Design Rules I Swear By: Answering The Most Common Decorating Questions

[@Stephanie-hl8jo]

The rug advice is so helpful! I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong and I never had advice on this before. Thank you!!!!

[@AlexandraGater]

I’m so happy to hear that!

[@Stephanie-hl8jo]

@@AlexandraGater Truly game changing! I am getting a bigger one so I can do the 3/4 placement with my bed and have lower pile for easy cleaning ✨

[@ericaquint1895]

I also wanted to add something about choosing a white paint: use the direction that the room faces to help determine your undertones as well. If you have a room with a lot of natural sunlight (west/south facing), then you might want to look into a white paint with cooler undertones since warmer undertones might look dingy. If you are looking to paint a room that is a little darker (east/north facing or even a room with no windows), then look for whites with warmer undertones.

[@hiimchuckiewannaplay]

To answer your question: I do like these kind of videos! I think it makes for a nice mix of different content. If you *only* did room makeovers, it could get monotonous. I enjoy seeing the variety of your personal home reno to friends makeovers to advice chats like this. Great job on this one team AG

[@cereuh]

I would love more advice on managing rooms that are carpeted! All your videos that I have watched have spaces with hard flooring, so I am struggling to design my dining room, living room, bedroom, and office.

[@imaredhead1]

I loved this! Like a “behind the mind” tour! This was not just entertaining but also educational! Alexandra, as you grow your brand, remember to always surround yourself with people who appreciate & support your vision. We watch because we enjoy YOU, not just make-overs. :)

[@bridgettanner2327]

Alexandra, I love ALL your videos. Have for years, and will for years🥰 But to answer your last question, yes, I'd love more of these ones where you just depart a bunch of wisdom you've learned over the years on us!:)

[@elenagarcia7928]

I've been following you since you started this channel and it's great to see how you have grown personally and professionally!!!congrats!!😍

[@lauragonzalez471]

AG team: please make a video on how to make your space more photogenic, "Insta ready," or "Zoom friendly". I hope this makes sense.

[@sumitrasix]

Would love this!

[@ghassedir]

I'm an artist who is preparing to move into a new space, and I'm finally fully leaning into a design aesthetic I've loved my entire life: Maximalism. I'm planning, measuring, buying some new things, repurposing some old things, and scheduling out all my tasks. Watching your videos is giving me great ideas, and inspiring new directions. Thank you so much, and I look forward to your work in 2023!

[@NicVanD]

Thanks for the tips on the white paint! Please! More of these types of videos!

[@thesnoopydance645]

I figured out my style is "Boho rustic whimsy industrial." That's what I'm drawn to. 🙂Basically love things that are colorful, handmade, and not found in any department store.

[@vilkenstrutzutzutz]

Same!!! Industrial boho with a quirky twist! Kitch accents in an old industrial farmhouse.

[@nancyanneberg403]

Fantastic title. I may borrow it. Beats the Shaker Victorian from friends earlier in my life.

[@Lolibob151]

I call ours cosy industrial- it's dark and moody industrial with warmer textured fabric elements. My dinning room is also cosy industrial but has a curiosity shop/botany academia style

[@nancyanneberg403]

@@Lolibob151 the dining room,please. Cosy industrial workable. A new trend, both. Makes my day, thank you.

[@jmsantana1987]

LOVE LOVE LOOOOOOOVE this video. Please do more of this. I love your approach to renter friendly design but I live in a place where I cannot change out the color of my cabinets, my light fixtures, and some of the other more invasive design choices that you do. I love that you are renter friendly and you think about people who cannot change out some more invasive things, but I would love more things involved for folks who live in apartment complexes where light fixture change outs are not an option. You’re so sweet and so knowledgeable. I can’t wait to watch more of your vids on my BINGE!

[@ms.borzynski2195]

I have gotten so many compliments on my home because I do exactly what you said. I choose things I love without worrying about fitting into a design style and my space feels really unique and curated to my personality

[@antonellabassi3466]

I enjoyed this video format a lot. Thanks. A suggestion for pet bowls-you can thrift amazing vintage crystal or pressed glass bowls for next to nothing and they make for very fancy water and kibble dishes!

[@taytertottt]

Alexandra, you're just absolutely a ray of sunshine! 🌻☀ I love your vibe inside and out and this video was super duper helpful! I'm so indecisive, but that tip about pinning things that make you feel something was top-notch!

[@jhutch1681]

Thanks for the full disclosure that you did not go to design school. Experience is always a plus, passion is a great driving force, and your videos are always fun to watch. Even if I sometimes see things that I might do differently in my own space, it's always great to see the before and afters! Despite the fact that you do lots of renter friendly tips, I find some of your lovely tips to still be out of my price range, but it's still good to get inspiration. I recently painted my space a white with a pink undertone. It doesn't read pink, but it looks great against my white trim. It is bright and airy, but warm, and works really well with my blue and blush accents. I used Benjamin Moore's 'White Zinfandel'. The other tip I found helpful with paint colour choices is to look at the light reflective value, because even when I choose colour, I want it to be light and bright, but without being washed out. As for design style, I find there are lots of things that I can truly admire, but wouldn't necessarily choose for me and my space. When trying to decide between two different tastes - or any difference of opinion - I think that the person who feels the strongest should get the choice. So, if you REALLY need a pink couch and Noah didn't mind /was somewhat indifferent /only mildly preferred something else, then you should get the pink couch. If he REALLY hates a fluffy carpet (for instance) and you have other ideas that you could be just as happy with - then he gets to choose from them... The 'who feels more strongly' decision method works in life as well as design! Pet accessories can also be things that weren't designed for pets, but that you love. Washable cushions and throws for pet beds, thrifted bowls for their food and water, flower pots to hold toys and brushes... Often they are less expensive if they aren't specialty items. Protecting the upholstered furniture can be easy with a bedspread thrown over. They are way more economical than custom covers and are easy to wash. You also have the option to peel them off when company comes.

[@BusyBeeMaree]

I also think knowing and understanding the color wheel is a great jump off point too. Love your channel, have been watching for 2 years now and also partial to your parents being British, haha

[@julianolan2860]

Fabulous! The white paint advice, the sofa advice!! Terrific!

[@ExpatNatt]

I currently rent and have no idea where to start with decor and your videos help so much. Love your style, thanks for sharing! 💕

[@karinaguevara13]

I’ve been watching Alexandra since her time in Chateline. She’s come a long way. I still enjoy her talent and advice when it comes to design. Why do I hate the bullying disguised as “friends” from her team though. I also do not enjoy 💯 % the editing clips that again pick on her or make her look bad. Maybe it’s me but I hope they tone it down. There’s too much negativity on the internet already. 🫤 Anyway I’m still here supporting her channel but it’s mostly because of her ❤️

[@angieemm]

Loved the sofa fabric info. I have Australian shepherds and I've had a hand-me-down tweed type sofa and a microfiber and the microfiber is waaaay easier to ball up the hair and get it off. I like using a handheld rubber rake/squeegee combo. I've also had short haired dogs and the rubber rake does NOT work on those hairs; only fluffy ones!

[@mojoholo9529]

Your best answers were to the more personal questions, you and Noah making your home, and how you’ve dealt with pet problems. Good chat. Great vid. xxx

[@michelemarie1818]

Definitely need more Q & A's! As a renter, I've been apprehensive to apply peel and stick wallpaper or tile because I'm afraid it'll leave a sticky residue! Does it come off clean?? Anybody have experience with this?? :D

[@stephanieboekhoudt1786]

I dont think it leaves residue depending on the wallpaper you use. However, I think you can remove sticky residue with alcohol or specific cleaning products

[@hoppingwren]

OMG James - when AG said "when i feel a bit stumped" and you had a stool made from a stump!!!

[@karenrobbins4622]

As for decorating with cats in mind, teaching your cat to use a scratching post (or similar design) instead of your furniture makes a big difference!

[@crystalcollins648]

Love this type of video please do more! Also a note about pet friendly sofa, I bought the ikea jattebo sofa because the corduroy is thick, cat scratch resistent and best of all, the couch covers are replaceable so I can just switch them out and keep the whole sofa if they get too torn up. Highly recommend also it's modular, has storage under the cushions so I was able to build one for my small space, very happy with it :)

[@erikabraga100]

Love your videos, you literally makes me cackle the whole time, your crew is amazing and looks like you guys are very good friends and not only co-workers

[@abmoralesrosado]

Loved the Q&As. This was very enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Some of the info will be coming with me!

[@grammybear4226]

🐼 Big Bear Hugs from a 68 yr old grandma in Kirby, Texas, USA 🐼 ❤ 🎀 ❤ 🎀

[@breannamacalpine9172]

I found this video super helpful, you have so many helpful tips during your makeovers, its great to have a video like this that puts them in one place. Would love to see more of these!

[@smilesam]

Loved this video! Obviously seeing you design spaces is amazing, but vids like this are so helpful and informative.

[@Redroo11]

Super helpful to hear all the ideas and that you like some of us also have to sometimes deal with fear ie of painting or a disappointing design choice before you finally reach a point where things feel right. Thanks for sharing how you collaborated with Noah to make choices you could both live with.

[@StancyNova]

I just found your channel, and this is the second video I am watching. I really like renovation and decoration content, and with some tips like this it is so much more interesting. So cool to see your style!!!

[@michelle_jasek]

these are such good tips! for years I could not figure out my ✨aesthetic ✨ until I saw you use peel and stick wallpaper! That gave me the idea to put up fake wood contact paper on my walls, that I got at the dollarama. And then it just clicked! My aesthetic is 1970's motel room! hahaha

[@amandaruthbarnes1181]

I like several styles but what I've noticed from my fav makeovers you've done is that you pick a style and go in hard on it. So I tried it! It took me all winter to aquire the pieces but a new friend recently complimented my "asthetic" and how cohesive my "style" was. She wants me to help her with her apartment lol!

[@kaylaleiann]

Love this video!!! Please do more videos with your design tips!! My husband and I are moving into a house in 3 weeks (rental, so my fun is limited lol) but I’m a little overwhelmed and feeling design paralysis. We got a new bed and I’ve been looking for throw pillows and blankets to start a color scheme in our room, but suddenly I’m so noncommittal lol. I’m going to start a mood board with just a few pictures like you said and see if that keeps me from being overwhelmed 😊

[@anima6035]

I just moved into a rental about a month ago.. my top tips would be don't buy anything yet (bed is fine, you need a bed lol) and don't buy everything in one go once you do move.. I ended up having to return a couple of things because I jumped the gun and they ended up not fitting with the aesthetic (ie toilet bin and brush in some weird blue colour, why? I ended up getting a white one lol)... So that just added to the work I have to do 🙃. But yeah, it's been fun anyway, enjoy and good luck in your new place! X

[@kaylaleiann]

@@anima6035 That’s good advice! We’re going from a one bedroom apartment to a three bedroom house, so we will definitely have to get everything piece by piece! :)

[@jasaint5914]

Loved this video! Great information and advice. And, I'm really glad my question got answered!! (Colour scheme) Thank you!

[@jenmccullough9686]

I want my style to be room room you’ve made over! Just love everything you do. Seriously your videos have opened my mind to things I would not have tried. My peel and stick back splash was a major fail but my friend and I had fun trying. We even sang the”light song” but we sucked at both. Just wish Buffalo’s Home Good was as good as yours...never find the cool things you do.

[@cheerssteph]

Your videos make Saturday mornings better 💕

[@AlexandraGater]

🥹🥹🥹

[@jojojo724]

For anyone wondering about what white to pick I would like to add that you should pay attention to the undertone of any white moulding/trim in your space if your not repainting them! It will make something like bm simply white look yellow if its Cool white trim

[@deathbanana888]

Alexandra! I need more of these! I tend to consume as much cute and quirky (ie your) design content as I can to take in inspo and ideas and tips by osmosis so this really worked for me as a neurodivergent brain. I love the "trash" clip memes edited in, I feel like that made things really entertaining and it felt like the collective personality of Team AG was coming through with the mentions of funny things the team has said to you. It was really unique and sweet and fun and silly and funny. I loved it and it felt very 'you'. Please please please do more like this! That accent wall question and the stuff that goes into the construction of a design plan was just 👌 👌

[@tgeetoo9451]

Alexandra, we love your content. 🌟 Thanks for sharing and showing such great ideas! 💫

[@darlaburnett8666]

Awesome video!! Good questions, great answers and glad you mentioned Noah because I was beginning to wonder about you two !!! ❤️

[@cham9984]

Really enjoyed this! Especially talking about paint color!

[@MariaGreece777]

Wow. This video was super helpful. It's like u gave away all your wisdom. What happens, though, when u love different styles that don't seem to match? For instance, I love boho, boho chic, modern, minimal and industrial styles. I renovated my house last year. My kitchen is industrial, with boho details (grey, greige and boho pillows on the couch), while my living room is modern and boho (beige and brown, wood, with lots of plants). Do you think it looks crazy?! Thanks! Ps1. I've never seen more beautiful carpets than the ones u use. Ps2. Quick question: Do we need to cover all the walls with something? Painting, wall decor etc? There's a wall in my living room which is empty, which I like, since all the rest are covered, but at the same time it feels so empty. I can't stand watching it blank each time I see it. What should I do?

[@OnlyOneHope]

@Alexandra Gater, great video. Can you make a video on how to clean/maintain the Article velvet Sven? Mines arrive this week😁😁I ordered the Yarrow gold, and rug color suggestions for a neutral vibe…I’m in a 470 sq ft studio, you inspire me to make it gorgeous!!

[@cutewitchIRL]

Just putting in my two cents that this kind of video is really great!

[@tracygarrett3952]

This kind of video is important to have in your collection, so more educational videos please. I'd also like to know which coffee table shape goes with which style of sofa (sofa's). Round with sectional's? How much lower than your couch should it be? Does it have to match the end tables? I would love to see videos about tables in general or how to pick coffee tables, end tables, console tables for the same room. Hope you consider it. i

[@annsosie1515]

I like your definition of focus wall 🖼️

[@rubywatch]

Totally helpful! Thanks Alexandra!

[@lmille32]

On pet decor; A company called Feliway make attractants to put on your scratching post to ensure your cat actually uses the post instead of going back to the sofa. Not enough people use those kinds of tools and assume the cat doesn't like the new post when they probably actually don't really know what it's for. Your sofa is probably the most pheremoney/'smelly' fabric thing in your living room so of course the cat will choose that over the sterile, new thing you've just brought home.

[@DanikaBasista]

Love milanote! And all these tips were fabulous--especially about rugs

[@judith4158]

I discovered by accident, using an Ikea indoor/outdoor rug for an area rug inside, that it is indestructible. My cat loves using it to sharpen his claws, you'd never know by looking at it. I have polished concrete floors, so it works.

[@zotteltiger0431]

Great video! Thank you! In the next video I would love to see some advices on how to choose the right sofa shape for a room. :)

[@alexandrastevens8892]

I'm definitely into boho and with three furbbies my next sofas are going to be washable or wipeable I love this style of video

[@mimijohnson7714]

Alexandra! The melon/apricot sweater you had one showing pet products looks SO beautiful on you! Honestly you really should wear that color more! Just had to say that….🤷🏻‍♀️

[@sherrybrown4340]

I’ve had the same experience with (many) cats - velvet or microfiber, hands down.

[@alicejump2290]

Thoughtful tips! Blessed and safe days!

[@acmulhern]

I think you're going to have a good time. Sure, some days might be more stressful than others, but there's something so freeing about living on the road.

[@tlvance3973]

Your dedire for the buttery white is a good instinct since you live so far north in a very cold climate with clients perhaps sensitive to seasonal depression. That tiny touch of yellow will be uplifting in your climate. Further south where people are trying to escape the sunlight and heat, a totally different color might be your instinct. Good call girl.

[@brigidriendeau594]

I love that gold sofa your sitting on.

[@maupsy_]

My cats love biting on Velvet. they absolutely destroyed my fancy chairs :') They even turned some leftover fabric, from a costume I was making, into their favourite toy.

[@nomadine85]

Aww, I went into the sub-video box to check for links to quizzes for answering "what's my style" but it seems those got lost :D

[@beverleydryland1146]

Karla your yay ..... not convincing a retake is required haha Love ya channel Alexandra from Bunbury western Australia x x x

[@shalahcabrera3699]

Love this episode... very informative and realistic.. ☺️💞

[@TracyHRodriguez]

The white paint question 🤩🤩🤩👍👍

[@ruthmolli]

Alex I do have a question, but I'm unsure if this is your cup of tea... but I am going to ask. We have a great crew in our rental share home. Our room of dilemma is a 5x3.5metre room which has 2 windows and 2 doors.We need to fit 5 desks and an upright piano, includes a 2m in height and 1 metre wide bookshelf and another 1x1m bookshelf. I am baffled how to fit it all in aesthetically. We live in Australia. ... not sure on our style, we have white walls and loads of plants and framed art. I love your channel and would love your help.

[@shoshanakinsbursky3440]

You are delightful. Love your work.

[@maryanne1367]

I got a microfibre chair from wayfair and the cats like to scratch it and it never shows! Easy to wipe off the cat hair. I love it!

[@clairepinsent8676]

Can you do bathroom makeovers please for renters, love all your videos 💗

[@adriac21]

My accent wall is hidden but I like it…… I open my door then I close it and see my beautiful wall…..I’m loving it.

[@trudysenglishvictorianhome3244]

Do you happen to have the link for the Quiz for finding your Style? I so would appreciate it!! ☺️. Great video!! 🙌

[@ruthbindas2039]

I love Carla so much 😂😂😂😂😂

[@seshy11]

Any chance you could link the lint roller you used at the end of the video?? That looked awesome!

[@followthefreemans]

We are getting ready to paint our cupboards hunter green on the bottom and white on the top. The painter uses Sherwin Williams. Do you recommend a warm white from that paint line?

[@katiemisk]

Loved this! Pls make it a series!! I have wanted to ask you - what would you recommend for hanging curtains around ducting? For example, my only wall with windows in a studio has 1 line of ducting along the far wall and 2 along the other, so the gaps on either side of the curtain will be so different. Idk what to do plz send help :')

[@bangfangbang]

Where is that text print behind you from? It’s so funny

[@toribirdz]

Question/subject I hope you can address at some point, or anyone can help. But basically, when I walk into my rental house, there are 3 boob lights I can see from the entrance (in living room, in kitchen, and in a little room in the back I use as a library/office space. No doors. So if I was to change the boob lights, should I replace all of them with the same fixture or try to get each fixture to go with their room? All the rooms are a similar bohoish style, lots of white with pops of color, and I’ve considered at least one fan because it gets hot where I live and to help with cooking smoke.

[@nonawolf7495]

Cat owner here: How to keep cats from scratching furniture - make it unattractive to them. Cats don't like strong smells (like peppermint or cloves). I sometimes drip peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place it near the area that "Dino the Destroyer" like to attack. Another idea is to put a texture on the floor that kitty won't walk on... if he can't get near the furniture - he can't scratch it. Last - give your little shredder a more attractive target. Put a cat scratcher in front of the piece, and Fluff Slasher will choose the better target. As he gets into the habit of going for the scratch, start moving it slowly to a more strategic location. Cats are creatures of habit, and that works in or favor when it comes to training.

[@jackiebrown6577]

Very very helpful! Thank you! 👍❤️

[@AbbieElizabeth13]

As someone who wants to get into interior design, but isn't sure how, I definitely love these kinds of videos

[@angelaglaros]

I would love to know the brand of your lint roller brush. I’ve been using sticky lint rollers because they work so much better, but a really good brush would be a great upgrade.

[@ameliaanne1892]

I seen something about putting white pepper on sofa corners to stop the cats

[@kerriish3391]

My biggest issue is moving into my boyfriends house. He moved in while we’ve been together and I’ve been helping him decorate He loves plain bright white walls, black and wood industrial furniture and no colour except from in hanging prints. I’d love to add more colour now I’m moving in, maybe just one navy accent wall, but there’s no budging him. Ideas welcome from anyone who’s experienced this!

[@sandrafassett1206]

Great design tips!!

[@sherrypratt8269]

Great information.

[@aparajitaxyz]

very very informative especially about pets

[@Marikiish]

🤪 I would cry too... if I don't get a Pink sofa!

[@quirkysaucy]

I need a solution to makeover a laundry room with a top loader washing machine. All the laundry rooms I’ve seen are virtually the same over and over again with a nook, butcher board top over a front loader washer and dryer, a shelf or two and/or cabinets.

[@grlinterrupted7291]

Yayyy! Coffee ready…

[@lorenaoliveira6891]

Hi Alexandra! Where is the rug from in 9:06 please? Thanks so much :)

[@maryannkom299]

I want to do an accent wall behind my bed in my bedroom, but I’m afraid I might get tired of it and not want it there anymore after a year. I have a disability so I’ll need help to do the wall and likewise, help if I decided I don’t like it anymore. So, I’m stuck.

[@asconza]

Me without a pet, watching through all of the pet decor tips: ✍️✍️✍️

[@pizzakrydder2515]

My experience with having cats, is that a leather sofa is great! No hair stick to it and at least my two haven't scrathed on it. Really hassle free choice.

[@BEEBZYBRICH]

You look great!!

[@HeatherCashArt]

love this video!

[@carolynbriggs6972]

I need a link for the lint remover. My sofa is covered in black cat hair that I can’t get rid of.

[@emmaainger7474]

Was there a link to the design quizes?

[@Josetticaskin]

You used chantilly lace in the closet makeover for the stylist

[@iamdanitee]

That piece above the bed, is that diy’ed or purchased?