Renter-Friendly Dining Room Makeover! | How To Create A Dining Room Nook

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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! Today I'm making over my rental apartment dining room area and showing you how to divide an open-concept space! I find most times in rentals it can be a challenge to create a separate dining room area, especially when there's not a designated area. I also show you how to make a hardwired pendant light renter-friendly!
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.
Canadian Links:
Rug: fave.co/2Ytqkuc AF *
Dining table: bit.ly/3mL3mc5 *
Arch decal: etsy.me/3lkwKVC
Macrame pendant cord: etsy.me/3pHYLaP
Cord hook: etsy.me/3uRp93T
Black rattan pendant: VdeV Maison (similar) bit.ly/3iIMQGN
Pendant light: fave.co/2Y7sAHF AF
Battery powered light bulb: (similar) amzn.to/3uSQL8I AF
Black chair: Homesense www.homesense....
Rattan chair: bit.ly/3llmFIb *
White pom cushion: bit.ly/3ahDPzT
Black pom cushion: bit.ly/3Fsi7aL
Art print: fave.co/2NbTTvi AF *
Orange potted dried floral arrangement: Homesense www.homesense....
Black cane tray: bit.ly/3ael3cO
Doormat: bit.ly/394ZH1U
Pink floor planter: bit.ly/38fMEsI
U.S. Links:
Rug: fave.co/2Ytqkuc AF *
Dining table: bit.ly/3mL3mc5 *
Arch decal: etsy.me/3lkwKVC
Macrame pendant cord: etsy.me/3ahc2j1
Cord hook: etsy.me/3uRp93T
Black rattan pendant: VdeV Maison (similar) bit.ly/3iIMQGN
Pendant light: (similar fave.co/3AqZAaZ AF
Battery powered light bulb: amzn.to/3llBZUV AF
Rattan chair: bit.ly/3llmFIb *
White pom cushion: bit.ly/2YtwxGw
Black pom cushion: bit.ly/3oH4Tkp
Art print: fave.co/2NbTTvi AF *
Black cane tray: bit.ly/3DqaLmt
Doormat: bit.ly/394ZH1U
Pink floor planter: bit.ly/38fMEsI
Let's be friends:
TikTok: / alexandragaterofficial
Instagram: / alexandragater
Pinterest: pinterest.ca/a...
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Shop my Amazon store U.S.: amazon.com/sho...
Sign up to my newsletter to get decor tips and products in your inbox every week: alexandragater...
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.
Videographer, Carla Antonio: carlaantonio.com
Senior Editor, James Resendes: vimeo.com/jame...
Junior editor/vlog editor, Alessandra Sconza vimeo.com/asconza
Intro designed and animated by Lindsey Deschamps: lindseydes.com
All music sourced by licensing.
All opinions are my own. It's important to hire licensed professionals for certain projects; if you're unsure or unqualified, please don't attempt any projects seen in my videos yourself.

[@caylecronquist]

Confused why you and the team are not at 1 million subs, the quality and content of the videos are so high and entertaining!

[@AlexandraGater]

Thank you so much!!! 🥰

[@valerieann2751]

Agree! Love this channel

[@user-ui1zv8bd4y]

I agree especially the work to list all the stuff!

[@angelashaminee1113]

Because they only do sponsored videos.

[@ang_131]

@@angelashaminee1113, lots of channels only post videos if they have a sponsor and still get lots of views and followers. This is their business and their livelihood, I personally don’t begrudge them that extra income. I do skip the sponsored content though. They’re usually an even 60 or 120 seconds so it’s easy to use the KZbin 10 second skip to get past them quick.

[@nks18]

Decal measurement section was my fav part of this video! “Just hang it wherever!” 😂

[@sandieM27]

funny bit as I am the same and am no good with maths, I would have just said centre it :)

[@jo4vt]

Lol. 😂

[@debstrout1844]

Everytime I see the round, "circles" rug I always think it looks like a bunch of placemats stitched together. I keep thinking wouldn't it be a lot cheaper to just buy X amount of placemats and hot glue them together? Lottie, you are developing such a personality!

[@maryannkom299]

I completely agree! I hate that rug!

[@jennifermuchow2728]

Horrible rug! Trip hazard and how on earth can you push chairs in and out!?

[@patriciamitchell403]

L

[@Fingerscrossedout]

​@@jennifermuchow2728I would literally hang it on the wall for that reason 😂 so better use placemats

[@DefyNottheLoris]

My very favorite part of your videos is when you go "so... I was thinking this would work, but it's just not right, so let's do something else!" It makes me feel so less stressed when struggling to do my own renos in my house ^-^

[@beverlydust5381]

I am glad that you are using more of Noah's things,he is more represented in the space. It's more you as a couple. I like the renter friendly ideas.

[@manali8290]

I think Noah's art piece made this room

[@Idontwantachann]

You took the words right out of my mouth. Alexandra, It's really nice to see your style evolve and include more of Noah's things as you grow together. Thank you for always sharing your own home changes with us as well as the other rooms you do for others. Thank you for always sharing renter friendly ideas, too.

[@miaclee]

Switching the light was definitely the right move I feel like it plays rly well with the black iron in the fireplace

[@yorkielover1027]

Lottie’s face on that rug was priceless!

[@AlexandraGater]

She’s too much 😂

[@SeaTurtle515]

Nice job! I didn’t think the rug was gonna work, the chair legs would constantly be getting caught up in it. Btw, square rugs look amazing with round tables, breaks up the matchy-matchy look. Looking forward to your living room re-do. When are your folks coming back? 🙂

[@olliejilliangil8382]

I was wondering if that was the same rug used for that outdoor makeover for her friend and it was not practical there either.

[@colleenkielczynski1696]

Yuk to the dining space.

[@krodmun]

"..which I just realized it's a real thing!" 😂😂😂 omg I love it, I'm feeling it 😁

[@blessyaheart]

Imaging the chairs ripping the rug apart as people scoot the chairs. Your outfit is definitely unique. I've never seen that before.

[@kellymarice2573]

Love, love the arch! The color is perf! As I’m watching this video I flashed on when you guys 1st moved in and you said “No more pink, I promise.” 😂😂😂

[@mosaicstylewmichaelmonreau424]

That plant is the show stopper! Like it makes the space !!! Nice turn around. Love it!

[@marvymaxee]

I really like the mix of woods with black accents. The ceiling fixture was definitely the right decision. Nice space! 👍

[@SuperAxlgirl]

The mismatched chairs are my fave part of the space. Love how you are using hand-me-down pieces, they really add so much character to a space.

[@AlexandraGater]

Thank you so much! I agree, I love the mismatched chairs 🥰

[@stephifeoma]

Yessss!!!

[@pw4075]

Good call 86-ing the jute rug. It wasn't large enough to accommodate the table and chairs and looked too casual. Love the end result. I think the fiddle fig plant may wind up back to your studio, if so, maybe a tall plant there that is not as intrusive ... a snake plant? You styled the mantle beautifully! I love how your new apartment is coming along.

[@joeddo5183]

So happy you ended up removing the jute rug! Absolutely love the end result. ❤

[@shalaneharris5548]

Love how it all came together! I like how you showed your process of trying out the light, not liking it, and finding a better replacement- the heavier light really did ground the area! 😍Same with the rug lol

[@susankapp2268]

I love how Alexandra is real.

[@imaredhead1]

I love the honesty. Sometimes areas just need to sit or evolve but our need for more content from you pushes forward. We struggle too and it is good to know that isn’t wrong. BUT I love the arch (even pink) and the light without electricity hack! So thrilled to learn from you!

[@AlexandraGater]

Thank you so much 💕

[@Hazel-ch3rn]

@@AlexandraGater You could do update videos!

[@BethF827]

I’m very glad the rug went away! I think a rug would be great, but that one didn’t work. The pendant hack is great! I’m not so worried about the plant crowding your door, but I’m worried the plant won’t like the drafts. Fiddle leaf figs are finicky about drafts, so I hope she goes back to the studio. I really liked this makeover because the space isn’t ideal, but you really made it work and look cute!

[@carolepeck3829]

Space without the rug gives a very clean look.

[@MaryseMeunier]

No rug, good decision ! First thing I said to myself in the beginning of this video : no way you can put chairs around a table on this rug, their legs will always be stuck in it ! And like you mentionned, I would not keep four chairs around it when not needed. Very nice makeover and funny video ! When you try to explain how to center the decal... Epic ! 😂

[@hannahh6793]

I love how even though not everything you decorate with is my style I still love the outcome. Everything is beautifully placed and things go together well! Excited for the livingroom re-do!!

[@candicecrutchfield3136]

every week I say “this is my favorite video so far” and then you continue to blow me away

[@carolargentina]

This became exactly the mix between you and Noah´s style , specially the nook with the mirror and the beverages, on a pink wall . Love it !!!

[@moonbeeps]

Yeah, you can see loads of pink arches in grown up couples houses 🙄

[@amaena]

Ya this exactly! It is a great compromise of styles!

[@sherrieshatzen3801]

The jute rug would be a nightmare with chairs--trying to pull in & push out. They will get caught in the texture & especially in the holes between circles. Why not do an indoor/outdoor rug wth a bit of texture or a Ruggable that can be washed in the washing machine if something spills on it?

[@okanaganblonde4095]

I thought the same. Two legs would be on the rug and two off, it would be a nightmare trying to move/slide your chair. Definitely something like a Ruggable or another really low-pile washable rug would be perfect.

[@laurence9695]

And a great scratching posts for the cats who'd destroy it in one minute.

[@dloveofgod8269]

I thought of a cleaning nightmare as fuzz or something would fall in the holes and would have to lift rug to sweep or vacuum. But you're right even b4 that the legs of the legs of the chairs would have issues.

[@ellynmerydith2590]

She took out the rug. I love how she shows some of her first ideas even if they don’t work.

[@junerobbins6871]

Your rentl reno channel is awe-inspiring. I love your ideas !! This rug is fantastic. I love the texture of the rug !!

[@junerobbins6871]

Your rentl reno channel is awe-inspiring. I love your ideas !! This rug is fantastic. I love it's texture. The large black hanging light. It fits so well here !!

[@lose999]

That arch decal is genius!!!

[@franciemcquarrie8736]

I’m slowly making my way through all the videos on this channel and I just watched this one after the Dec 16 2023 one where they diy a pink arch bar cabinet and im like wow full circle 😍

[@elbajimenez6519]

It so nice that you were able to compliment your style and Noah's items into your beautiful home!!!

[@isabeltabares7474]

it turned out real nice

[@olliejilliangil8382]

So glad to see that print from Noah’s makeover come back.

[@TheGrandLady]

I love a holiday dinner sitting next to a fire...but candles will do! perfection.

[@swiinka]

The dining nook looks okay, some things are lovely, some just adequate, but what really stole the show for me is that wine rack. Noah has an excellent taste!

[@ruthannwatkins3914]

I never would have thought to off set my table , awesome . Really enjoy your channel .

[@jejrstans]

When you first set the table down, I thought, "You need a pedestal circular table!" Cute makeover!

[@shaindyhorowitz3783]

Love this makeover! I love seeing your process, how you are honest about your idea fails and trying again.

[@sharonbuffett]

That picture on the mantle is fabulous

[@nomadine85]

That light switch was perfect. The new lampshade really does ground the space!

[@amberwright6918]

I love having the fireplace in the dining room great choice!

[@aliciadelasmaravilla]

I enjoyed all the bloopers and that it’s more a him and her safe

[@kamikaze3136]

I don't know how or why but somehow everything different comes together to make a total sense which is surprising. Good job.☺️

[@jenzz6841]

I don't usually have strong feelings about rugs, but I despised that jute one. It looked like it would never lie flat, I'm glad you got rid of it. Great dining space!

[@FouEliane]

I love that the table is a little offset, it makes your layout look very intentional!

[@SinisterXRouge]

I love watching your style be flexible and evolve as you move, and how you incorporate noah's taste too!

[@crystalwheeler4318]

I love the dining room I think it’s finally a space that really combines the styles of both you and Noah! I have been waiting for this.

[@katrish786]

Looks cute & homey. I like the black with the wood. I thought the first light looked better.

[@marieround8140]

Always fun watching your team at work including the bloopers.

[@MedusasFeelinSalty]

Love the arch decal! So glad you got rid of that rug, it just didn't work in that space.

[@lindawarden-burglund9603]

I really like this! It's design is simple, but cozy at the same time. Great job!

[@katbat6878]

The arch and mirror looks like princess bubblegum!

[@julianacristinacunico9765]

I love that you always show the things that don't make to the final result (the rug and the black rattan light). Doing a space is so much about the feeling and try and error. Even when an idea seems awesome, it can "fail" when it's in place. Don't be worry about re-doing the living room! We've been overly critical about it but the truth is that the space is already so good! Congrats on the quality of the content!

[@lalalalalalalala8111]

I can't wait for you to redo your living room to reflect your more combined styles. Maybe a fall redo-ish thing?

[@millie8984]

Loved the remote battery bulb hack!! My daughter bought an old house so no ceiling lights let alone wall switches. Will give this a try.

[@raquelpenzo6299]

what a beautiful & cozy space to enjoy meals together!

[@Rozefreak]

Woohoo! That was Alexandra's design plan for my bedroom! 😍 Thanks again Alexandra, really happy with the ideas you came up with. My bedroom feels so much cozier right now ♥

[@holdenbabyboy]

I have a family room with a fireplace off my kitchen. It is my dream to make it my dining room. Someday.......Right now my living room/dining room are in one big space like yours. I do love the way your room turned out. The table looked odd at first until the fireplace was decorated so your eye is drawn up. The room is eclectic which I love and you have pieces from Noah. Good choice on the light.

[@carmenrosario1709]

Perfect, glad you took off the rug, just didn't work there! And you did good in ignoring that pole in the middle of everything! I always get ideas from you, this time it was the light fixture. Thanks

[@SoNaturelleWellnessChicago]

I absolutely love it! Very warm and inviting. And I love the small section of paint on the wall by the mirror.

[@Rosey_alchemy]

I love it. Side note everytime I see the accent wall I can't unsee the old lady holding drinks

[@ThePrinceavalon]

This is such a great mix of your more girly/midcentury taste and Noah's more industrial/modern style! I love the balance you created with the vintage wooden crate bar cart against the pink arch. You totally knocked it out of the park by creating a unique and inviting space that really features both of your styles completely! I also love the feature of some of Noah's mom's prints, makes for truly one-of-a-kind art that brings character and love to your home.

[@vicihuizinga8157]

How pretty Alexandra- I love this dining nook- super cozy and inviting.

[@lovecara1]

I wish I could subscribe many many more times. This channel should have hit that target ages ago. I love love love this channel

[@ericaquint1895]

I’m enjoying watching you grow as a designer. I don’t really like the pink arch, but it looks better with some darker colors to make the space feel more grown up

[@NatTayHill]

I definitely think the whole arch thing is out now. It had its day like a year ago. I feel like it's already dated.

[@susanfindell6154]

I absolutely love it ! Love the battery powered light 💡

[@grisespino5342]

Looks great. The mismatched chairs, the light, and arc w/mirror 👌🏻

[@arandomwoman2310]

LOVE it! Your finishing touches are always perfection!

[@carableu]

Absolutely beautiful - one of my favorite makeovers!!! That decal is life changing. 💃🏻 Can’t wait to see more…

[@angelahughes5783]

I love the peel and stick! I took the plunge and created a mural in my bathroom.

[@SuperCrazybumblebee]

I freaking love this. I love that you showed what didn't work too. Amazing space.

[@sosubmiss]

The light change was great!! This shape & material gives it a stronger feel. Love the table off to the corner, I wouldn't have thought of this but it works & the task plant reshapes the room & brings it all in! Very clever!

[@ellynmerydith2590]

I love this! I have watched a lot of your videos this past year, and this eclectic mix you’ve used is SO perfect for one of those odd corners we so often find in old houses and rentals - and our small prairie kit homes from 90 years ago. Suddenly an owner OR renter is like, “how can I honor and bring to life this cove mounding and the real wood touches and unbalanced door arched door arrangement?!” In this case, what is most amazing is how the black hanging lamp with the internal gold somehow chimes with all the different gold tones of the wood. I like how you made the mismatched modern table and Arts and Crafts retro fireplace work by adding MORE styles of wood and detail. And I totally thought the macrame would be a perfect unifying element! But it totally wasn’t! You know, so many homes in the western United States have gorgeous built in Arts and Crafts detail. I bet that’s true of Great Lakes Canada too, since Frank Loyd Wright was virtually co-located in the US. Great Lakes. But it can be so difficult to bring those wonderful accents to life. You have layered on different elements that reach from the early to the later arts and crafts era and found pieces and decor that pull it together. Absolutely fantastic! Even the decal and mirror pull in an early arts and crafts or Egyptian theme! Tho I admit that I was skeptical until you added that totally weird bottle case that somehow evokes a much finer glasswork, (like a Tiffany jewel-like multicolored glass lamp) 👏👏 applause! And yes, just a great video all around. Love the math confusion- very funny. As a homeschooling mom, I don’t think this is really math anxiety. Just math forgetfulness! I might suggest a food or natural plant piece of artwork. I am fascinated with the space woman robot but it is slightly creepy- maybe objectifying or just too alien. Cool for the museum or a work space but not for dining. What about a classic natural photo print instead?

[@dollyhartley3618]

Love the dining room, beautifully done! Wish we could see the land lords walk through and reaction to all the amazing things you've done to this apartment!

[@withCy]

Yeah that would be such a nice video!

[@Momo-zf2ej]

Alexandra, you are incredibly talented, and honestly, this video could not have come at a better time. I'm moving into my first apartment next month and all your videos are huge inspirations. thank you!

[@alicekravets8584]

Love how the chairs go together. I wasn't sure about the rug and the light and thankfully they're not in the final product) esp. the cord is cute but just too bulky for the space. Also was lovely to see both Noah's and Alexandra's old pieces in this space, it feels like a proper mix of their styles

[@margaretames6522]

I’m happy to see that you can see when something doesn’t quite right and update your choices.

[@grammybear4226]

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

[@ginawelsh2131]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful ideas and your sweet fun smile!

[@jennb4405]

and lets not forget the singing.. makes my day lol

[@southernassweettea2228]

Love the make over! You can by birch logs and then put the candles on them in the fireplace. I use them in the summer in mine!

[@odd-one-out4409]

I really like this- I had no idea about hanging the pendant that way- also about adding a floor mirror in the dining room- and a rug -hmmm- thank you so much for your ideas, as I have zero.

[@erikas974]

Well done. Nice and homeee. Glad you changed out the light and got rid if the rug. You can still have a rug but something thiner.

[@ribbleslipscomb5171]

Another amazing room. I like the changes you made with rug and lamp.

[@kc9843]

For the original cup hooks and macrame cord you could have used black thread/yarn/string to make loops to attach to the more modern ceiling clips. For the dining light you could have used the great pendant light and removed the shade from the light and used it with those ikea plug in pendant light cords. Just some diy tips from a big DIYer! Looks amazing though!! Love your channel. Big fan ❤️

[@yvettefournier6746]

Agree on the lamp and the rug. Not feeling the black chairs. The rest looks great. I love you and your team and your idea. Great job.

[@darlenehalford9785]

Love the touch of pink!

[@wandaroach765]

Turned out sooooooo nice the changes you made were just right.

[@fatimazohra8986]

And yeah here it comes another blush in her space , I love it

[@madgevanness4011]

You could put LED candles in the fireplace to make for a glow if entertaining.

[@Raxx777]

I really like how this turned out- I'd put some flameless candles that you could click on while dining in the fireplace. So many funny spots in this to watch and -of course- the cutest kitty making her cameo !!!

[@marychristensen8596]

This is absolutely gorgeous and it looks like it didn't take much at all to get it there. Very good planning and fabulous taste! I love your style.

[@teresabell1014]

Really cute, love the woods and color's. The light was a better choice.

[@hwiekamp]

Adorable!!! I love how you styled your dining area, so so cute 🥰

[@angelaglaros]

Love the terracotta-pink arch, the tree, the table, the bar cart. I actually preferred the first pendant light for its lightness. And while I cringed at the table not being centered in front of the fireplace, it felt way more balanced when you added the art and decor, so the end result is lovely!

[@victoriaelzea6845]

I love the dining room rug! Gorgeous!!!! 🥰

[@lilylily143]

everything is perfect......always perfect !

[@roxannedaly279]

Lovely make-over! Knew rug wasn't workin' right away...good call to remove! Only one other critique...black chairs a bit heavy looking but understand you are using what you've got. Accent wall turned out well with mirror placement! Nice!

[@naomiwilliams5788]

This is incredible! My living room/dining room scenario is super similar and this was so inspiring

[@elizabethfigueroa2942]

I agree with the lamp and loved the replacement.

[@angelahughes5783]

I have also seen round tables with drop leaves that could open up the space even more. I love your ideas and your videos! I have used several tips!

[@sandrafassett1206]

Always love the ideas you bring each video. The arched peel and stick is awesome. A nice touch!! Loved the overhead light hack too

[@melmignon2758]

The end result is awesome! So beautiful! I really appreciate you getting rid of the rug because as soon as the table was on it, I was getting anxiety because the legs were not perfectly positioned (clearly my issue, not yours!!). I also like that you left everything in the video, including you changing your mind. That's how it works in real life! Trial and error! I had MANY of those moments when I decorated my house as well! I like Noah's mom's artwork! Good job as usual! Greetings from France!