Tiny loft bedroom gets a cozy makeover | Ikea dresser hack | Studio Fix S1 E5

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'm so excited for this episode of Studio Fix! You guys loved the makeover of the living area of this apartment and were asking for the bedroom so here it is!
Danie's laundry nook makeover video: • Small Space Loft Laund...
Watch the makeover of the downstairs: • Studio Apartment With ...
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.
Dresser: fave.co/37PXH9B AF *
Gold knobs: amzn.to/2PiRht8 AF *
Black chalk paint: fave.co/2T4GEvj AF
Hanging planter: fave.co/2uqn3NO
Floor planters: homesense.ca
Duvet cover: homesense.ca
Baskets: homesense.ca
Moon sconce: fave.co/32qhGLa AF
Blinds: fave.co/39XwaEC AF *
Under bed storage: fave.co/38S60mO AF *
Storage baskets: homesense.ca
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GET IN TOUCH:
Alexandra Gater
P.O. Box 68555 Walmer
Toronto, ON
M5S 3C9
EMAIL:
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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 and edited by Carla Antonio: www.carlaantonio.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.

[@jessieh5928]

Love the makeover but the clothing bar needs a central brace as you can already see it is bowing under the weight. From experience my rental has the same system you installed & it just gets worse overtime. Easily fixed though if you add a bracket (wish we could but we aren’t allowed to do anything as renters!)

[@deadmedia500]

OMG thank you! That droopy bar literally made me so uncomfortable 😣

[@clairehunter5023]

Especially since it’s just a tension rod essentially 🥺

[@sharong8511]

Changing the hangers to slimline plastic will remove some of the weight but it really needs more support. I don’t see why you couldn’t add some support to the closet rod. You’d be improving the place. But, if the owner doesn’t approve just remove the support when you move out and spackle the holes. For an emergency spackle you can use white toothpaste.

[@jessieh5928]

Sharon G we aren’t allowed to do anything without permission, even put up a hook. It’s strict in Australia, my lease literally has a section about not using 3m command hooks lol

[@monstana]

Exactly what I wanted to share right now too.

[@lulubelle65]

You missed the opportunity to get slimline matching hangers for the closet. They are game changing when it comes to reducing wasted space. Also, matching hangers in an open storage area look much neater.

[@Tiadaghton37]

You're correct. I did the same thing -- looks so much better -- less visual noise.

[@Bunny-sl7wl]

Yes! The closet was so close but not quite all the way there. Some light airy curtains on a tension rod in front of the hanging part of the closet area would have also allowed for closing off the visual clutter, and given more depth to the space, making it appear bigger.

[@michelepaccione8806]

Absolutely...she could hang twice as many clothes that way and get them out of baskets. Also, organizing the clothes by color and length would make it look more organized. Put all the long dresses to one side and the shorter clothes to the other. Then put the storage baskets under the shorter clothes.

[@di4085]

Totally agree with you. That was my first thought.

[@forest_green]

I really like the look of those old patterned hangers though. There's a lot of white and the patterns add a bit of missing colour.

[@jeannawalton8107]

It all looks great :) I would have taken an extra few minutes and sorted her clothes when hanging them back up..........light with light, dark with dark, short sleeve vs long sleeve, etc. It makes it visually calmer, and really helps. Very cute space!

[@megansimonson]

For the people suggesting to replace all the hangers... yes, in theory it's a great idea to reduce visual clutter, BUT keep in mind it's also highly wasteful and sometimes costly to change them all out just for aesthetics. It's good for us all to be mindful and reduce our consumption where we can. :) Especially when what we currently have works perfectly fine.

[@kleinesren7064]

true! I didn't think about that, but you are so right! You could always sort them so they form a kind of gradient, you could also paint them to reduce the 'visual clutter' :)

[@emma0945]

It doesn’t necessarily has to be wasteful :) You can donate the hangers, or even sell them so that you can cover the cost of the new ones ;) It’s not like the only choice other than keeping them is to throw them away as garbage 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@lisupa4240]

Or you could give them to Friends who have a closed closet

[@enakrstic6261]

We are here to give ours opinion,suggestions and ideas.We can't tell "o,it's great" if we don't think so.Maybe someone have better solution for something.

[@Jessa8891]

It’s not just for aesthetic! You can fit more clothes in your closet because they are so slim... plus you can donate your old ones.

[@monisharmuk]

I love that all of Alex’s friends are strong and inspirational women. They all have such unique tastes and pursuits.

[@dawnwesterbeck346]

I wonder what you did with the full-length mirror. She's going to need that!

[@GradKat]

True! Carla had it resting against the rad before. Maybe she’ll just do that again.

[@the_aasthasarangal]

Ditto

[@royalone3009]

I was wondering that too

[@nightowl8548]

Yes! Was coming here to say the same thing!

[@rachaelm5212]

Love how Diego is falling asleep with his cone on!!

[@nonye04]

I really love the under the bed storage boxes!! And the fact that they have wheels attached to them is such an added bonus 🥰❤️

[@jadec8960]

Besides how much I love this channel because of your talent, I admit I enjoy the very generous amount of cat cameos 😻. Diego is so cute 💜

[@quadbox]

I loved this makeover, but woah, reading through the comments, I realised that some people will never be satisfied. I think the end look came together so well. 🥰

[@valerieann2751]

quadbox I think that can be said for so many especially in these days of the Internet. People love to criticize and stay hidden behind a key board. It’s pretty sad actually , the amount of negativity is depressing.

[@alaah4183]

The criticizing is good & healthy because we can learn from others, i read & learn from the comments.

[@amyk.2500]

All of Alexandra's videos are like this, all the comments are so negative

[@shannonmccarthy3461]

All the comments on this video and all of AGs videos are always so negative people are never satisfied and they say what could have been done or what she should have stayed away from doing and im sorry but if you arent the client why does it matter if the client's happy that's all that matter not some wanna be designer half way across the country who should start a channel do what AG and Diy Dani do and see what comments they get. There's a difference between constructive criticism and just being mean like some people

[@cece9394]

This makeover is so good and I love watching your videos. As soon as you started cleaning out the cubbies I immediately thought that one of those would be a perfect place to put a bed for Diego or something, again I love your makeover just something that occurred to me :)

[@StephanieJoRountree]

Nice job. I've always thought the laundry area should be close to the master bedroom, so having it in the bedroom isn't such a bad idea, especially in a small space.

[@AlexandraGater]

I agree!

[@princessconsuela9012]

And wouldn’t it be cozy to hear the dryer going while you fell asleep?

[@og6920]

@@princessconsuela9012 And it helps warm up the room on cold nights. :-D

[@carololeary3097]

@@princessconsuela9012 Hi! I love how the apt turned out! Super cute and my bedroom has a pitched ceiling so I'm thinking the nooks/baskets might be in my future.....excited about that! However, my job (my real job that I get paid for) is to make sure vacation rentals don't have safety issues, ya know, they need fire extinguishers, handrails, smoke and CO detectors, stuff like that. Gas appliances (like dryers) in bedrooms is not OK. They can leak carbon monoxide which can kill you. Just wanted to bring that to your attention so everyone stays safe!

[@juliec8562]

@@carololeary3097 So smart! Yes, of course. I have an electric dryer, so I didn't think of that, altho electric can obviously be a fire hazard, too. Safety first!

[@allisonmb1930]

It’s like an adult tree house. So sweet.

[@sonjaeckmann5991]

Carla‘s apartment is so special! 😍 I think the best idea of this makeover was to hang the rod in the “closet” higher... genius!

[@jagdishkrishnamurthy4867]

Upon unboxing, I was immediately upset at how the rails were very noticeably bent. But I kept going, all tools needed to assemble were included kzbin.infoUgkxqtX4Dxs6aecAZEuz6GY5-d81YecKCshn and I had it set up in about 30 minutes. Honestly I love this thing, make sure to read the measurements and measure your space so you know if it'll work for you. I bought this to put inside my closet, underneath where I hang my clothes and it is absolutely perfect! It is VERY sturdy and all drawers glide easily and mine are stuffed, and they are still flush when closed.

[@middlelle]

I don’t know why people would ignore under-the-bed storage. I’ve used it and almost every place I’ve lived. I do love your use of the baskets.

[@AlexandraGater]

I totally agree!!

[@halahlo7007]

My bed have build in under storage It is so helpful I put my art supplies there

[@natalieengelbert7370]

@@halahlo7007 It's really bad Feng Shui but that kind of thing doesn't bother some people.

[@leadupont8588]

I have sooo much storage under my bed. I have very high ceiling, so I bought a platform bed which legs I cut as to be able to sit confortably in bed without any risk of hitting the ceiling. I put the bed in a corner then I stapled a very thin sheet of plywood to one of the side, and hang a tension rod with curtains to hide the entrance to the ''storage area''. I have piled up kallax shelves that serves as a stairway. Very comfy bed and I have so much stuff underneath !

[@Carolll9]

I hate having things under the bed. It gets super dusty and a room looks larger if you can see under the bed. But if you live in a small space I guess you have to.

[@elizatherocker]

I loooooove the fairy lights! I wrapped them around my canopy and it’s so relaxing at night. 😍😍

[@flowersafeheart]

Loved the minimizing, reorganizing, and attractively hiding of the clothes. Much more restful now and they don't drag on the ground. What a easy dresser hack too for totally new look. Plants and warm lighting always make a world of difference. Ok, off to watch Dani's laundry area video!

[@labrettajordan766]

I like the dresser and the under bed storage thank you for sharing, and i agree with Jessie the middle of the clothing bar looks like it is sinking in the middle, but overall you did a nice job.

[@Jess-Summerbaby]

I am going to work on tucking things away more so that my eyes are more relaxed when looking around my space. Love your videos ❤

[@mauricepowers3804]

I love that you took that metal closet system down I hate those this was really awesome idea

[@vibingvegan]

That cat and that cone ! Gah i love

[@vickinoeske1711]

Nice, neat, uncluttered which makes the room more peaceful. Like the Ikea hack.

[@diannerumsey2171]

Love the changes in the storage and wardrobe, but where did you positiin her full length mirror?

[@caroll9698]

Colour 👏🏾 coordinate 👏🏾 your clothes for open 👏🏾 closets!

[@waffelsmellgood]

It’s pretty!! Good job!! I agree with getting rid of half of that collection. I think we all have too much clothes we don’t use. It always disappoints me when I see people make videos of cleaning up and organizing their full closets and still keep all of the clothes anyway when it’s obviously too much for the space. 👍 good job

[@kodietrahan-guay4235]

I would have changed the hangers so they were all slim and uniform but I am crazy about my closet being like that. It’s a great makeover! Really making the most of the lack of storage! Those were great under bed drawers.

[@bellamin4549]

I’m the same way with my hangers. I used to have an exposed closest space so I made it into an art piece with the matching hangers and clothing sorted by by colour. Now that I have closet doors I’m not as bad 😂

[@Readingandgardening]

Beautiful!! Cosy but light and airy at the same time. Love it! I'm going to add plants to my bedroom after watching this.

[@dalia5964]

4:23 Diego is mood

[@mynameishannah]

Yes! So excited for this! Perfect watch for a cold Sunday night in the UK. Going to crank my electric blanket up and make a hot chocolate to get cozy and watch the video xx

[@JessicaBrown-fz7hq]

I’m sorry the only thing I can focus on is the cat wearing a neck pillow. 😂 he/she looks extremely comfy. Great loft update.

[@Domino_0604]

His name is Diego 😍😍

[@gabrielasimmons2401]

I'am also sorry, what is this around the cats neck and what is it for? I never heard of a neck pillow for cats.

[@gabrielasimmons2401]

@Cease AndDesist thanks for the information. In Germany the cat gets a little suit to wear 😊

[@hel3319]

Love it. I would have put up a headboard for the bed too or something inbetween the banister (I am afraid of hights though) and maybe a little curtain in front of the washing machine. The rest is just perfect and I am already looking for the blinds.

[@urbashibhaduri]

I am in love with the way you transform any space. Really really glued to your channel since I stumbled upon it. Kee posting

[@shastabare6026]

I'm super jealous in love with this apartment, both before and after!!!

[@petite.emilia]

Such an amazing makeover! I'm moving to my first apartment and i'm gonna use many of these ideas for storage and decor! Dany and you make such an amazing team and it shows. I love the way you laugh with her!! Love from BA, Argentina!

[@heatherelise327]

Really nice of you to be specific about This Pet and General Pet Precautions when it comes to plants. Very impactful ❤

[@123cindyb]

The room looks great. The storage ideas are wonderful. I have another idea for the room. What if you used black thick macrame cord or strips of leather and wove them through the spindles behind her bed! I think it would tie in the black drawer fronts and give her a head board without closing things in. Just a thought. Love your videos.

[@dalcloud8873]

Omg that's SUCH a good idea *mind blown* she could weave in different colours, a shelf, art or objects. It will create more privacy and mood! ⭐☁

[@sparkysheep]

Oh wow what a big difference!! All three videos are fantastic and the whole place looks so amazing! It looks like a functional, well organized, and coordinated space!

[@8sjune]

i love everything but i most love is the drawer hacked! so beautiful

[@jenniewells6070]

Super Great job. You let me know about soo many storage solutions no matter the size of the spaces. Thanks💃💃💃💃

[@sheila95472]

Great job! I love the crescent moon light a LOT!

[@CocoJo445]

Love the under bed storage idea! Will implement in my apartment.

[@WrenMcNally]

I agree about the hangers, originally she had them laid out so that all the woven ones were together. Then just putting the tops and pant hangers together works as well. Even if after that you tried to organize them by length of item it would look even nicer. I really like the window coverings and the plants. I adore that moon light and I like the mixed up baskets, although I really like the orb light with the suitcase underneath. I was sad to see that moved. I know she needed more storage but the suitcase added some color to the spot and looked really neat. I think the only thing that the room needs is a colorful throw on the bed. The room is very light and airy but a splash of color is so nice.

[@Dodo-md1gs]

I've just brought a blind from Ikea, for £25.00 I thought I was going to have to spend a lot more than that but am blinded at my desk in the morning and don't want to cut all light out with the curtains. Also; even though my hands aren't as pretty as yours I am totally inspired by your nail varnish and have started wearing it again. I love watching your youtubes. So energising and inspiring.

[@kristen6536]

I love you guys working together 😍

[@mandiekins316]

The blinds 🙈 sheer white panels or curtains might have added a nicer touch! Also, she def needs a support bar on that closet dowel! (And matching hangers but I’m ocd about that lol). Love her loft space!!

[@kcanded]

Also, she says the curtains cut down on the light. NO, they block the view, they definitely show a lot of light! Which isn't bad for an upstairs bedroom, especially one so tiny.

[@sandrahyllaneuanfangsmento8246]

I didn't know about the blinds from Ikea. I just moved into a penthouse with skylights and was looking for a solution to blind out the sun and heat in the summer. I'll try that. Thank you. I love your videos and this one especially.

[@user-tz5hm2ts8m]

Instead of velcro-ing the bottom to the top, you can also get some clear clips and clip it together at the desired height when folded up during the day.

[@micheleoftheoaks5506]

Don't waste your money. Get some real blinds that can be raised and lowered with a string attached to a wand. They're not that expensive. The ones placed on these windows will fall down after the cat gives them a few wacks, and are extremely difficult to position.

[@junerobbins6871]

I love this side of the makeover. The fairy lights are my faviorite

[@pineappledecor]

Wow beautiful loft!!

[@barbaranavarro4729]

Hi Alexandra You and Dani rocked this makeover! Two things I like to point out. One, the closet rod needs a central support bracket because when you showed the after shot it was already bending in the middle with the weight of the clothes. Second, putting small shelves over on top of the windows would have been a nice touch to add more plants or other decorative items. Still this was a great makeover and your friend is very lucky to have friends like you and Dani to do this for her 💚

[@dalcloud8873]

I love the ideas!!!! I think she was stumped due to landlord limitations; some kind of post frictioned in at the central point could work to keep the rack stable and finding a way to hand shelves without making holes is a something I'm not sure how to do yet!!!!

[@dalcloud8873]

I love your profile pic by the way, so supremely stunning!!!!

[@susannem6192]

Gorgeous baskets in those cubbies!

[@chrissy24-7]

I love the lighting, our bedroom could really use more. The string lights are a romantic touch 💕

[@suesheification]

I want that wall light!

[@diesels_girl9695]

The black paint should stay matte even with the wax. Without it it will scratch super easy

[@kimberlyakers5923]

looks really pretty. I love how the banister serves as her headboard.

[@ruthgoddard6539]

You did such a great job on this bedroom. So cozy but fresh and pretty.love the dresser.

[@pamelaatkinson5710]

A lot of great ideas here. Love the underbed storage, the flip of the closet bar and baskets, the new dresser, the baskets in the cubbies, all the plants, the textured spread and the lighting solutions! Big improvement!

[@denises9426]

Love the big baskets by the bed. And that moon light and fairy lights lights - so tranquil. Great job again!!

[@RoseMary-vs3io]

I love what you did with the chest of draws, simple but lovely, brilliant job.

[@TheRachelk516]

I love the layout of the apartment. So nice. You did a great job with the makeover..

[@hs2874]

I did NOT know about those $4 curtails, this is perfect for my rental. No nails in the wall, no hanging, and far cheaper than the cheapest fabric curtains they sell. Thanks!

[@antiquesrestoration3874]

The new closet configuration and under-bed storage are so smart.

[@strawberry1025]

Because finish is so important to a good look could you break down how you measure for various tasks ie: how to measure accurately to put on those lovely gold handles on the drawers. Thank you!

[@cizelaidaguia8878]

Lo importante es que mantenga el orden, sin el no vale decoración y organización que se le haga . Alexandra hizo un gran esfuerzo en ese caos! ❤

[@PurpleCheese1011]

Aw this was such a good makeover i looooooove Carla's apartment so much !!!!

[@AlexandraGater]

Me too!

[@LaGlamourLashes]

Those wooden hangers are super cute but they take up so much space. I started using the velvet thin hangers (amazon) and my closet has so much more space now!

[@rachelclifford9190]

A moment of appreciation for Gater's overalls: the adorable, unsung heroes of many a DIY, paint job, and cat pouch

[@helenreid7022]

You did an awesome job and Danie also with the laundry! I’m a new subscriber to both your channels! Love that your Canadian as am I. I particularly loved the basket idea and the curtains! I didn’t know IKEA had those! It’s also nice that you have cats in your videos because they are such a help😀 I know because I have two!

[@LibrarianOnUr6]

I had no idea that IKEA had such simple window solutions! I’ve had the same blinds in my room for YEARS and have dreaded to upgrade because of the cost... can’t thank you enough for the vid and the window suggestion!😊

[@dalcloud8873]

Same!!!! I love the idea with the velcro as well to make a little valance moment. 2-4-1!

[@dalcloud8873]

You could even just get some paper and do an accoridan fold!!!!

[@LibrarianOnUr6]

Dal Cloud How cute!! Love the paper idea!!

[@karenjohnson4433]

I loved that first part of the makeover. I know I watched it at least two times if not more.

[@cthor7126]

This video speaks to me.... no~ literally... my name is Carla! 😃. You said Carla has lots of clothing, Yes I do! Haha great job! I'm going to downsize my clothing today and store underneath, thanks! It all looks airy and cozy yet super functional👍🏼

[@pinkiesue849]

we are heading into difficult times financially. Maybe keep clothing, even to share with the poor people.

[@ceer9141]

Love the underbed storage! 💗

[@jessicashaw72]

Omg her throw on top of her bed is literally my shower curtain! Love this whole apartment makeover so much. Please help me with my entire house!

[@Babyycades]

I love your videos!! You've inspired me to remake my space, you share sooo many great tips! This whole studio makeover was amazing! One thing I cant stand is the COMMENT SECTION. I'm sorry you get so much criticism. I've never seen so much! There are barely ANY positive comments. I hope you keep making videos and that it doesnt bother you, but it even bothers me and I'm not the one being targeted!! Anyways, you're absolutely killing it, your eye for design is impeccable and you're very inspirational to me ❤

[@betsygilberti5909]

yes! yes! yes!

[@maryiorio426]

I agree! Her design strategies are right on target! I love how she is able to transform spaces, even very small spaces that to me have very limited options, but Alexandra sees opportunities, not limits! Bravo!

[@christinecrispin6553]

Loving the under bed drawers, I think I’m going to DIY my own! Thanks for the inspo!!!!!

[@karenjohnson4433]

The loft makeover is just as beautiful as he downstairs. Now I’m off to Danie’s channel.

[@EgyptianPricess]

I watch the whole vlog and I really love this kind of apartment and I love these ideas I am getting from these vlogs. Thank you for doing vlogs like this so we can all learn something new to take away from these videos.

[@roxannetarjan1411]

Lovely Alexandra! You could sew a simple panel gathered on one end with magnets to hold it on the machines. BRAVO!,💗💗

[@jmk1962]

Exactly ecause who wants to look at a washer/dryer when relaxing in bed

[@1131879jules]

Skylights are sooo dreamy! Great makeover!

[@mozartt1000]

She is amazing. So real and sweet. She is also very talented. Refreshing change in the decorating realm...

[@terrioakley7298]

What an excellent job you both did , Carla’s room is so light and bright and clutter free . I just love it and I beg Carla did too 👍😊

[@jessicapinto3817]

The baskets and use for space, I love how you organise it ⛱🌞

[@ClarissaA18]

I love how this turned out! The closet area transformation was genius.

[@92128PJ]

Well done. Love how you both did everything. Love love love

[@jengus1951]

Best makeover yet! Love it!

[@ursulamelia7136]

Amazing job done the two of you!!!

[@katherinechu4581]

This is a video that introduced me to Danie!!! Thank you Alexandra and great makeover!!!

[@tinyjunglejoy2706]

Raising the hanging bar is a good one

[@blissgirl9052]

Ooh, part two! Yay! I was so into part one! Thank you!

[@lifepaholic716]

The room looks so pretty by only doing simple things , thanks for sharing your ideas 👍😁

[@margiepickle]

I think this is my favorite one! you tackled the weird challenges of this space and it makes me want to tackle my weird attic bedroom too!

[@Elysian_s]

Wow this place looks amazing now, love how it turned out!

[@maunarose]

Wonderful as always!

[@lisaschreiber2893]

LMAO "I was shaking my head nooooo!" you both are awesome. her space looks great.

[@lemondrizzlecake7766]

Carla lives in my dream apartment, it’s so cozy and gorgeous!

[@ItsMeHi116]

This apartment is SO DANG CUTE!

[@judymcfadden3577]

Love your videos. I am stressed out by piles of paperwork, do you think you could tackle a video on how to organize and shred.

[@joannwilson3300]

You have the greatest ideas! Awesome makeover!

[@christinebacon9606]

Thanks for talking us through it!!!!💕

[@2600ines]

Such a beautiful transformation 😍 I need this bedroom in my life 🤩