I Made Over My Living Room Without Leaving The House | Small rental apartment

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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! I hope you all enjoy this week's video, despite the crazy times we're all experiencing. I made over my living room without leaving my house and I hope this gives you some ideas for your small rental living room, too. Thank you to Squarespace for sponsoring today's video!
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.
Old Rug: fave.co/32AMp82 AF *
New Shag Rug: fave.co/3bsbG7V AF
Southern Comfort Paint: fave.co/33AU4Ef AF *
AllSpice Paint: fave.co/2TX9s9z AF *
Saybrook Sage Paint: fave.co/39ZMvtb AF
Hanging sconce: amzn.to/2Unyf7U AF
Samsung TV: fave.co/2y8AxiA AF
Bemz Cover: fave.co/2WTcDCq (my cover is the Zaragoza Vintage Velvet Cover in the colour Clover) AF *
Mixtiles: mixtiles.com *
Eye mirror (similar): fave.co/2WN3Ph5 AF
Emily Snyder art (purple rainbow): www.emilykeati... *
Party at Nonna’s: partyatnonnas.com
Let's be friends:
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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 Carla Antonio: www.carlaantoni...
Edited by: James Resendes: vimeo.com/jame...
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.

[@danigo7126]

I love how the cat lays in your arms like a baby.

[@selenemackay934]

Couldn't stop looking at him

right!! i wish my cat would let me hold her like that lol she always runs away when you try to hold her 😂

[@robyn5696]

I love your kitty! What kind of cat is this?!

[@whoamitoday5725]

...looks & behavior reminded me of Ragdoll as well... Gorgeous Felis Catus 😍

[@michiebutterfly7785]

Iris those rag dolls are the sweetest! I have some really nasty moody cats. I rescued 3 kitty sized rats during our last hurricane (I’m in South Florida) and they act like dogs! Best....company.....Ever!🤍☀️

[@Calida]

I love that the cats naturally became throw pillow style decor too when they lounge on the couch 😍💕💕💕

[@michiebutterfly7785]

Hehe!:)🤍☀️

[@elizabethofarrell2821]

Keep doing you! I’m in NYC & a senior citizen and you cheer me up. Thank you! 🌷👏🏻🎈

[@margaretcassidy3280]

agree! this old lady loves millenials

[@evelynsaungikar3553]

Watching 9 months later: “Day 4 of quarantine...” -cue hysterical laughter

[@evelyndiehl284]

Same! Only 12 months later... 😂

[@thetruthhurts9220]

You Canadians need to start standing up for your rights! They keep you locked up for as long as you’ll be complacent.

[@robyn3601]

Going on 14 months in the area I'm located (not full lockdown but many places still aren't open or only partial). Just got my second dose of vaccine 3 hours ago. Anxiously waiting to see if I have a bad reaction or not.. I got lucky and had no symptoms my first round, fingers crossed

[@denisepinto]

50k deaths and 4.5 million cases later in Ontario alone, still remember what a scary time that was. Well, in the end we had 7 waves and things are stabilizing. Glad to see you and your team thriving!!!

[@sandymaceecampers1563]

I was so happy to see the new video. I'm a senior stuck inside in Pennsylvania/USA and I am soooo done with watching the news all the time. We are all in this together, all around the world!! Thank you for being a bright spot in my life!! 😎🤸‍♀️

[@onedayatatimewithdee]

Looking at Lottie laying there brings me calmness and peace alone. She’s so cute ❤️🥰 we need more of Lottie lol

[@carheitz]

"I washed my hair, which is kind of a miracle" ... SO RELATABLE

[@CamilaSaurus]

carheitz Same!

[@ashleygriffith8147]

Okay, why is Lottie a perfect angel cat baby?! *crying emojis* I had to pause this video to make this very important inquiry! Her just chillin' in your arms is sooo cuuute

[@mommam.6101]

I am in my old age, really old age. I downsized and want things to be decorative but they also have to be functional. We spend our whole life accumulating stuff. And then if we are fortunate enough to achieve old age we realize that what we need is really very little. So if we can pare it down to what we really need but is yet aesthetically pleasing , that is the best. Too bad it takes a lifetime to realize this. Love to all and good health.

[@cinderellsworth]

Lol Your kitties are like beautiful decorative pillows. They just "stay" where you put them down. My kitty would be like "no way....I'm outta here!" I love what you've done with your apartment, Alexandra! Can't wait to see the "accent wall" when it's completed AFTER we all get back "normal"....whatever that's gonna look like....🌟💫💛

[@largedoglover99]

Thank you for making over your room without throwing it all way, and just making clever adjustments! I wish I could start all over.

[@jeanniealford4234]

Love it! My friend is married to a decorator and says when he gets home in the evening, he doesn't know if his favorite chair will be there. Or, will it be moved? He just hopes to have his chair. Ha!

[@IP-eq7vc]

😂

[@ericaquint1895]

I think you did a great job upgrading your living room from “cute girlie” to “sophisticated feminine”

[@sushmita8824]

0:06 Lottie be like " who does she keep talking to, even I can't see it and I am a Cat, a cat"

[@LuceWithLove]

Noooo you should have painted the accent wall green that would have looked do gorgeous with the purple sofa!

[@blackcatproductions3]

I was hoping the same!!!

[@melissasparkles5209]

Honestly I was thinking the same thing but also I'm excited to see what Danny does to it :o

[@FaithHaller]

Yea I agree! Is the small nook green but oh well. It would have accented that pendent well along with the rug

[@idelanaledi]

Definitely!

[@dianesanchez6781]

Maybe the dove grey?

[@FlipperTea]

Tip for the gallery wall - take tracing or baking paper and trace the sizes of the frames - make sure to indicate where the image and the screw/hanger will be. Cut them out and then you can easily lay them out on the floor or bluetac them on the wall so you can see and move things about before you commit! Learnt that from thesorrygirls 💓💓💓

[@rebeccaklages9783]

I love the gallery wall idea including the TV. I'll probably do that when my daughter and I move to Toronto. She's been accepted into an animation school starting in September. So between now and then we have to find a place to live (well after the quarantine that is). Its exciting and I'll be trying to incorporate some if your decor ideas into whatever space we get.

[@Saaaacccchaa13]

Good luck!

[@melissasparkles5209]

Congratulations to you and your daughter :)

[@ThePalFishCoach]

Oh congratulations! That’s great!

[@seariakett4209]

Great use of "Apocalypse Quarantine" time! 😷 Just goes to show what a few minor changes can do to a room. 💕

[@gianninas.s]

I'm just going to say: L-shaped bench for the dinner room with hidden storage 😊 Greetings from #Chile ✌️

[@dls0519]

Looks lovely. You need to order from Amazon cord covers. Especially for the hanging pendant.

[@chippychick6261]

I hope you reconsider painting that nook wall the sage green. Or at least the green of the pillow on your purple couch. Those two colours are magnificent together. Please please please

[@joangrant5857]

I love everything EXCEPT the cord hanging from the sconce. What about a cloth cord cover or even just a cord cover? You brighten my day❤

[@trishpipkins]

Joan Grant agreed. Something to make the cord disappear would be perfect.

[@maggieou1080]

Omg yes!! It bugged me so hard. There are cable conceals that can be found on amazon that can hide the cord. Other than that everything else is cute. I love her cats so much 😭 so cute!

[@TheSecondSoprano]

Please paint the cord or get a cord cover.

[@FiaGarciaDIY]

😩I'M SO JEALOUS OF YOUR SAMSUNG FRAME TV! I've been wanting one for so long now and it looks SO good in your space! Love how your living room turned out! It's a scary world out there right now but we can all use this time to get creative! 💛

[@pole.6186]

Fia Garcia im using google chromecast on my tv, it has curated images and artworks too, i put in on ambient mode and it serves as art frame.

[@FiaGarciaDIY]

@@pole.6186 😮My mind might be blown right now with this information! lol. Thanks for the tip! Definitely trying today!

[@paulcamia]

@@pole.6186 same.

[@melmignon2758]

@@pole.6186 Same! I'm going to try right now!!

[@jimnguyen8469]

Omg I know right?! It’s looks amazing!!!!!💖💖

[@hamiltonmt]

You're such a talented young woman and I think you'll go far! I enjoy the energy of your videos and your Harriet and Lottie are bonuses. Thank you!

[@sarahhansen762]

I love the changes. It looks bigger. One idea for when this is over. Maybe you could swag a pendent light over the table. Use cord covers to match the wall and ceiling colors. I love that you were honest about how you are feeling. These are tough times. Stay safe.

[@trishcraft]

Yes! Cords drive me nuts. I would have to change the frames to black to match the TV or change the color of the TV frame as well. But that's just me. Have to cover that TV cord too. Lol.

[@diannerumsey2171]

I agree cord cover a definite.

[@mommygarcia9137]

Your living room looks beautiful ! But I am loving the brick wall behind you ! & how nicely decorated that area is !!

[@tonyawilliams9433]

I love Lottie! She is such a chill kitty...so beautiful and it's easy to tell that she loves you and feels so safe in your arms. I love her sweet name , too. It reminds me of the names of two of my sweet kitties from the past....Bonnie & Tessie. AND the apartment makeover was great, too! 💗

[@denises9426]

Lottie watching you paint the wall white...”Why are you doing this again?” Love your design skill Alexandra! Thank you for your fun videos. 💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@joane9149]

I have been moving things around in my house... little things like pictures on a wall or hanging all my 70's basket on the wall for the now popular boho trend. We make do and use our creativity which gives us joy which turns into happiness! Thank you for your wonderful videos.🏵😍🌷🏡🖍

[@TheSweetCullen1]

omg I needed this, Im on day 17 on lockdown in Denmark, and have a minimum of 13 days more to come. It looks beautiful.

[@CynthiaVegas]

Lottie always gives me joy! Love watching you work your magic on a budget.

[@lindacruikshank2656]

I really liked the accent wall. I think the green would've been a better choice. Cant wait to see what she does with it now.

[@simbax710]

Honestly YES! I have been watching your videos when I'm taking a break from work or right after work. There's something so uplifting and beautiful about all of your videos! Your optimistic spirit and creative eye really help relieve my stressors and anxiety with everything going on today, so thank you. (:❤

[@zoelee8471]

Thank you for continuing to release content for us, Alexandra. Your channel has been the greatest discovery I've made during this crazy period of lock down. Love all the makeovers and how they make me feel. Motivates me to clean up my own room too. Sending lots of love from Australia

[@marybethvalentine1161]

I LOVE your ideas. Here's one of mine. I tape out a space on the floor the size of the empty gallery wall, then I move the art around until i'm satisfied with the layout. Next I take a picture and work from that. This way, I only hammer in the nails once (or twice).

[@cynthiaPs63.7]

You could put an empty frame around the embroidery hoop art to enlarge its appearance and balance out the blank space. But your place is so bright and happy! Love it!

[@jasperlewinning]

I gotta admit, I thought you were arranging Lottie as a throw pillow

[@sarahgaines8027]

I’m not even the “pink girly-girl” but I LOVE YOUR PLACE SO MUCH. The dusty pink vibes are so good

[@Jess-Summerbaby]

As soon as this started I said "let's hang out, Alexandra!" as if we are catching up during the quarantine. Such a highlight to see your videos ❤

[@jaeluxe]

Such a smart update to your space. It felt like a natural, mature transition from the before to the after while still remaining true to you. Love it. It’s inspiring me as i hit day 17 on my self isolation in NYC.

[@annecurtin336]

I love how positive you are - we all need this right now.

[@kellyanne7225]

I’m right where you are-were! I’ve painted, made pillows with fabric scraps, also I’m presently fiddle-farting with a gallery wall of my kid’s photos... BUT! After you painted your wall back to white, I envisioned the palest of green on it. Just a shade or two darker in a light, antique green to give it a nice shadow of color rather than one that competes and distracts. I always wanted an “under the stairs” type place as my own. So much cozy potential! Stay healthy!!!😊

[@CamdenPaige]

I didn’t think your living room could look any better! IT DOES!!! I’m always blown away by your talent 💓

[@blessedgigi2161]

I just discovered you! Thank you for inspiring others! I love your makeovers. They give me purpose!! You are adorable, savvy and smart!! Thank you for existing!!!

[@NathalieLima]

I just CAN'T stop looking your kitten napping in your arms! 😻😻😻😻😻😻😻😻

[@lmr4893]

Watching lottie falling asleep in your arms in the beginning was so relaxing!

[@TheStitchSessions]

This was a great episode. The gallery wall was such a game changer. By getting rid of the tv unit, it really opened up the space so much! And actually, the simplicity of your dining room table nook seems to work perfect as it is. It really compliments the rest of the room. So good! 👍🤗

[@2Cambell]

You are right about the paint. Sometimes you don't know until you put it on the wall. I love the gallery wall with the TV and the bench! I also see a purple couch in my future, possibly aubergine or plum. That's been my plan when mine wears out. Thank you for including Harriet and Lottie!!!

[@jessicacurtis5637]

Omg, what serendipity. I just finished my own gallery wall around mounted TV!! I love it so much. I'm more minimal when it comes to wall art, so I like having several things grouped in one place.

[@kimeehebe]

Thank you Alexandra for continuing to share and inspire me! Especially during this crazy time 💗 I’m currently working on making some kitchen cafe curtains that I’ve lovingly nicknamed my quarantine curtains. They are really about keeping me from going stir crazy while staying home. I think/hope they are going to be a nice change to my kitchen as well. Thank you again. We are so lucky to have technology that can keep us all connected and inspired even while quarantined at home. Keep being your beautiful self and doing what you do because I’m so excited when I see a new video from you pop on my screen 💕

[@schizophrenicprojection5126]

Day 2? Where are you? The USA has been on lock down for 2 weeks and counting! The cat sure seems relaxed 😌

[@jackandlill]

charcoal on the accent wall - either the wall u originally chose that the shelves will be on or even the tv wall - the artwork & tv would really pop! - I think the charcoal is very sophisticated!

[@martacustic3253]

Hi Alexandra - This is just what I need. It's day ?? of almost complete lockdown in Croatia. I'm in such a create rut, but after seeing this it's just lifted my spirits. Going to find something to hang on a wall. I'm sure my husband will be thrilled haha.

[@sashac7002]

Oh, I'm so with you on that low bench + gallery wall image. I think it was Jess Bunge's space. BTW, I freaking loved the scone and maybe that was too niche of a design element for some people, but I think it was cool idea and good for you for continuing to try new things!! Also, the Frame was a total win...! It truly looks beautiful. Also you could do the accent wall in the sage green you have still. Esp if the whole nook was that color bc of the plants and sage pillow on your couch. Just food for thought. It looks TRULY BEAUTIFUL. can't wait to see what you and Danie come up with after!

[@melissasparkles5209]

So glad to see Harriet in a video :o it's been awhile since we last saw her (unless I missed her somehow 😅)

[@sueleroux525]

Thanks, Alexandra, for cheering me up today. Your ideas are so fresh and pretty. I also love how you make decisive/indecisive work. You were certain in your paint choice and then just as certain that it wasn't working. I hate making an effort like painting a wall and then having to do it over. You're so cheerful about your do-overs. I admire that. Thanks again and stay safe.

[@franzmendoza7466]

Omg. I didnt know you love minted. I actually used to work with minted and I am also a small time designer there for their stationeries. 😍

[@ModernGreenGoddess]

Love the tv and gallery wall so much! Have you ever thought about tacking down the cords to your pendant lights and painting them white or a cord cover? It would look so much cleaner and show off how gorgeous the light is

[@krisamara1111]

Beautiful. This is my new fav channel! I'd love to see a close-up of that cute bird cage thingy.

[@PreshKidd1887]

I LOVE how yout living room turned out! Also I love your style. I recently moved in to a new apartment and this gives me tons of inspiration

[@twilde3754]

Love the changes. Getting rid of the unit with the TV -- great move. I wouldn't add anything on the wall of the dining area, but I would change the color of the cord on the hanging light -- spray paint it white so it blends with the wall. All done. Thanks again for a great vid.

[@MrLettuceboy]

Amazing! You should ask Chico if he can make you a white frame for your new tv so it’d blend in seamlessly.

[@lisanewton7084]

HI Alexandra:) its lisa from England I wanted to say hello as I've been really enjoying your videos for a few months now I think :) and I have learnt alot! And used some of your techniques for improving my rental home. I no longer have a plain white boring bathroom...but a jungle effect stick on wallpaper hanging plants (ok they aren't real):))) and textured rug in my living room and you are so right that a few touches here and there of patterns colour and texture can really change a space so * thank you :) 💕 I do really enjoy 10 mins of calm fun and inspirational so hang in there with the self isolating stay happy well and cheerful as I bet you are helping so many people stay happy and save like me 😄🥳 I wish you a lovely day xx

[@pennyb9445]

Love it! When you were first putting back the pillows, I thought why isn't she moving that pillow and fluffing up the back sofa cushion? Then I realized the pillow was your cat! So cute. Love your style and presentation. The wall looks great.

[@gint5414]

You do make things very joyful! Your vlog is an oasis in the quarantine desert! Keep the joy coming our way! 💕🌷💕

[@shelleybleu4903]

Glad you moved the embroidery piece down to where people can see it. Room looks great.

[@samantharowley125]

Wow! The change makes your living room look bigger. Nice touches.

[@madisonangulo52]

Lottie is so darn cute just there in your arms! Love the new living room! I was glad you did a gallery wall, I want to do that to my wall but feel intimidated. Good job on your new space!

[@ursulamelia7136]

Love the change! It looks more tranquil now! Hang in there with the lockdown. I am thinking of you! Very glad you have Harriet and Lotte to keep you company! Many good wishes to all the community following your channel. We’ll get through this together!

[@jacquig1939]

Yeah, I have a large sample of purple paint. Didn't buy it for it but I guess my bathrooms getting a makeover.

[@torysetliff]

I literally gasped and said "The Frame!" Lol, I've had my eye on that tv for a while, too...

[@cecireynolds6063]

i painted my room while in quarantine and you're the reason i have southern comfort as an accent wall now :)

[@zendiva]

Your video made... you made my day! All this joy and love and cat-fluff and colors and your happy face, when revealing and looking at that fancy & awesome art television. Thanks for making my homeoffice-and-stayathome-weird-situation so nice, so calming! Thank you!! All the best & health for you, your love and your cats + peops of your heart. Have fun enjoying this lovely part of your lovely apartement!

[@thedmd101]

Nice video however, to define and kind of separate that Nook area, I would have taken that light pink paint and painted that inside ceiling with it. It would have made a pop of needed color and separated that space. Stay safe !!

[@Yaniza]

intro goalssss! beautiful transformation :) and I love Squarespace!! I already use them! For anyone wondering if she's just saying these nice things because it's sponsored, she's being genuine - it's SO user friendly and makes website designing fun!!

[@hatimaji6268]

It looks much brighter and more elegant, artsy. Very beautiful!!!

[@taylorboyd2872]

Best week ever! We get a living room refresh and i was able to see your live with lone fox! Thanks for the wholesome and inspiring content! I adore you💕

[@kristinnicole9694]

Love how the space is turning out. Also, thank you for posting links (especially US links), my husband and I are buying/building a new home and your links have made decorating so much easier! Appreciate you! 💖

[@charlottestewart7766]

The world needs a fully Lottie channel. Like asmr but lottie cuddling or in your overalls and everything. Also literally love your style :)

[@eIIioni]

It looks so good. I'm glad you bought a bigger rug, a rug that's too small really can ruin a whole room. The last version of the gallery wall looks amazing!

[@danielrumbolt]

This transformation is so simple, but so incredible. You've definitely inspired me to rearrange my living room and work with what I have to make it feel fresh and new!

[@kris8536]

Your videos make me feel as peaceful and calm as Lottie chillin like a baby lol

[@TheNicwa]

Who else thumbs up literally as soon as Lottie comes on 😻

[@lynselegantdesignscrafts8565]

It’s nice to see you make over a home again and not an office. I do like to see how you make up people’s offices, however I do not have nor need a home office so enjoy the home ones much more.

[@lauragrivainisthorne8242]

Have just discovered your channel & love it. In addition to the decor inspiration & great ideas you are adorable (as are your cats)! Best wishes from London UK.

[@PrincessofBuckhead]

I LOVED how you made the TV into a piece of art. That is wonderful. I love your living room makeover!

[@voicememosforthevoid]

5:37 glad to see harriet pop up for a little bit; oh wait she shows up multiple times, OG cat queen

[@thelmahall2593]

I love the gallery wall and the birds in the lamp shade just like the birds you put in the little girls make over bedroom. TYS an awesome video.

[@janinerhode3245]

The new Tv wall is making your living room so much bigger! Love that!

[@janinafisher101]

The big rug and gallery wall (without the big shelves) are lovely. I feel the the heart photo beside the couch needs to be hung lower down on that wall. Great idea girl you to show folks how you can make the best of a bad situation by transforming your home without leaving! Just make sure if you order stuff to be delivered that you wipe down the boxes with a mild bleach solution of antiviral wipes before opening. I also do the same with the contents. Be safe and healthy!💝

[@animakeupgrrl42]

Your kitty is absolutely adorable. Like a little sleepy furbaby.

[@suemorgan1200]

Great makeover 😊 one of my favourite things to do on a rainy Sunday is to take all my ornaments and nicknacks down and put everything back in a different place. Such a small thing but so uplifting 😁 we have a saying, a change is as good as a rest. Love making a change 👍

[@nedalee8295]

Love the TV art! One suggestion would be to add a shade to the pendant light in the nook. It looks very bare and unfinished.

[@JuliaPennyPhoenix]

This video was so refreshing!! Thank you for the encouraging words! Love your channel and this makeover! 😊❤️ xoxo you are the best!

[@chandaharkins4418]

You're so right about an area rug. I learned the hard way. Stay healthy, and thanks for continuing to bring us content!

[@robinscott6963]

I made over my living and dining areas in my apartment a couple of weeks ago without leaving home or bringing in anything new. It looks so different with just a few rearranging changes! It felt so good since I’m home all of the time...looks new!

[@kolitiokada9825]

Hey Alexandra! Love your space refresh! And that one of your "finishing touches" was to put Lottie on the couch!

[@lavanyavijayaraghavan3120]

Hey! Thanks so much for this.. stay healthy, stay well, stay safe! Hope to see you out and about changing people's spaces and lives when we're all on the other side of this crazy time.

[@ChrissyBear99]

Great space, that is embroidery done with a needle not crochet 💜

[@suesmith5033]

I wanted to say this but didn't. Glad you did!

[@JennaMcCallister]

I think it was a good call to paint it back white. All the pink was a little overwhelming when paired with the furniture. I love what you went with instead! I present as an extrovert when I need to be, but I have social anxiety and I’m a homebody most of the time, so it hasn’t really hit me yet since I’ve been working (school district behavior specialist) from home. I’ve also been doing a lot of projects and finally unpacking all the way. This next week is spring break, so it should be interesting!