Bright Mid-Century Modern Style Living Room Makeover

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 transforming a living room into a bright, mid-century modern style space. It went from an empty room filled with just a sofa to a cozy, warm and a space for the homeowner to entertain and lounge.
Watch the reading nook makeover: • Empty Corner Turned Co...
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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/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.

[@anagoncalves6335]

I have to say this:James editing is the best. The little video he puts when something happens its so funny. Good job James and the whole time, of course!!

[@Jeremiah18288]

Mnnnnn

[@maryannkom299]

Totally agree!

[@rociogabriela5945]

yes!!! this team is just the best.

[@rebeccamelia7135]

Agreed! He makes me laugh and enjoy the videos more 🥰

[@marcelafisiot]

Yeah!!

[@ellenmason3833]

I like it when pros show us the kerfuffles. So when things inevitably go wrong with our own projects, we know it isn’t just us. It’s what happens to everyone.

[@mariastathopoulos744]

Overall a really good looking lounge/living room. The fireplace peel & stick diamonds design clash with the rug despite being in the colour palette. I think the original tiles would complement the MCM style and walnut trims. The pendant light is the WOW factor. Definitely an elevated upgrade from the original room.

[@noorawan7646]

Yeah the original tile would have gone much better with all of the other colours, the diamonds definitely clash with everything else

[@OtikaOtikaOtika]

I feel the same.

[@AthalieM]

the pendant light does look nice -way better than the light that was intended imo - but my immediate thought was that it was too low. Am I the only one? Graham stood taller than it and it almost popped Alexandra on the head during installation.

[@lorahart56]

You're so right about the peel and stick. AWFUL. Hope it was ripped up. Just because you have something left over that will help the budget doesn't mean you should use it. And that pendant light is WAY too low. It's meant for over a dining table. The light should have hugged the ceiling.

[@jhutch1681]

@@AthalieM I think it was adjusted after it was installed...

[@noorawan7646]

Not very MCM but I'm glad they liked it! The warm tiles in the fireplace might have been a nice break from all the cool tones in the living room.

[@KassiaHaynes]

I know this is an old video. But, yeah, it bothers me when designers don't know basic design history. This house looks older than mid-century. Also, that mirror is clearly not even close to midcentury and in fact is the exact opposite of mcm.

[@kirstenmccluskey8603]

@@KassiaHaynes Right? I ran to the comments (uh, a year later) to see if anyone mentioned the mirror. In what world is that mirror MCM?

[@jeanbeans7926]

I agree, and wont the plastic "tile" just start melting when the fireplace is lit?

[@camrobn]

Graham needs to have a signature or trademark on his DYI pieces.

[@kathykay975]

Looks great! I would add a little table in between the two blue chairs so people can put their drinks down. Next, I'd love to see a Bohemian maximalist style in bright jewel colors!

[@BigDanny27]

Would love to see a colorful boho style! I feel like "traditional boho" centers around neutrals and pops of green in the form of plants. I love boho but I also love color so seeing something like that would be perfect!!

[@deniseunterman9652]

Danielle, I'm with you on this. My style in my 1908 bungalow is boho with vivid wall colors, vibrant fabrics....and plants! Thank you for making this request. :))

[@AthalieM]

Have you seen Architectural Digest’s latest tour with Justina Blakeney? It’s a beautiful example of colorful boho.

[@BigDanny27]

@@AthalieM Thank you so much for suggesting that video! That’s exactly what I was thinking about. Her house is so gorgeous!!!

[@lukasbrekke-miesner6728]

@@AthalieM Cosign on tackling Jungalow style. Justina's house is incredible!

[@justinecameron1164]

the living room is so beautiful! i love the rug and the diy'ed bar cart, and the chairs are gorgeous. i will say that i don't think the mantle is my favorite... the candles and the tiles and the mirror all feel like separate styles, and they clash a bit in my opinion. i think you could've gone without the tiles and then maybe painted the inside of the fireplace a lighter color, and kept the top of the mantle a bit more simple? the mirror when it was white seems like it might've fit with the vibe more (though i do love a gold mirror). anyway, love it overall! yay team AG

[@Iheartjareddiamond]

Yeah I agree. The mirror isn’t mid century at all!

[@neelamaulakh]

agreed

[@texasstardust6010]

@@Iheartjareddiamond .... I concur , and while it is possible to mix styles, it has to be done in such a way that it doesn't feel " disjointed ", or out of place.

[@ChairmanMoMedia]

I'd say given the doors and the wood trim and window style the house is actually deco or Craftsman style. Looks like it was built in the 20's or 30's so not MCM. But I feel that style lends itself super well to MCM style.

[@jemma50]

Pretty good makeover. Certainly an improvement over the Before. 😊Not sure why you covered the hearth, though. I think it looked fine before and I, personally, am not a fan of that black and white peel & stick paper. It looks very out of place in front of a fireplace. Not everything has to be changed. On the whole, though, looking really good! And the client is happy and that is the main thing. ♥ Oh! I would also have put a picture or something on each side of the doors into the dining room and a plant or stool in the corner to the right of the fireplace. It just looks a little bare that side of the room. (Just my opinion, of course. I'm not a minimalist OR a maximalist...but I don't care for blank walls.)

[@janetschroeder8753]

Living room looks great. Only thing I was waiting to see was some accent pieces in the mauve color of the reading nook to relate the two spaces. Kept waiting for a mauve pillow or two, or artwork with a prominent mauve color…

[@minimalcat1987]

Love that your team is speaking on camera more. Would you consider Graham narrate the woodworking DIYs? Something feels missing there, or almost impersonal. That may be a nice touch. I know you didn't ask for feedback, so I'm sorry if I come across as rude. I'm amazed by your growth ✨️

[@fleurelan8647]

Funny how so many folks commented they didn’t like the peel and stick fireplace tile. That was one of my favorite parts. I love how well it works with the rug, but many folks said it clashed. I thought they worked great together. I also enjoy James’s editing and seeing the others interacting more too.

[@aleecowley50]

Hot tip for mixing paint colours - if you want to lighten a colour with white, start with the white shade first and slowly add your colour. Sometimes white paint won't lighten a colour but it can just increase the amount of paint you use.

[@waterbitten]

There aren't enough comments exhalting Alana's shop with me commentary! I love getting some Alana screen time!

[@gradyvandenbosch5772]

Some great, some not so great in this make-over. To start with the great: I loooooove the pendantlight. What a gamechanger!!! I also loved how you bring the pink of the readingnook back with the photo you put on the mantle. I can live with the rug and the blue accents. But for my taste there is too much blue. Would have loved to see more warmth, not only in the reading nook. Also in the barcabinet, which I furthermore really like. The mirror is nice, but not MCM. But together it leans to the eclectic, Parisian style, which I love. Two points of critique: one, the peel and stick tiles look somewhat cheap and clash with the rug. The original tiles had the warmth you needed more in the room, imo. Two: there are no cozy lights, only the pendant. But overall, I love your video's. The make-overs, the bts and the editingskills of James. Always looking forward to a new one. And of course I did my own Ivar hack, which will be continued.

[@cooky75015]

Agree with everything you said!!! Particularly re the peel and stick.

[@zari2662]

Your analysis is spot on 👌🏾I agree with everything

[@not-a-ghost2206]

Yes same! It would've been nice if the reading nook colour had been transported to the living room, maybe with some cushions or a throw blanket. Also I think this room could've definately pulled off a big art piece, but maybe there isn't much wallspace for that. The mirror gives it a bit of height but I would've added some decorative shelves for organisation as well, it feels a little bit empty for such a big roo.. But the owner can always add in more when the time is right .

[@MammarellaClarisa]

Loved both spaces separately. I feel that they are not connected to each other. One is really warm and the other one is cold. I don’t think they match together. Also, not a fan of the peel and stick paper in the fireplace. Loved the blue chairs and the lamp. They were beautiful.

[@ashleymerrill7142]

I HAVE NOT WATCHED YET. But it is soooooo fitting that today you're releasing part 2, because the shelving of the reading nook inspired me to changed up my kitchen wall and I'm painting it today wooooooo

[@Handymangraham]

Let us know how it goes!!

[@ashleymerrill7142]

@@Handymangraham Sent it on insta :D The power cut out during the 2nd coat, and I had to borrow a battery operated tool to finish it yesterday lol Just started styling when power came back :D

[@zariinaroncone6204]

Great seeing you on BT!

[@leilakadribasic]

I think a MCM floor lamp would have been a perfect way to fill that one totally empty corner ❤ Love the blues and the pinks

[@sallysmith4492]

Of course... it looks finished and very hip!!! Wondered about bringing more dusty rose color from the study into the living room through pillows, art and some blue into the study??? Feels like study is more warm colors while living room is more cool colors. Just felt like rooms needed to be better connected but do love the overall effect!!! Congrats!!!

[@lindawarden-burglund9603]

I really appreciate mid-century modern because I like the clean lines and the lack of clutter. At the same time, I like the rug and multiple pillows which help to soften the space without being "fussy". I like the furniture pieces, but I think I would like a less ornate mirror. I also expected to see a couple of pops of pink, perhaps on the mantle or the coffee table, to tie in with the reading nook. All in all, a great job on both spaces ( but I personally think a chaise would be more comfortable than the bench and more mid-century!).

[@knottynumbers44]

Its beautiful, but how many times did people bump their heads into that light?

[@mercedesjohnson7924]

I think the room looks really nice. My only critique is that the checkered tile clashes. The stone fireplace and mantle already have enough going on. A simple white tile would have completed the space more seamlessly. Other than that I absolutely love it

[@stephh_nz]

Looks amazing, love the tones in this room and I want that couch!! Don’t love the faux tiles around the fireplace because I feel like they compete with the amazing rug, but there’s plenty to draw eyes to.

[@kimberlykay1495]

I totally don’t understand how your channel doesn’t have millions of followers this is just insane you have one of the best remodeling shows I’ve seen on KZbin and I am obsessed

[@jff1813]

That crafted bar cart is awesome! I remember Megan's kitchen. One of my favorite makeovers!

[@margducharme6787]

Little tip for paint mixing Old electric mixer beaters work very well, and don't splash Also if you put a couple holes in the edge of your paint can, on the side you pour from , (in the groove for the lid, ) the excess paint will drip back into the can.

[@juliadawndesigns4522]

Super fun space!! I like how Alexandra and her team are happy to design spaces that are creative and eclectic, with touches of different styles sprinkled around here and there. Keep it up, Team AG!

[@sherim8155]

The reading Nook is adorable. The paint color, shelves and bench fill and grounds the space

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

That reading nook is GENIUS! For the living room go olive green velvet.....

[@retro000]

Just beautiful,classic,interesting and stylish. Love it, your team and you are awesome❤

[@annadkins9392]

I love that the AG crew has matching work suits/overalls... definitely next level.... looking LEGIT!

[@KarenPFolk-qq7dx]

So great! Love the colors - a quiet funky elegance!

[@lynnecahill2859]

Being in Mom mode I have to say just how adorable you are! I think you have exquisite taste which in turn makes you very talented. I’m a newish follower and very much enjoy your channel! Wishing you much success in the future!!! My name is Lynn, 🥰🥰🥰

[@nickyd.1032]

I've watching you since the beginning of the pandemic, and your content just keeps getting better and better. Your talent is limitless! ❤️

[@ninator9105]

Thank you so much for the content you create every week. I always look forward to see your videos. And I also wanted to mention, that I really love your clothing style. ☺️🥰

[@TamarLitvot]

Yes! She’s got her own special style and it fits her personality.

[@dque_2U]

What they said...😀

[@_JanetLouise]

that light fixture is awesome!!

[@user-pb3sb3un7n]

I really like the reading nook.

[@aviajarehema7393]

Very good makeover. Finally navy blue is used in a space (i.e., IVAR cabinet, armchairs, sofa cushions, smaller plant pot, bar cabinet stem glassware). I like the reading nook color of dusty type pink as well. (Also, though not blue, I like the squiggly candle on the mantle that is in an orange type color). 👌👍👍

[@threemusketeers4109]

It’s just awesome. Love the energy and talent Graham brings to you’re already amazing team!

[@janaross]

Not to be that person but he's also v cute!

[@amandajohnson4428]

Wonderful job! I love the blue chairs and the IKEA cabinet hack. 💙

[@lindalehr1551]

I really love when a style is not my cup of tea, but I still think the space looks great. Kudos to all!

[@shammaibrahim9434]

It look amazing but I wanted to put somethings on the white corners at the back of the blue chair like frames or games station or some art. But overall, you guys did a great job 👏🏻 looking forward to seeing more makeovers 🤍🤍 love you guys 🤍🫂

[@dawn-suzettenoray495]

Love chandelier blue chairs and the space in general-:)👍❤️

[@carlosalenduran4630]

This looks awesome everyone. I love it .and I do remember the Kitchen with the black & white backsplash which I love that design too. You guys have great taste.

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

That reading nook is GENIUS!!!

[@lesliemctavish4300]

I would probably not think of Mid Century Modern for this space, but now that I see it, it couldn't be anything else. Unless predictable. I luv it! I also love mid century modern.

[@anajanemejia-norway854]

loving the jumpers

[@jacquelinebrown6596]

I love the decor of everything especially the book nook area, but that blue and white cabinet is amazing!

[@margaretblack4290]

Looks great! Maybe a small table between the chairs and a lamp on the bar. Always feel like a room needs alternative to the overhead fixture.

[@discoterry]

I am a retired organizer age 71 and living in a 400sq. ft studio in a private run seniors building in Scarborough. I just love your videos.

[@teresabell1014]

Loved that room, wasn't over crowded. You could see each piece and easily move around the room.

[@heathersmith8549]

Great remodel. Love it!!! The books on the bar cart should be cocktail related 👍🏼

[@chandaharkins4418]

So glad y'all kept that awesome coffee table! I love it. I very much enjoy your channel, but I do so wish you would buy more secondhand items. Keep up the great work!

[@dyanalayng5507]

Terrific IVAR solution into a MCM style! I'm catching up on your current videos, Alexandra, and TWICE now, I've seen a solution to my space&storage problems in my 441 sq ft apartment. I am MCM myself - and here's an idea you might throw in sometime. My parents, in the 1950s, did a DIY Jackson Pollock "painting" on an enormous piece of heavy paper, about the colour of the paint in the nook. It was up for ages. Love that smoky blue on the cabinet. Perhaps it could be reapeated on the kitchen cabinets ... The DIY tile covering is really jarring, BUT, as always, showing the technique is good. I'm sure someone really needed it. Your crisp painters tape technique is always needed. Love that light 💖💕 Wish I still had that angled metal lamp we had.

[@ksk881]

I loved the reading nook video, and this living room continuation is perfect. I think that these two videos probably match my own personal style better than any of the other room makeovers that you have done so far, so the smile that I normally have on my face while watching your videos is now one big GRIN! Absolutely beautiful!

[@anaisangot2476]

I would have put more candles in the fireplace for even more cosyness but all together, this whole make-over is one of my favorite. Everything ties up very nicely and the DIY bar turned up awesome ! Well done AG team :)

[@lisamartin704]

Not your usual Style, and it's kind of nice to see you go outside your comfort zone. When you walk into the room facing the couch in the window it looks great. But when you look from the couch the other two corners of the room planking those beautiful doors are empty. It seems like some art or something could have been added there.

[@aviscouncil7308]

You guys did an excellent job I love the bar cart and the 2 blue chairs. The mirror is very nice well done . Love love her little reading nook it's so pretty. All is fab. You guys are the boom diggy old school words😀👍👍👍💗❤️💛💜

[@Gbreal1971]

Although I believe the rug, tiles and mirror are a miss in terms of MCM, I get what you were trying to do. It’s so important to research the design style and look at what already exists so you can use it to its best advantage. The earthy tones of the fireplace tile along with a simple wood frame mirror and a wood table between the chairs would have added warmth.

[@jhutch1681]

yes' to more warmth

[@makamebaghishvili6492]

OMG! I Love you James!! 😭😭

[@carolewhite4659]

You made that big and bare space so cozy!!

[@keaycrandall55]

The bar cart and chairs are so great! Love that blue. I think the nook and the living space end up looking cohesive together even though they are different spaces

[@christinecourtois5334]

The light fixture is really cool. I love how large it is and really helped fill the space. Great job being patient until you found just the right one. I was not a fan of the Peel and Stick tiles for the fireplace. I think they were too shiny and distracted from the MCM vibe you were going for. I wonder if since there was no actual fire going on in the fireplace, some rattan mats could have been used creatively, to bring in a little texture, it might have complimented the color of the fireplace a little more and been less distracting. You and your team are so creative and I like that you aren't afraid to try different things and play around with styles and colors. I am very happy to have found your channel, and am getting lots of inspo. for a few projects I want to tackle around my space too. You are all fun to watch, and thanks for sharing your talents and bringing some joy into the spaces you and your team design.

[@ashliexXxriot]

Crisp lines is definitely the Team AG mantra of 2022

[@AyriceWilson]

Can we talk about Alexandra's backpack in Home Goods? so cute!

[@ccaro4003]

So glad you held out for the right space! It is a shame that cool curvy candle gets lost because it’s adorable!

[@sheguftakazi4701]

Every weekend I’m waiting for your home designing video.

[@jamerella29todapoint52]

Wow great job!! Finally I don’t have any compliments

[@StephanieRendino]

It's cozy and yes, adult. The bar cart transformation is amazing!

[@pryingaa]

The part 2 we have all been waiting for! Looks amazing!

[@keilinaano8079]

Absolutely amazing Alexandra 🤩 It looks STUNNING as per your mum's reaction haha. So whimsical and fun. Perfect place for your parents to enjoy once again - time for new memories ❤

[@vickinoeske1154]

I so agree - it pays off to wait for the item you really love and can't live without. Great job AG Team.

[@lynetteklassen5613]

Your videos make me so happy! I love watching your whole team together 😂 and obviously I love seeing the beautiful makeovers too

[@Tavel614]

Love, love, Alana!

[@mommygarcia9137]

Wow ! Looks absolutely beautiful , loving the pops of blue throughout the room , the chairs & the cabinet are gorg !

[@debrabell2604]

Such a great space, love the gorgeous. vibrant blue chairs. I think the reading nook is my favorite, so cozy to sit and read or visit with a friend.

[@lisasmith9123]

I so look forward to seeing your makeovers, I love them. They are always perfectly styled and so inviting.

[@stormiechantell]

This is awesome

[@lisamackres783]

Incredible. It looks like it's styled like a New York apartment. Lisa Mackres

[@grandmaraps]

Alexandra for your next curve project, check out the automotive store for painters tape that stretch. It makes curves easier.

[@tonyawilliams9433]

Like everything but think the reading nook needs maybe a cube style foot rest/coffee table combo. Even though the client likes and uses the bench....that style isn't that comfortable...especially for lounging and reading. I would have added arms of some kind...lowered it a bit, maybe...and made it a bit deeper....just more comfy. The cubes across are so chic and interesting! Love them!

[@jessieslay7422]

This turned out very pretty..

[@cynthiavan-dunem3169]

This Living Room is giving me LIFE!!!! So very well done Alexandra, this is GORGEOUS 😍😍😍🎉🎉🎉

[@retro000]

I would definitely have used some blue wallpaper, and or blue heavy velvet curtains to warm all the white. But like this its still very versatile.

[@royer_redos]

Looks amazing.

[@waterbitten]

Shout out to Taylor, this space even before decor is so beautiful

[@harmonyjoy]

"I don't even know what you are talking about." 🤣 I'm dead!

[@ShaySunshyne]

My favorite part about Team AG makeover's is that I will end up liking it even if it's not my style LOL. So cute & cozy, I just want to makeover my space now 😭

[@ronnice8386]

I love love love this makeover!! Team AG has done it again! ❤️😍

[@matthewmcinnes7253]

Dunno if you’d see this, but I’m currently making over my bedroom, and it has rather unique challenges, namely I’m an independent autistic adult. Autism creates very unique needs in a space, for example my current need is a small enclosed space to sleep that is low to the ground. Basically trying to make a renter friendly cave in my bedroom. I’d love to see you take on a project involving these kind of unique challenges. Feel like it really forces the limits of creativity.

[@anneblommaert]

Really liking this design, I would love to see more of this mid-century style in other roomds and places

[@thesouthwindsays]

I would love love love to see a Santa Fe style makeover

[@vickytimmerman1365]

Love everything about your show your design your style you are so good, I do miss the days when you didn't just go to home sense and buy everything I miss the days when you did thrifting and pulled from the person's home

[@karanpanchal6424]

I found your channel yesterday and i have binged watch all of your videos...love your content from india 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@diegosierra16]

I loved it I'm mesmerized with how it turned out!!! Its my fav room im recreating it

[@enyab.6939]

Team AG Rocks! Love❤❤❤

[@gloriouslyimperfect]

I live in a loft apartment. Those lights would be perfect for my space. Some people have huge ceilings! 😂

[@larasoohon207]

I really loved this living room space the colors are so beautiful. Great job Alexander and your awesome team.