DIY Tiny Nook Turned Home Office Makeover | How to DIY a desk on a budget!

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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 and vlogs on Wednesdays! Today I'm turning a tiny empty nook into a functional, spacious home office, DIY style!
Products mentioned in this video:
Links marked with a AF are affiliate links. That means I receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products through this link. Products marked with * means they were gifted to me from brands but I was not paid to feature them in this video.
Inspo art print: hypesheriff.com/products/yell...
Canadian links:
Desk Lamp: fave.co/35Fwwzi AF *
Red Paint: www.behr.ca/consumer/ColorDet... *
Black Paint: www.behr.ca/consumer/ColorDet... *
Desk Chair: fave.co/3jGQ0IF AF *
This Just In Print: fave.co/3mwtZhL AF *
Abstract Print: etsy.me/2HK7K8M
Pen Holder: fave.co/3kCMnoD AF
Pens: (similar) fave.co/3jBBDFC AF
U.S Links:
Desk Lamp: (similar) fave.co/3mAG8lB AF *
Red Paint: www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDe... *
Black Paint: www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDe...
Desk Chair: (similar) fave.co/3kBuWVy AF *
This Just In Print: fave.co/3mwtZhL AF *
Abstract Print: etsy.me/2HK7K8M
Pen Holder: fave.co/3kCMnoD AF
Pens: (similar) fave.co/3jBBDFC AF
What I'm wearing:
Orange tunic: fave.co/34JmOMV AF
Let's be friends:
Instagram: / alexandragater
Pinterest: www.pinterest.ca/alexandragater/
Shop my Amazon store Canada: www.amazon.ca/shop/alexandrag...
Shop my Amazon store U.S.: www.amazon.com/shop/alexandra...
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Retro label maker I use: amzn.to/2J7Ukk8 *
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.
Video shot by Kayla Chobotiuk: www.kaylachobotiuk.com/
Edited by James Resendes: vimeo.com/jamesresendes
Intro designed and animated by Lindsey Deschamps: www.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.

[@pamelasfindsanddesigns]

Alexandra, I love you and your work! Just one comment: It hurts my soul (as an artist) every time to take inspiration from an artist's work without naming the artist. Pinterest, Society6, Etsy, etc. don't create, artists create. Please give them the credit. They deserve it!!!!

[@miaclee]

Thank you so much for saying this. Whether the youtubers intend it this way or not the suggestion to look to Pinterest for “inspo” often kinda encourages plagiarism, unfortunately :(

[@mediumpurple4994]

But the credit is on the video, if you pay attention. It's even linked on the description, in case you want to buy the print.

[@pamelasfindsanddesigns]

@@mediumpurple4994 Thanks. I know but actually mentioning the artist's name is better than giving Pinterest, etc. the credit.

[@pamelasfindsanddesigns]

@@miaclee I realize that "inspo" often leads to outright theft. Pinterest was invented for just that - which is often called "idea sharing." The least we can do is give credit where credit is due.

[@TheKozlikon]

Also credit is not payment and not permission

[@kebert2thumbsup]

I won't lie. I wish you went with some nicer wood than plywood. But I understand budgets. My other concern is if the plywood will bow in the middle after weight in the middle

[@jyjang]

Love the nook but Drill a whole large enough to pass electrical cords through and add a metal grommet to achieve an elevated look.

[@samanthakitch4736]

Also trimming out the front of the plywood would just make it look finished and more like a real piece of furniture.

[@lauriehuber3040]

Unfortunately this lamp has a cord switch which makes it difficult to use if through a hole. I generally try to loop and shorten the cord before the switch then try to place lamp so it doesn’t show.

[@karenjohnson4433]

Exactly what I thought about the cord hole in the desk. Karen Florida

[@wandadorsey4389]

I just wrote that great minds think alike 👍

[@iriskresge2298]

I love this makeover! I would have added some edge banding along the front edge of the desk and a hole in the desktop to put cables through. Great job!

[@michellebelle3845]

Yes!! The edge showing bugged me.

[@karenjohnson4433]

Me too on the edge banding. It would give a more finished look.

[@xellbe]

Came here to say this too! Some iron-on edge banding and then a quick trim would've made it really spiffy. Even if the edges of the plywood were sealed, if it wasn't sanded a bunch beforehand it can still be a little rough to touch.

[@mael2039]

I usually try to consciously not to write comments like this because I think the sense of this video is the amazing way you transformed this place and the hard work you did, and I don't want to diminish that but DAMN in every single video of yours I immediately notice how you're literally always wearing the most beautiful clothes and beautiful hair and just look gorgeous???? I wish I had that sweater damn

[@selinaschmid696]

That's a nice comment. She does have great taste in fashion, hair and stuff. I love that sweater colour!

[@quadbox]

Completely agree. She looks amazing, and area was very functional given the small space.

[@sharongraham4138]

We all were thinking the same thing, that sweater is beautiful and the color is awesome! Now I, have to go find one in that color.

[@alinagutierrez3019]

I want that sweater too, I just ckeched in the Info, there is a link!

[@karenjohnson4433]

Funny!

[@mawmawd627]

I love the orange color on the wall. I do find the dots distracting, especially if the space is meant for focusing and concentration on work. There’s also no storage.

[@antiquesrestoration3874]

I think I would paint the front raw edge of the desk top black or maybe even the redish wall color.

[@ArtByDesign80]

7:34 Not sure about this solution. Do not think it is that functional to write on paper ON the electrical panel (not flat to wall). Could have made art on canvas over the box would have worked better.

[@lurveseunot]

Either put the board calender there or have a cork board for the person to pin notes and etc

[@groundcontrol7]

I see what you're saying but the idea was probably that it might not be as cumbersome to reach the breaker box if they need to by rolling up paper as opposed to taking something down

[@popart7741]

Beautiful space! I would also add a rug under the desk not only for decoration, but also to keep my feet warm and protect the floor from the chair.

[@Charlie10266]

Thank you for always providing captions, you'd be surprised by how many KZbinr's don't.

[@bananainpjs]

This is hilarious timing because I literally made a desk using this exact method with those exact products yesterday xD

[@apcdesignznyc]

Where did you purchase the base for the desk?

[@ariannec159]

@@apcdesignznyc think i just found em! www.ikea.com/ca/fr/p/finnvard-treteau-avec-etagere-bouleau-30345717/

[@apcdesignznyc]

@@ariannec159 thank you!

[@bananainpjs]

@@apcdesignznyc Yep, that's the one! They have a couple different types now, mine is like ten years old haha

[@folla1545]

7:40 But how is she supposed to write on the paper with the electrical panel poking behind !

[@LoveJonez77]

Thinking same thing. I would probably use post it notes on it.

[@lynda.grace.14]

Agreed. That's not a practical solution. You can paint the exterior of the panel box which makes it disappear into the wall visually. Hanging a narrow shelf the width of the desk over it would also be useful in that area as things on the shelf could mask it. I've also hung artwork to cover it and currently, as mine is fortunately in a closet but wastes a lot of potential storage space if left uncovered; I have a 2X3 cube shelf to which I have stuck large felt pads on top of a 3x3 cube shelf to store shoes. When I need panel access I simply slide over one space--et voila! As long as it's accessible, you can hide it any way you like.

[@carolscott9973]

I think a whiteboard or piece of art on a hinge would work better than the roll of paper.

[@janetd4862]

I thought the same thing...if you write on it (awkward angle) then you would run into the uneven surface of the electrical panel. If you stick post-it notes on it, then what was the point? You’d have been better off with a white board, bulletin board, or metal board with magnets.

[@rebeccajordan4491]

Agreed. I would switch the whiteboard calendar with the paper roll. Cute idea, just swap the walls.

[@myraalexander3018]

Do I see a sewing machine on the lower shelf .....YES! This gives me a great problem solver solution for desk/sewing space!

[@sarahrobison1702]

Very cute but I don't think there is a lot of options for storage. Usually you give lots of space for paperwork :) just personal taste I am not a huge fan of the plywood table top, I feel like solid would have been much more sleek and professional but those legs and the artwork with the wall came together adorably :). Great job

[@bethsharma4766]

Yes, I was thinking where are the baskets?

[@javabeanstudio]

Alexandra: "I'm going out of my comfort zone, who am I??" Also Alexandra: *literally painted her signature dalmatian print on the top half of that wall* xD

[@Lifeasmrssmith]

Love it! When are you and DIY Danie going to collaborate again?!

[@Natalia-pc7fm]

Simple but stunning. I might have included overhead lighting too and a waste paper basket under the desk.

[@lorrainegatzke1048]

Wikipedia: The Kalahari Desert is a large semi-arid sandy savannah in Southern Africa extending for 900,000 square kilometres (350,000 sq mi), covering much of Botswana, parts of Namibia and regions of South Africa. Behr paints got the Namibia colour of the Kalahari desert spot on 👋

[@wendygale4808]

Soooo love that every time you do a makeover, you take into account how the individual's needs and tastes!!! Love your beautiful makeovers!!! Thank you!!!

[@adelvoros3249]

It’s a nice transformation and the outcome is quite decorative. Glad to see you sealed the table top! Issues: the space is more than big enough to incorporate storage under the table top. Or even an organizer on top. And I do think that the paint color is too strong and somehow doesn’t complement the wood tones or the brown paper (which I think is a great idea to cover up the metal box) or the black accents. I probably wouldn’t want to stare at such a strong color while working, and the whole corner feels way too busy to me.

[@thisylvain]

Amazing ! As a man, glad to see something different than pink :)

[@karenjohnson4433]

Funny

[@lindajasmin4914]

Sooo good! Functional and inspiring. I want to use that color, will go well with my ’70s vibe. Quick painting tip: after putting down the tape, paint the tape line with whatever the first color is (white in this case) so that’s the color that leaks through the tape and you’ll get crispest line ever. Also do it for the corners. But especially great, when doing a half wall like this :) this changed my painting game!

[@sereniebellini8973]

I may not always share the same design view as you but I'd like to say, I totally enjoy your productions and appreciate every challenge to create a space that is our own aesthetic. Thank you and keep the vids coming!

[@melissafarrell8743]

This has got to be one of my favourite transformations, and it's just so simple. But I can't stop staring at it. Especially since I for sure thought I would hate that wall but I absolutely love it.

[@mercedesfaberlle6918]

What a happy work station! So bright and fun without being overwhelming ♥️

[@maryj5087]

I really like this. The only thing I wonder about is the placement of the wall calendar. Unless she is left handed, it may make it a little awkward for her go write on. Otherwise, she may have to remove it each time she makes a note. But maybe she's ok with that. Just wondering

[@amandao.8043]

I was going to say the opposite - only right handers can use that paper!

[@Raxx777]

I agree and think it needs to be where the roll of brown paper is since that might be hard to write on with the electric box lid there. It can be easily lifted up and down and give her a larger flat surface to write on.

[@amyhartman8068]

I’m not fond of that color but glad it isn’t that rose pink. It looks great.

[@moonfacemoonfacemoo]

Omg that orange sweater in the beginning is simply amazing.

[@DGM403]

I love the sweaters you have been wearing.

[@BudandBloomWithBlossom]

Ha! Ha! I am so happy that the woman is so happy with her new office! 😄😄😄

[@tinekejoldersma]

Love it, came out so warm and practical. Jess's reaction was so sweet.

[@jejrstans]

That orange paint color looks like pumpkin pie filling to me. YUMMY!!!

[@udlove09]

I love how inexpensive and simple this makeover was!

[@Nivimary]

Your friend’s reaction is epic 😆😆😆 Looks like she loves the space very much (And so do I!)

[@UrinaAdams]

Love your desk nook. I would have liked to see a finished edge.

[@helentingle2505]

I love this makeover and your fabulous orange sweater. It really suits you to have your hair up. You are a design genius.

[@nancypettitt1211]

Great love the wall.....you give so many great ideas that do not cost the moon! Thanks Alexandra! Am looking forward to seeing your new office space completely done.

[@MissMTriana21]

That sweater is EVERYTHING. Love the finished look in this space!!!!

[@jenwynn19]

Yes!!! I just ordered it Thursday night, and got it today. So excited!!!

[@helenablignaut662]

Love the wall! The desk size is brilliant. I love everything about this makeover. Well done!

[@robsgirl7778]

Love the wall color😍

[@sheaysczerba2842]

Except that one really low dot would drive me crazy.

[@tinamc2820]

I love the orange paint. The wall scroll 📜 seems like it would be hard to write on with the fuse box cover behind it 🧡.

[@cadyheron9951]

i wasn’t feeling the dots but adding them into the orange really made it!

[@tsoumpa870]

All my life I was avoiding orange but that colour is so beautiful! I can't believe how much I love it!

[@karenjohnson4433]

To me it’s burnt pumpkin. Beautiful

[@djwendy]

I think that sweater is the best thing Ive seen on you and your hair is adorable. LOVE the new look !

[@Zabigdog]

Super ooper dooper cool. I have a weird tough tiny room in the basement and this just blew the doors off my brain...bwahahahaaaa!

[@kansasgirl8371]

Love the wall treatment. These new earthy colors are giving me life!

[@sheilavanduynfote5539]

I’m glad you went out of your comfort zone with the color I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

[@FurnitureFan]

Yes, I love these deep vivid autumn colours and the wall is going to look so warm, especially during winter.

[@ridakazmii]

Now i want to do a bold accent wall in my room😍😍😍😍😍 this is just loveee❣️ jess's reaction was so nice 🥰 A REALLY REALLY BIG FAN~

[@torysetliff]

Love all the color you've been branching out with lately!

[@shiroinekojulie]

Yess finally masking tape! It makes such a huge difference. I love this makeover :)

[@paulajf4205]

In the category of very simplified renos, this is one of your best, if not the best. You did or used a very few things but it all had a big impact. I love the paint color and the desk. I really like your sweater, but can't imagine doing any paint job in a thick sweater or nice clothe in general. I got hot looking at you- ha.

[@mrs.murphy2611]

It's the painter's tape tip for me😁🙌 love her!!

[@ameliaandbridie]

Love budget friendly videos this is so cool! 😍

[@jessth4485]

I absolutely LOVE this makeover! I adore the painted wall and clever use of brown paper. The desk is perfect! What a great use of a tiny space!

[@susanhensley2038]

I ABSOLUTELY love this!!!! Im working on an office craft room and this space is magical. I would do gallery wall of pictures so the desk is cleared off, but WOWZA!!!

[@kathyking9928]

I absolutely love everything about this space! Great job!

[@xMaggieAngelx]

I was sooo sceptical of the color and the dots, but.. I stand corrected! This looks amazing😍

[@nancyberg6260]

This was very much what the person wanted and needed. Gives me ideas for a little nook of a different sort for a bedroom kart of a room to be used then for other functions. Thank you for taking the time to create it well

[@dorisw5558]

With the wall color and the graphic print in front of it: did anyone else get the feeling of a giant penguin book cover?

[@betterthanfavouritesweater]

i’ve been following your work for a while now and was among those complaining about how repetitive your designs were. so happy to see your growth! this makeover and the dance studio were so good! you are so much better out of your comfort zone! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@barbaramuth194]

Love the color. Love how daring you were with the wall. And if I could I would steal your sweater tunic with the most lovely collar!

[@starriewaltz1852]

I am always in love with your hair style! so elegant and cute.

[@deelite4955]

I actually really like what you did with the wall here.

[@CosyPosy]

Wow, you're looking extra gorgeous in the standup. I love your hairstyle in particular!

[@sabrinas.5072]

I covered my own electrical outlet with a framed poster, and 3M hanging/velcro strips, not a nail in the wall #renterfriendly

[@sarahdaniel2676]

I have a nook just like this and was shopping around for desks. Then I saw this vid and went for it. I LOVE it so much. I never do DIY home stuff, but this was so easy. Thank you, A!

[@LunarFerns]

This transformation is so simple but so beautiful!! 😍

[@ruthgoddard6539]

Love the colors. It looks so good

[@chathurim4813]

Just love everything about this makeover ❤️ Well done !

[@carinaz3734]

Love it🤗 A small shelf and a trim on the desk would look nice 💕🇸🇪

[@forest_green]

My husband used a wood counter top from ikea for his home office. We needed something extra long (it's about 8 feet) and less likely to bow from weight because he has 4 large monitors.

[@vickinoeske1711]

Very nice, I especially like the paint treatment and color.

[@sampow44]

I love that you have that sweater in so many colours 😂

[@Liz-lw6ht]

Wow!! That is amazing! It looks so good what a difference and so adaptable! Great ideas!! Thank you!

[@autumnmcclain5839]

Ok, never did orange look so good! First, you look great in that shirt. The color and style are so flattering for you. And your hair looks so pretty! I am amazed at how wonderful the walls look!! My best friends favorite color is orange, now I want to go out and get this color and paint her walls. Behr did well with these colors! I don't care for the dots on the wall, but I like the charcoal color and I like the idea of the patterns made with the sponge. I liked the oblong square from your previous video, I want to try that instead of the dots. The desk is a wonderfully big space to work at. Your did good girl!!

[@carltongirl95]

Looks fabulous Alexandra and lol I loved your "twinning" with the wall comment...thankyou for sharing stay safe 💜💅💜

[@bernadineponte8609]

Another beautiful transformation. Well done Alexandra & team!

[@HeatherCashArt]

I love the wall design! So artsy!!

[@amandajohnson4428]

Nice. Jess’s reaction is priceless. 💕

[@Kaths_device]

Yessss accent wall! So pretty 😍

[@7sevendaysara]

Alexandra I had the same problem of electrical cabinet in my kitchen and I used a framed painting that could open like a door to reveal the cabinet beneath. Anyway, I looove how funny is this accent wall, you nailed it as per usual Sara Nena DIY

[@Raxx777]

Love the accent colors and the practical pricing of this makeover- like others I would hadd a hole for the cords or a hidden power strip and an edging on the desk and maybe some square boxes or baskets on that lower 'shelf' of the sawhorse bases. Also the insperation to find a space to work or create is wonderful.

[@amyheng4892]

I'm obsessed, I love the desk and wall.

[@desilu1907]

Its soooooo cute and functional Alexandra

[@kimdkus]

I turned my guest room closet into a cute sewing room!

[@candiceklein6813]

I love the wall color and the dots. Great job

[@abdulmajeedal-yazidi1529]

I am in love with the dots in the wall 😩❤️

[@fb9001]

When she said I love it, I said it almost at the same time 🥰

[@jamiemasterson3029]

I love it! Well done, as usual.

[@dariavuistiner1103]

"Now Im using burnt orange, who even am I anymore" Ahaha so AG ;)

[@mommygarcia9137]

Wow ! The nook looks absolutely beautiful ! Love the wall art !!

[@LE123LE123]

It’s funny how I wasn’t a fan of this as it started but wow! As always , Alexandra pulled it together into a great work space!

[@sarahmj3226]

Love that paint color and your tunic!

[@hayeslundry]

I love your sweater in the intro shot and want it. So very fall almost winter. Great color and shape.

[@kamilaapetauer]

yey! this looks so simple but it actually is beautiful! I might take some inspo into my own office space 🤔😊 thanks!

[@douglassamuel]

Wow, the office is really cool now! Amazing transformation. And your sweater is beautiful.

[@nelliet1706]

I'm now looking around my house for a nook! 🤣

[@pollyg4160]

I used one of those women mats (2x6ish)to cover up my electrical panel and let the top curl over a bit and it looks great and serves the purpose!

[@pamelafox7677]

Great practical desk, and accent wall. Love your hair too.

[@kapar9282]

Cute space, and functional!

[@veronicabone8835]

Love the wall color.

[@hannahparrish3584]

Okay I definitely want to recreate that look in a large picture frame