SMALL Renter-Friendly Patio Makeover With Lots of Colour

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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. Today I am making over a small patio makeover with lots of renter-friendly changes like string lighting and a removable, outdoor accent wall. I'm decorating this patio in a Midcentury Modern style in an attempt to bring the indoors, out!
Credit for inspo images:
Pink couch & green wall photo: photographed by Chellise Michael bit.ly/3N8KjUM
Colourful living room photo: designed by Michelle Qazi bit.ly/43MFRSL
White dining set photo: via Little Spree, designed by Sarah Clark bit.ly/3oXh67q
Decorative hanging lantern photo: via Dobbies Garden Centre bit.ly/3NxhOBJ
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:
String lights: rstyle.me/+uR5KBuA95FzSRp-nch... * AF
Lattice: bit.ly/43z8QcA
Paint: fave.co/3NkzKhB *
Rug: rstyle.me/+sgYtfWJQYSKkSTtFAY... * AF
Sofa: bit.ly/41ZQL6f *
Side tables: bit.ly/44nE8Ei *
Coffee tables: bit.ly/3Avhc8b *
Chair: rstyle.me/+dL-CrSBIYCPKcW3ZWY... * AF
Wall sconces: rstyle.me/+cv9Stdlaz2Hg1J2xFi... * AF
Dining set: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Herb garden: bit.ly/3N25RT3 *
Brick clips: rstyle.me/+-AW-3s2OJnrg2gT4Sm... AF
Throw cushions: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Bird feeder: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Drink dispenser: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Throw blanket: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Pouf: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Lantern: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Citronella candle: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Tray: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Glasses: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Sofa winter cover: bit.ly/3p9zDNN *
U.S. Links:
String lights: rstyle.me/+uR5KBuA95FzSRp-nch... * AF
Lattice: bit.ly/43z8QcA
Paint: bit.ly/3Ns0fD5 *
Rug: rstyle.me/+sgYtfWJQYSKkSTtFAY... * AF
Sofa: bit.ly/41ZQL6f *
Side tables: bit.ly/44nE8Ei *
Coffee tables: bit.ly/3Avhc8b *
Chair: rstyle.me/+dL-CrSBIYCPKcW3ZWY... * AF
Wall sconces: rstyle.me/+cv9Stdlaz2Hg1J2xFi... * AF
Dining set: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Herb garden: bit.ly/3N25RT3 *
Brick clips: bit.ly/3qMst2v
Throw cushions: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Bird feeder: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Drink dispenser: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Throw blanket: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Pouf: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Lantern: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Citronella candle: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Tray: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Glasses: bit.ly/3Zf4LIS *
Sofa winter cover: bit.ly/3p9zDNN *
Let's be friends:
TikTok: / alexandragaterofficial
Instagram: / alexandragater
Pinterest: pinterest.ca/alexandragater
Shop my Amazon store Canada: amazon.ca/shop/alexandragater
Shop my Amazon store U.S.: amazon.com/shop/alexandragater
Sign up to my newsletter to get decor tips and products in your inbox every week: alexandragater.com
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/jamesresendes
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.

[@AutumnLucas75]

Love it!!! Wished you'd shown it at night too with the pretty lights 💡

[@db4907]

Me too!! Team AG-we need a night time video!

[@DanLimb]

I always think that when they've changed the lighting. Especially for living, dining and bedrooms where a major part of the room's function is how it works at night.

[@Nefertsukia]

Maybe we could get a sneak peak on Instagram stories, that'd be lovely!

[@meremeth]

It's expensive to hire a camera person, they probably have a set amount of time with their reveal day videographer.

[@trulocks]

I know right!!

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

Can we have some applause for Graham? That dude has a mad skill set.

[@arleenholmes7218]

I love it. Wish you would of added a storage box. Nobody wants to put covers on everything when it rains or snows. So convenient to be able to open a lid and toss it all in. Waterproof, and protective

[@lindawarden-burglund9603]

I think the covers are for the winter. The fabrics on the couch and pouf are weather resistant against rain in spring, summer, and fall. The rug is also made for the outdoors, and it can be cleaned before winter, rolled up, stored under the couch, which will then be covered. Perhaps the chair, nesting tables, side tables, and the bistro table and chairs can be stored where the table is now and covered, or a few pieces (the chair and the pouf) could be used inside. Just some thoughts about winter storage solutions.

[@talleysuehohlfeld3959]

I wish they’d added a rather proof metal box/bench to store the covers in during the summer.

[@iljaberendsenn]

I never watched this video, dont understand how i have not seen it .. well i am watching it now, and love it❤

[@valarya]

Actual string light tip: They make amazing smart-app connected string lights for patios now that are NOT glass - so they literally cannot shatter. Ever. Great job!

[@kczmonkey03]

Give us a link 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🥹

[@JulieNick28]

Finding Graham was a blessing - plus you two have such a cute chemistry and work so well together. This turned out beautiful, as usual!

[@nancyanneberg403]

I had missed this one and just discovered a treasure. Thank you for making that woman a living space. Wonderful use of brain cells,kids.

[@luvurab]

Gorgeous. So cozy and intimate. HOWEVER…I would dispense with the bird feeder as you will get bird seed everywhere as well as perhaps bird poop!

[@restlessroadtrips4099]

And with that comes mice.and rats.

[@juanitalavadie9831]

Graham's dove tailing of the light poles, joining the 3 wood pieces for each,, glued and fixed in place with a dowel is a credit to his workmanship.

[@KamisKisses]

You know the saying, "You hit it out of the park?" There is no park, Alexandra you hit it out of the world. Really really love this💖😱💯

[@candiceokkers2932]

Missed this content soooo much!!! Team AG always brings the perfect combo of creativity, entertainment and education

[@AlexandraGater]

Aw this is so lovely, thank you!

[@kriyayoga98]

It’s really beautiful. I love the accent wall. Great for hosting and also serene to sit out there and read a book. Practical me just wonders about how long that white rug will last. Someone’s dirty shoes will immediately mark it up. I would have put something with a pattern and not so white.

[@jarcha4200]

Agree with the rug observation.

[@kellym536]

Hi Alexandra! I love the makeover

[@EmmaVB82]

YES I wholeheartedly second this! I got two cats a year ago, and they definitely pose a whole lot of different challenges I hadn’t foreseen! For one, they’re huge Maine Coons, so all the things like litterboxes, towers, and beds, also need to be huge and sturdy for their size and strength, so they aren’t the sort of thing you can just easily hide with the cute DIYs like Alexandra did with the litterbox cabinet for Lottie! I’ve got two enclosed litterboxes, but I’m already right at the top end of litterbox size, with the longest one being 66cm/26” long (and 48cm wide), and my biggest cat has trouble comfortably turning around in the slightly shorter but wider box (57x50cm) - the recommendation to have litter trays 1.5 times as long as your cat is basically impossible when your cats are giants 😹 I’ve got a good floor to ceiling tower with multiple perches/beds and hammocks, right by the window and the sofa, and they spend a LOT of time there. I’ve currently got a junky solution to give them access to sleep on top of the fridge (really big square platform with a cushion on top, where they can be close to me when I’m cooking 😽and still have a good position to survey their territory!), but my hope/goal is to basically turn the whole wall behind my sofa and running from the window to the kitchen into a cat wall with proper jumpable shelves - I’ve basically admitted defeat on having the stylish made-over space of my dreams in favour of functionality for the fluffy members of my family! I wanted to extend it all above the window and over to my desk on the other side and to have a couple of cat shelves over there for them too, but there’s just not enough room above the window for them to jump onto and then comfortably traverse a long shelf up there without having to do a commando crawl! I look enviously at the catifications of people with smaller cats (as well as at the lovely homes of people without cats at all 😂) They’re a total liability as well - in the last few weeks one has jumped up on one of my lovely marble hexagon shaped side tables (bought before I had cats 😅) - this is fine in and of itself and I don’t see how I could stop them anyway, but he’s then toppled it over while leaping off it, and it came crashing down to leave a dent/gouge in my laminate floors - twice! 😫 Whenever I see makeovers I’m now looking at them through the eye of a cat owner - I now know that top-heavy tables are a terrible idea for me 😂 He’ll also reach up and pull down any towel or hanging fabric item he can reach (and he’s a BIG cat and can easily reach the kitchen counter from standing on the floor, as well as all the door handles!), so I have to find creative places to put anything like that I don’t want him to destroy/get all fluffy and on the floor. Just as well he’s cute - currently he’s featuring in my KZbin profile pic, so I figure that gives me justification to complain about him on the internet 😂

[@amigos4erin]

There are a lot of catio build videos, although none of them are as beautiful as AG’s stuff. I’m working on something for my living run that might give you ideas tho. Look up “slat walls”, there are tons of pictures and videos. Now run the slats horizontally instead of vertically and bevel the top edge so that the slats are also French cleats. Make/buy cat wall pieces with French cleat hangers. Arrange and rearrange to your and your feline overlord’s hearts content. Obviously this is the simple explanation that leaves out choosing what color to make the slats, spacing them, and obtaining the cat wall perches, but I hope it gives you ideas!

[@amigos4erin]

@@EmmaVB82in case you don’t get a notification, I posted a possibly useful comment on the parent comment in this section. We cat people need to work together to create beautiful cat friendly/renter friendly stuff!

[@OtikaOtikaOtika]

Alexandra: "White is not great color for outdoor furniture in our climate." Also Alexandra: puts white rug on the patio. 😂😂😂😂

[@restlessroadtrips4099]

I was thinking the same thing! I even went back and relistened to it because I thought maybe I misheard her.

[@quinnm.3127]

😩😭

[@TamarLitvot]

I was wondering -- but with outdoor rugs, you can often just hose them off -- so they aren't hard in terms of upkeep.

[@sophianichole]

You can clear coat them with Spray paint. I clear coat all my outdoor furniture and rugs for longevity

[@retroredo9850]

A rug isnt like furniture though or even the pillows on a bench where you only have one fitted set. You can change them out easily for the seasons like placemats on a table.

[@Gagoum17]

Lovely space!! Canadian renters sound like they have so much freedom to drill holes, and it gives it so much opportunity to improve the space, well done !

[@olliejilliangil8382]

The dining nook is my favorite part!

[@AlexandraGater]

Mine too!! 😻

[@JudgeyJudgeyable]

I always love seeing graham's work and Alexandra's train of thought

[@phyllisstein1837]

wow, that is really nice. that is an actual living room outdoors. talk about making the most of a small patio. cooking, dining, living area all in one place.

[@deborahhanchett899]

Graham is a superhero!!! Truly skilled, gifted, talented, and so kind! I love him so much!!!💕💕💕

[@quadbox]

I loved this make over. In my opinion Team AG utilised the space really well and the client seemed really delighted - shame they were wearing their glasses for the reveal because it would have been nice to see their expressions.

[@marinacam]

Alexandra, your love of people, design, your team, your work, yourself, and life itself was everywhere in this video. Graham continues to knock it out of the park with his amazing craftsmanship. This was absolutely delightful. Outstanding result! ❤

[@cindym6065]

I would never go in the house. I'd want to sleep out there too! It's fabulous.

[@NCTarHeelinGA]

Alexandra, you have a great laugh! And, Graham, you are so talented!

[@angelaglaros]

I’m officially jealous!!

[@walle5667]

I really appreciate that you are consistent with your uploads and that you didn't feel the need to change your format. I'm really happy about it and I enjoy your content. A beautiful transformation once again :) Graham seems to know everything, he is such a good fit for your team.

[@KathrynFarrell355]

Wow! Every episode you really kick it out of the park with friendly cosy fun makeovers. I really like the episodes where the space does not look like it could be made over the way you do it. Your team though as well. Very talented bunch of folk.

[@beeARTcanada]

So pretty and HAPPY-looking! A beautiful piece of driftwood or light-weight metal sculpture would be nice instead of the print and could stay outdoors year round.

[@Sonshine1296]

This was such a fun makeover! I love the nook with the green lattice. It's adorable.

[@TamarLitvot]

Yes! It was such a great idea to do that

[@terriwade946]

Alexandra, the team is super creative and Graham ... surely does perfect with the woodwork projects! The proof is apparent and so clear!

[@retroredo9850]

Although we all have our own styles and color preferences the thing you are really expert at is zoning! I couldnt quite figure out the stairs at first. Im really impressed the owner of the building did such great patios worked in with the stairs for all to have their spot and be able to get to their patio and exit. Ive lived in places where the only stairs to all apartments had 30 other tenants rubber necking looking into our living room window!

[@beareeves4923]

Can we get a view at night to see lights?

[@kaylachung12]

The brick clips hack:life saver.

[@tikvahhoogendoorn8892]

Quoting Alexandra: "The deck is drying, it looks so much better, my shoes are tighter, life is good" 😂😂

[@rog3129]

Amazing poles for the lights! 🎉. This is so gorgeous now!!

[@AlexandraGater]

They’re a game changer!

[@danikitttie]

Agree 💯%

[@dorothymaikis4647]

I am 83 and I love you all you make my day I wish I had the money to have you come to my apartment buthugs

[@dorothymaikis4647]

14:30 14:58

[@michaelbeck4236]

Who needs a dumb ole solstice to let you know summer is here when you’ve got Team AG’s first outdoor patio makeover video of the season??

[@pamelafox7677]

Graham looked so cute, let him know. This turned out great, lots of space.

[@rebekahpoppen]

I love how you hung the lights! I've always not liked the metal pole option, but the wood style posts you went with are so cute!

[@i.plvygrnd]

Summer now sounds 20x's better with these upcoming videos. Thanks for the inspiration!!

[@BE-bs8oe]

For art, you can use old ( or new) metal enamel billboard plates which do great outside. You can also go to a workshop and make a wooden sign , with a quote or word that speaks to you. Treillis can look totally different the other way down ( it actually widens the space, so always check out your horizontal and certical positioning before cutting and attaching. With global warming, lemons in Toronto become a trend ; - )))

[@Heynatashaaa]

I was dying to see it at night! I’m sure it looks so cozy. Well done, beautifully done! 👏

[@largedoglover99]

😮😮😮😮 spindles! To be avoided at all cost! I find the spindles to be uncomfortable 😢😢😢😢 even with fluffy pillows . I love your channel do amazing work.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@alexandrastevens8892]

This has definitely become my absolute favorite patio makeover. Its gorgeous and extends her studio apartment brilliantly. She could have a canopy over the whole lot if she was to lengthen the outside seasons 😊

[@alexandrastevens8892]

PS I wanted to see it lit up at night 😢

[@joantrotter3005]

I was wondering if putting up that plexiglass like they use on greenhouses could be done in winter? Have a canopy part of the time, and plexiglass the rest of the year?

[@janebradfield2373]

Ok Graham in the Hawaiian shirt was giving Ken vibes in the Barbie movie! Love love love 💕

[@thexxit]

So gorgeous! I really love that orange chair, looks comfy and could work indoors too. I think you definitly checked all the boxes with this one!

[@martag9128]

I love Graham your friendship is so cutee

[@taylajohnson7972]

Ugh I love this !!! All it’s missing is some chimes for some ambiance

[@jettabartholomew1118]

This was awesome...one thing...if you put a scented candle or flowers where you're eating...especially citronella - that's what your food will taste like.

[@jamiekallio9301]

I’m in Calgary and discovered your channel a few months ago. You’re hilarious and talented. Keep up the amazing work.

[@pandaevenstar]

I love listening to Alexandra narrate Graham’s woodworking projects 😂 like I super appreciate the detail bc my bf and I are very DIY-friendly and I actually get a lot of really good info, but Alexandra sounds so surprised when she says stuff like “speed square”

[@paulaNagle]

I wanna a Graham too!!! the guy is like a magician!

[@pennyvae]

Best yet!

[@lilred312benett6]

I really like the painted lattice framing the bistro area. It's different

[@susankilpatrick2918]

Deck looks great! Graham is so incredibly talented!!!

[@nigeljones8628]

Love it all the way from NZ. My wife loves your channel. She subscribed, gets notified everytime you post viedos.

[@mydigitalspace13]

Hi AG team, your videos are really a treat to my eyes. Everyday before bed i watch these videos. Thanks to all of you for all the hard work ❤

[@melaninfreeflowing4248]

New fan of yours! I’ve been binging your videos for the past few days. I’m obsessed with the tiny space makeovers!

[@gradyvandenbosch5772]

It makes me so happy to know that she now has a beautiful space to host, an outdoor livingroom. What a lovely place, with an eye for detail with the green nook, the lights and the other stuff. Smiling here! I think she will be there all the time during summer. I would!

[@joevan5606]

Lattice is nice or I think from the picture she gave the corrugated metal even rusted but painted with her favorite color maybe blue or green or blue green would really be cool 😀 or you can do the art painting on it ❤….I love ur herb garden 😊

[@diva7892]

Great one ag❤ Mayb u can try coral or olive for the rug (instead of a white) .... Easier maintain

[@fleurjardin1012]

Alexandra, I love your style. Always beautiful and always practical, too. Graham is an amazing all round can-do-anything craftsman. You make a great team!

[@glorial1569]

Absolutely lovely I love her little bistro nook

[@Orlagh]

This is so beautiful 😍 relaxing on that sofa with an iced coffee and a good book would be heaven!

[@vickinoeske1154]

Fantastic makeover. Sophisticated and fun. Love the way the round side tables fit into the notches of the rug. The lights, the lattice, everything, great. Wish you had shown us a night view.

[@marys4863]

WOW! Come do my patio in West Virginia. So beautiful.

[@selenagardiner3038]

Lovely patio makeover. One thing that I think would have added a bit more drama would be to paint the herb pots black to match the lights. Otherwise great use of space as always.

[@cattyandfriends]

Yayyyhhhh!!! New video 😁 Please also do a room make over with cat/pet stuff incorporated like litter box. I have seen all your pet related content, but need new ideas since graham has joined your team.

[@Vanessa.111]

This is def my style and color theme

[@cisburns.fabideas614]

Well done girly girl! I love and appreciate your work. Your team is terrific!

[@sherryberryblueberry6156]

What a gorgeous space you created. I am also so impressed with the genius that is Graham and those elegant posts for the lights!

[@journey2joy578]

You are my favorite show to watch. Loved this!

[@fallOutbOy4everandev]

Another amazing video YESSSS🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@rsartore12]

Article must not have an l-shaped outdoor sofa? Because if her focus is hosting, that seems like the best use of space here for seating 🤷‍♀️

[@plentioff]

Loved it! Simplicity is beauty, well done!🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@debrasparkman3430]

Alexandra is so good. I love her videos. A friend from South Carolina in the US.

[@seyma3324]

its so professional coz u dont just design the area's looking. u also think about functionality like alot. im very impressed

[@amelialeblanc8115]

Love to see an outdoor space!

[@elmapollard4238]

Couldn't wait for this either...oh how I'd love to make my patio beautiful too! So we'll done❤

[@ISABELPAGEPAGOLA-yj4bm]

I see a new series comming! LOVE LOVE LOVE

[@janetbodine5733]

I live in an apt where the patio is in kind of a wind tunnel - I cut lengths of bias tape, and stitched the center of the bias tape to my throw pillows and cushions and then I tied the loose ends of the bias tape to my bench to prevent things getting blown away.

[@SaidiLouise]

The "cup hook special " is GENIUS. Going to use it today!!!!

[@jenmv3483]

Wow your brave to do a white rug! Scotchguard!

[@CheckThisOut77]

Sofa may be better not facing the brick wall. Those seated would rather be looking to an open area. Six month follow up: What will the white rug look like?

[@user-uw8wg7is2n]

Do you ever do garages?

[@tlcbear411]

Love this. Love the green outside. 🎉🎉🎉

[@helenwalker9751]

Awesome. Loved everything, especially the rug with such a unique shape

[@haleyla]

I love when the “not obvious choice” was the obvious choice to me 😂

[@snorlund1]

It looks really nice! 😊

[@chickxbuffet]

We used electrical tape on our string lights to keep the two strands together! Fabulous makeover as always, Team AG! ☺️

[@tngirlz4622]

AWESOME makeover - wow! Especially love the overhead lights. Graham is clearly a DIY genius.

[@rosemaryporter5771]

Love your creativity talent in action❤

[@katieadelson7500]

Please vlog the shopping portion of your makeovers!

[@fernandez9644]

Yay finally!!! I’ve been waiting for a video ❤️

[@alannalujan]

Just gorgeous!!

[@danaliz9777]

What a beautiful makeover! I was wondering if you could show a cover or roof (while letting in some sun)

[@maureenk1635]

Amazing transformation!

[@pandorasmagicbox]

Ceramic plates are great for outdoor decor. Thank you for your ideas. I want to improve my outdoor space.

[@jackiebrown6577]

Wow!!! So inviting!! Great job! ❤️👏

[@margaritadiaz3779]

What a great use of space! The posts were the best idea ever for putting up the lights. Go, team AG!❤❤❤ I love your makeovers, and I'm sure that your clients feel the same way.

[@cierrascales6770]

All was missing is a bar cart ❤