Home Office Makeover | Ikea Built-In Bookcase + Desk Hack!

[@prairiecherie5743]

Here’s a little tip. Before drilling into the wallpaper, cut a small v shape and lift it up. Then drill your hole. If the shelves are moved later the wallpaper can be glued back down.

[@gaylebagley5612]

Great tip!!!

[@debeckersley3850]

Brilliant tip

[@darylvondunker327]

Oooooo. GREAT TIP!

[@blacktiger2154]

That’s smart!

[@_serreina]

Tricky tricky!

[@tinekejoldersma]

I love the classic vibes. Heavy velvet curtains would make the room a totally Jane Austin classic.

[@Yaro79514]

Great idea! Velvet curtains the same colour as the reading chair would just be the cherry on top!

[@mermaidqueen9881]

Yeah I don't love the linen curtains. Definitely not dark academia vibes

[@fionamortimore1704]

Yes I thought exactly the same....but perhaps it would make the room too dark. ❤

[@LiefSophietje]

That's what I was thinking as well!

[@jodpigbass5904]

Totally agree .. also didn't love the white poof - a leather one that could slide under the chair would have suited better.. and a richer type of blanket for the chair ...

[@Aigra]

Little tip for DIY desks like this one - depending on where your electrical outlets are, drill a hole in the back of the counter top that is big enough for plugs to go through. This way your cables are out of the way and the desk looks less cluttered.

[@mandapierce3012]

Yes! I was yelling at my screen “where can she plug things in!?”

[@LuluJinx1111]

Agreed- seems like there outlets were on the other wall.

[@lpatrick99]

Surprised that her laptop was not on her desk as this was supposed to be a home office. Where is she supposed to plug in her laptop? Where are her pens etc?

[@m2hnj]

This is the comment I was looking for 😂

[@theresabu3000]

There are pop-up outlets, that would be great for that. And the rest of the extension cords could be hidden below. You wouldn't even have to drill in the dressers, but the built addition at the back. Massive oversight.

[@michaelbeck4236]

Frankenstein morphing the two Article dressers into one stunning DIY desk is hecking brilliant. Drool-worthy, for sure. 🤤

[@MyRosie2007]

Looks like she stuck 2 Ikea shelves on top of 2 beautiful dressers.

[@SumairaChowdhury]

yeah totally...its like nothing is too shocking anymore. we are taking it in our strides, but if you think about it, this project was on another level!

[@payattention31]

It’s so chic,

[@easygii]

that colour combo of the dressers/ counter top and chair was great. i think same wood tone floating shelves would look more elegant tho.

[@user-ed7et3pb4o]

Yes, I was not a fan of the shelves. Seemed rushed and unconsidered, not as good as they usually do @@easygii

[@sonalibasak5213]

I think you always nail the dark aesthetic,u should do it more. I am so impressed by this makeover, the diy desk bookshelf is just too good.

[@valeriadelrio-rodriguez4953]

I agree

[@spacebar9733]

Seconded !!

[@karenustach5655]

The lighting choices in this makeover were my absolute favorite. I am surprised you didn’t have Graham put a cord hot in the back of the desk to drop computer cords down

[@karenustach5655]

Also the desk and wallpaper, chefs kiss 😘

[@darylvondunker327]

The Bank Lamp was totally awesome. I’ve never seen a white one. I’ve always seen them green, so it was very cool.

[@NightShine345]

I was wondering that too. It looks absolutely stunning, but im not sure how is Kira's going to plug in her computer? I can only assume she works on a laptop without a second monitor? But then that would still need charging

[@susanshannon1984]

@@darylvondunker327 The client had a green one but maybe it was the wrong tone of green with the chair & wall...an amber one would have been warmer than the white.

[@amandawells7945]

as Danie undoes her dark academia guest room, the dark academia re-emerges here! Balance in the universe is maintained!

[@lynnemenard5910]

😂

[@ceer9141]

I knew she would undo it lol

[@lilywhite4044]

Lol!

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I saw that too! I thought I might have to give up my zen refuge.

[@lizzfrmhon]

Her room was just too dark

[@autumnmcclain5839]

Why didn't you build slim shelves next to the desk? And leave the desk for space to work. Y'all build such a beautiful desk and then you cluttered it with cheap looking shelves. Wall paper is nice. Desk is gorgeous, kudos Graham! Light is awsome. Rug is good.

[@JoanMurray-j5y]

Who are ya'll ?

[@clutterbot7279]

@@JoanMurray-j5y the people in the video ?

[@patriciagurwitz509]

I’m guessing there wasn’t enough room next to the desk for those shelves. When designing small spaces often the customer is aware that certain things are compromised. From what I could see in the video there was more than enough work pace on the new desk and possibly Alexandra was already aware that her client would be fine with it.🌸

[@angelaglaros]

It’s such a good reminder that desks can be created out of dressers and a countertop, and I bet it cost way less than if you could even have sourced a desk that long with that many drawers.

[@lmtorr22]

it would be interesting to compare. the cabinets + butcher block costs about 2k all together.

[@poetryqn]

The issue for me would be the dresser drawers - too deep for desk supplies, and not deep enough for files. It's visually stunning, but problematic for library use.

[@janycelee7654]

Loved the desk itself, was not a fan of the bookshelves on top. I know this is just my opinion, but they looked like they didn't match. loved the cozy chair and the wallpaper. Small table.

[@Jewelleanita1]

The book shelves cheapened the whole look. It’s too classy and elegant for those IKEA book shelves. They should have used the same wood tones as the desk.

[@millot001]

Agree with you

[@MaryAnneAchieng]

Could've sworn I've seen these in unfinished wood - wish they would've gone with something that matches the desk better

[@lunakzzz]

Same

[@mariasilveira278]

I just watched this episode today and have to agree I was also not a fan of the darker book shelf’s. Although everything looked amazing and you always do a great job. I think the custom desk would have looked more complete if Graham had made similar custom shelves that matched the wood stain on the desk and then added crown molding at the base and ceiling. I think this would have made the desk look perfect! And lastly, perhaps a bronze or gold curtain rod with rust or dark green velour curtains would also bring the room more character. Just my opinion but you did an amazing job!

[@PandoraSummer-d9v]

Very pretty. Just a suggestion: golden velvet curtains and a more textured hair blanket in one of the yellow colors from the wallpaper. A large brass candle holder and a wooden hanger.

[@christinelee3344]

Finally COLOUR on the walls, no white, beige or pink!! Very classy!

[@debrap947]

The AG team tends to go for the colour palette and mood board of the "client", hence all the information gathering in the first segment of the video. I have a feeling we need to watch out for lots of Dark Academia makeovers as it is the latest trend in home decor.

[@user-ed7et3pb4o]

I wouldn't say dark academia is the latest trend, it's been a trend for at least 6-7 years. My friends and I were all crazy about dark academia in 2017-2018 lol - and still love it. But it's definitely settled into 'mainstream' status now, alongside the emphasis on thrifting, traditional furniture, heritage patterns and colours, etc.@@debrap947

[@mossie1954]

Finally, someone who spells colour correctly! :)

[@gardenhappy4]

Turned out great. The vast majority of the reveal were close-ups of individual room features and very few camera perspectives of the entire room. I would really enjoy seeing the camera pull back so we could get a better sense of how the whole room came together.

[@Eileen_Marie]

I’m not a wallpaper person however the moment you revealed this one, I almost cried. I would love this room. The desk, the color and THAT wallpaper. 🤗🥰

[@seseval]

I would’ve loved to see how a dark curtain would’ve looked like but this is a DREAMY office

[@kimmycushman7418]

Also painting the trim from white to dark brown!

[@RememberTheTrees]

Nice start. I would use maybe a golden brown or a terracotta curtain in that room, probably a heavier weight, like velvet, and some more ornate finials to go with the vintage vibe. Ideally, hang them closer to the ceiling. I hope she kept her cute old bookshelf somewhere else in the house!

[@bespokenmile]

Great room. My only quibble is with the bookshelf bases, the ‘legs’ make the shelves look like what they are, two free standing shelving units standing on a bench; it would have looked more seamless had there been no ‘legs’ or if they’d been camouflaged. I speak as someone with several thousand books…

[@iamkid_a]

i'm crying at angle grinding those brackets that he probably found on the side of the road and sticking them to more free junk legs he turned into something nice.. so much work but no one can say they have anything like that that's for sure! graham is a gem

[@CorpseBride64]

I love that thrifted side table & green chair. They are my favorite things in this room.

[@GoogleUser-wx8mw]

It's so beautiful!! I wasn't sure about those white curtains at first, but they preserve the daylight she seemed to like and keeps the room from becoming depressing instead of moody. So well done, and the AG reveal is excellent, as usual. I know I've typed this comment multiple times, but it is true: AG has the best reveals of any YT channel I've watched. Slow, delicious, enabling the viewer to enjoy every inch of the space, revealing textures and the view from multiple vantage points. Chef kiss on this space and every AG reveal. The music makes the reveals upbeat and exciting, too, without overshadowing the actual work. Can you tell I'm a fan of your work? 😄

[@anettekvam]

Loved this makeover. The room looks so cozy and inviting. So much character but still very calm. Have you ever thought about hanging the curtains higher up closer to the ceiling and have them hang down the side of the window frame instead of following the window frame? I feel it often makes a room feel bigger and it also allows all the light to flow through the room

[@manuelal30]

Usually they always do that with the curtains, I was surprised they didn't do it in this makeover... Same with the holes for the cables behind the desk... It was like they weren't their usual self, with attention to all the details, but still, a wonderful makeover.

[@user-ed7et3pb4o]

I agree, it felt like they were cutting corners in this one and not spending as much time on it. @@manuelal30

[@DisneySleeve]

Graham is literally amazing. Every DIY I’m like ??? How does he know all this! So talented.

[@GrietjeMuda]

He has golden hands, everything turns into something amazing by him

[@andrewcicchetti]

and he's cute

[@chinezenwosu1345]

​@@andrewcicchettiThis!

[@MyFocusVaries]

Finally seeing someone with good painting technique! Cutting in all the way around and rolling straight up and down in full runs! Thank you, Graham. 😘

[@user-ed7et3pb4o]

I have such a big crush on Graham haha @@andrewcicchetti

[@MimiByrns08]

love the makeover! it would look even better is the bottom of the black shelf was cut off so you didn't get that 3-4 inch empy gap and instead had a foot wide gap to the first shelf!

[@darylvondunker327]

Interesting point. Although, for anyone who uses tons of office paper, that is perfect for a ream.

[@spacebar9733]

Would that affect the stability?

[@iamspartacus7756]

The wallpaper is so beautiful! The end result was like a very expensive looking room in a brownstone in Manhattan. That desk is wonderful, the desk chair comfy. The green side chair I love. Green is my favorite color so this room is swoon worthy!

[@JAMoore-zz3ki]

You absolutely NAILED the vibe of the inspo pictures she sent you. That office is gorgeous!

[@sonalibasak5213]

My speed of clicking on the video as soon as the notification dropped is equal to the speed of light 😅

[@annewollstein3511]

I totally agree, it feels as if I have been waiting forever

[@a.phillips6892]

Me too!

[@sandrafassett1206]

Me too

[@antoinette4568]

😂😂😂😂 same here ! Yay

[@antoinette4568]

Wow at first l was hmm those book cases 🤔 This is phenomenal! Love it. It's so jot my style but l can really appreciate the aesthetics, functionality and spot on for the clients inspo but even better ❤

[@lisamackres783]

Amazing transformation. Earlier this morning, I hung some of my paintings that almost complete what I now call my "writing corner". Alexandra Gater's videos inspired me to make this change.

[@alexandratracey8252]

My new favorite office! and holy desk transformation batman. CRAZY!

[@katieamey3286]

Alexandra, I *love* the red lip you chose for the narration cuts! The shade suits you beautifully and looks awesome.

[@daniellebrandis8437]

what brand/color name is that red lip color?!

[@michellebilodeau3882]

Graham just continues to knock it out of the park . I think you created a beautiful space and are to be congratulated!😊

[@carlamoss89]

I love this makeover! The wallpaper makes the room. Also love the giant desk space and there is still room to put shelves up above the chair and side table in case she gets more books. Love it!! Best part is that it's a small room and this actually seems attainable.

[@claytangerines]

Love this transformation! Looks so good! My only critique is that I wish they had chosen bookshelves that were slightly wider so that there is room for her to add more books 📚

[@micheletuesday]

The side table for the reading chair is an absolute gem, loved that one!

[@AdrianaColera]

AG. I follow you guys for years now, and I really like this one on its own, its moody and elegant... but the sleek shape of the dressers, the modern chair, white curtains and the very modern looking shelfs, its not really giving dark academia. I am also not sure if the pattern in the walls is too big (?). Dark academia has a bit of gothic influence, a bit of a victorian look, an academic air...it calls for a curiosity cabinet filled with little trinkets. The little side table fit perfectly the bill, and I really like the gallery walls, trying to bring it together, but somehow for me its a bit clashing. I am really happy that the owner loved it though.

[@Nikki_Cole]

I agree, to me it feels more mid century than ”vintagey”

[@arh1234]

The color scheme felt dark academia to me. I think the modern silouettes are a nice update to the aesthetic.

[@SunnySensei]

Probably because the owner's inspo photos were not super dark/gothic. Not everyone wants to go super hard on a theme, so perhaps this was what the owner was looking for? 🤔

[@Sisteryoda1440]

You know your design is successful when your client wants you to do the rest of their home. 👍🏼 Love the rich tones and patterns 🤎🖤🧡💙 The desk setup was inspired! I admit I had my doubts about how the bookcases would look, but they’re perfect. Well done Team AG!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@raquelpenzo6299]

lots of great elements and hacks in this makeover, but I'm always suprised that folks are ok with having their back to the door

[@karenking5357]

I totally agree

[@jaylarcher7410]

I love this. I would love to see a makeover where the office is in the bedroom. I am a teacher and my back needs to face my wall so my kids dont see my room. My background is also looks a bit like a classroom.

[@_serreina]

Such a beautiful space. And you could just tell this person really deserves this nice place to herself too.

[@lwebster7100]

1. Loved taking a quick break from the girly/shabby chic stuff and doing a darker room, its beautiful Alexandra ! 2. I love your editor literally the cutest funniest persona all of their character in editing makes this show even better. 3. with that newly revamped workshop Graham is literally unstoppable.

[@manishamistry8567]

Always love an office makeover! Practical but so beautiful and cosy!

[@tinafellman7819]

The funny thing is…graham seems like he works that fast [painting]!!! I NEED a Graham in my life….you lucky gals. Great video like usually!!!

[@junerobbins6871]

I love how the wallpaper and the dark green paint complemate each other, making the green come out. They're gorgeous together !!

[@thiskiddyahoo]

This home office is fabulous, love the colors and wallpaper. It brings tears of joy to see, thank you AG Team!

[@denisepaul7274]

Love the room but wish the dark green walls were more dusky to better match the wallpaper and chair. And that the doors and window trim was in the same color. Oh, and dark gray curtains. Also, little clip on shades on the light bulbs for the chandelier, both for aesthetics and to cut down on glare. But I really did like all the rest

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

This is my favorite aesthetic in the whole world. I can’t get enough of ideas for it. I loved everything about this room except the curtains which had nothing to do with everything else you guys did in there. The desk is fabulous with such a great work surface. Darling reading chair, too.

[@rosehill1595]

Nailed it!:) You can tell the client loved it too. But, I'm nit-picky:) so my five cents is that I find the plain white linen curtains a bit jarring, velvet curtains perhaps in dusty green or any color close to one of the shades in the wallpaper would compliment the room aesthetic. That white and black throw on the chair looks out of place... Given Graham's insane talent this would have been the perfect opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind bookshelf perhaps with a hint of gothic, Moroccan, or Italian inspiration as a nod to the Academia style. This style requires unique world travel-inspired artifacts, a hint of sophistication, and a nod to weird collections. I'm sure the client will add their own flair and reintroduce her own dark green desk lamp as well as her own mementos over time.

[@clutterbot7279]

i was wondering if someone else noticed them replacing her green lamp with an identical white one!

[@Terlaney3966]

Aha! It was Little Women, my curiosity is now assuaged. Stunning room and keeping the accessories to a minimum to allow the room to speak for itself…chefs kiss 💋

[@hiitsjess4703]

Love the room the only thing I would have added was a hole on the desk under the shelf to run cords for chargers.

[@startpage717]

Yes. That is another Beautiful pulled together Design...Alexandra and of course Gram and the CREW!

[@kanzenatsume]

Ive been waiting for a dark academia makeover from team AG but the "Sure Jan" edit was clearly the best part 😂

[@ElectricityTaster]

This looks really good. I appreciate the custom legs and supports for the weight of the bookshelves. That sets it apart imo. Amazing result.

[@Positivityispowerful]

Stunning!!! I feel like the client needs to make that a full-blown gallery wall behind the reading chair now though! It felt a little empty as is.

[@priscillayg]

Even though I personally design my space with light woods like seen in japandi styles, I really enjoy these makeovers where the rooms have a darker vibe. There’s something very cozy about them. More of these please!

[@mariefein5544]

Everyone on your team has so much talent & skill, but you ate the inspiration, leader, laughter that is needed. Such talent. Enjoy you immensely!

[@diasnovitawuri1939]

I love when there are real books on shelves!!! Can't stress this enough

[@gregorydaines]

A great result. Some cable management designed into the desk is the only practical change I’d add

[@alondraxx33]

SO HERE FOR THE DARK MOODY MAKEOVERS!!! I love them! The desk and reading chair were my fav!!!

[@KimSincox]

One of my faves! Love dark and moody. The wallpaper really pulled it all together. The desk and bookcase combo are amazing!

[@Julkotte]

Wallpaper glue is something you need to slather on. You need more than you think. Wallpapering is so much easier when you figure this out 😊 looks amazing! I'm a big fan of dark academia ❤

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

Another great one. Since I live in earthquake country I can't help noticing that that desk with those super strong extensions would actually be a good place to crawl under during an earthquake.

[@vickya.williams518]

- Unless I missed it, and I went back to look, there is no cord management "system", i.e. a hole drilled into the desktop or a multiplug discretely installed onto the side of the bookshelf and a hole where the cords could drop down or wind behind the bookcase and to the outlet, Unfortunately, those cords are probably white and stick out like a sore thumb. Great job though; love the dark moodiness.

[@ribbleslipscomb5171]

Alexandra, this is an absolutely beautiful room. I love everything about it. Great job, Team AG.

[@inezbradley]

This is SUCH a beautiful makeover! Alexandra, as a Designer myself, I can’t help but think of what “keeps you (me) up at night”. 😉 THIS ONE kept me up after watching. I couldn’t stop thinking of how that Rug would ever get a good cleaning… This is what could have been a good idea: EITHER, attach those little stick on furniture sliders to the bottom of the bookcases before placing them on the desk high surface & attaching to the wall. (That way, the books can be removed & the Desk moved out to remove the rug for cleaning) OR MARKING the Rug tight to the Desk legs (& perpendicular to the wall, and out from the wall to the front of the desk legs) THEN custom cut & BIND the cut edges, to create Slits -to accommodate the width of the legs - U Shaped open at the wall, but closed at the front of the desk legs, so that the Rug could simply be pulled out from under the Desk for cleaning. That’s my 2 cents worth! 😉

[@sparafucile9]

This is probably my favorite design so far - it’s just gorgeous!

[@LuckyLifeguard]

graham's new workshop looks so nice on the graham cam!!!!

[@kirtityagi7357]

You are my favourite channel. Always look forward to your videos ❤

[@angelavolkov1126]

Probably my favourite one yet. Dark academia is so cosy.

[@cmonyoureds]

Epic, stunning! Team AG knock another one out of the park again! I thought "wow, that paint colour is too dark" but that is the tone that was needed to make the beautiful, warm tones of the wallpaper and the desk set up just glow.

[@arh1234]

Walnut was definitely the better choice over the honey countertop. Looked amazing.

[@HanCabann]

You’re so good at understanding what the client wants! 🤩

[@avigailsumaylo6253]

You guys did awesome Team AG!! The wallpaper is so pretty and I love her desk!! Everything worked well together!! That was so good!!!

[@DawnDavidson]

The desk looks like the upscale version of the one I had in my house for many years. We had a long countertop on top of multiple file drawers, so there were 2 kneeholes, one for me, and one for my (now-ex) husband. We had bookshelves over the desk too, on adjustable shelf brackets. This is so much more sophisticated!

[@lisaschreiber2893]

it is quirky designs like this that show what an incredible eye you have 😍 simply stately ❤

[@francescathomas3502]

I dont usually go for flowery type wallpapers, but this one is gorgeous. Possibly because it is a LARGE print and I also LOVE the gold bar along the top!!! Love the colours too.

[@argilenejalgalado381]

Thank you for the wonderful contents. I watch your Videos not only for the beautiful makeover, I also like listening to your voice. It's nice to hear and motivates me to clean and do small makeovers of my own😊

[@grapes109]

That wallpaper is a 10/10!! William Morris would be shook

[@deh2775]

Gorgeous wallpaper choice! Beautiful color for the walls! Great space planning and furniture selection! Out of the park!

[@Jennifer-on8ln]

Turned out great!! I think it would be even better if the trim and doors were painted a different color, the cool white makes for a very stark contrast

[@Jewelleanita1]

I agree! A cream color would make a lovely accent for the trim.

[@shalaneharris5548]

This might be one of my favorites! So cozy and beautiful! 😍

[@sarahkresse]

I adore this style and would love to see more of it. Gorgeous. The only thing is I'd love to see something other than white or off white curtains. PLEASE branch out and show us how to pair styles with colored or patterned curtains.

[@carolhathaway5168]

Charming. But, I agree with an earlier comment that darker curtains might add more cohesion to the room.

[@mossie1954]

The room turned out great, especially that lovely comfy chair in the corner for her to sit on. LOVE the little round cabinet and the white glass banker lamp. Not a great fan of the colour of the walls, a dark green may have been more in keeping with the theme. One thing I was not too keen on was... the black bookcases sitting on her desk, one on each side. Maybe same size but in a pine wood, that could have been painted the same colour as her desk, so they blend in and have a more chunky feel.Overall a really nice room.

[@SDC1949]

The desk, bookcases, wallpaper and color scheme are absolutely gorgeous! The entire reveal is amazing. I’d live in that room… Dark academia is my personal aesthetic choice. Great video!

[@a.phillips6892]

I’m not even a dark and moody fan, but this is totally beautiful! Such a great makeover for this room..she loves it! Team AG strikes again!💯🤗💓

[@mariotorrealba4810]

Everything looks good, except for the bookshelf. It makes the space look cheaper.

[@AzulFyre]

The timing of this episode is incredible. I've got a sage green office that I'm about to add some dark hunter green too and this was perfect inspiration. Love this office makeover.

[@dinakennedy9304]

I love this. I would never have thought to go so dark in paint -- I am totally inspired to do this with a little office/guest room I have that I've never quite known what to do with color-wise. AWESOME!!!!

[@tomatostellar]

That wallpaper is gorgeous!

[@solb101]

Decor looks great. The furnishings cool. Wall shelves on the table a bit crazy. The curtains, doors and trim would be better darker.

[@julialimbrick333]

Wow this turned out stunningly. Way to go team AGT.

[@karapedersen1927]

Loved this video definitely my favorite one you've done so far. I love the dark academia style.

[@sophiegeek1]

Heard Graham's last comment as "I put my fingers on at night" 😱😂 Great makeover as usual! Love your take on the dark academia style! The DIY desk-shelves combo is beautiful.

[@haleyha5930]

This is absolutely stunning. It elevates the room so much.

[@marilynjackson7532]

Wow👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾 ♥️♥️ my fav part is the desk!!!! The darker wood on top makes it look like it's actually a piece of furniture. I also love the color of the room 👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾 ♥️♥️

[@JamiePaige]

okay so i also used an ikea countertop for a desk DIY years ago, and now i totally wanna upgrade/update it with those article dressers!!! it's soooooo good

[@tammyleviner3070]

Wow what a gorgeous space! I think anyone would love to have an office this gorgeous in their home❤

[@scottbrown7071]

One of the best ones yet! Needs more pictures on the back wall near the door though!

[@Eleonoor]

This is seriously one of the best home offices I have ever seen!

[@jessjuges9828]

I love seeing you tackle such a different design style! It turned out incredibly, can’t wait to see what else you guys do! 😍😍

[@yiraflores8637]

I absolutely love this transformation! The desk is to die for. What a brilliant idea!