............except the fridge! (It's just a retro thing for me and I'm not a fan of off white appliances) Can't wait to see the herb racks go in, awesome! I had flat upper cabinets in my room (3 double door) and after watching some video's, ran down to the DYI store and did it myself, shaker style for under $100! Woot woot! First time doing something like that after watching some of your videos! Your kitchen is going to awesome and Lottie approved!

[@merav1589]

I want whatever Alexandra is on because she always seems so bubbly and happy im jelly

[@noelteague4035]

Agree with the white tiles for backsplash!

[@rebeccavinyard2899]

Thank you for sharing your process of making over your spaces. It’s very helpful! ♥️

[@terrioakley2250]

Can’t wait to see it all come together I think it will be lovely I agree the tiles need to be timeless as much as quirky would be fun , quirky limits your style . It’s going to be a beautiful space 👍🏻