Turning An Unused Alcove Into Built-In Storage | Ikea Pax Wardrobe Hack

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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 turning an unused alcove in Noah's office into built-in storage using Ikea's Pax wardrobe, with a spot for tons of books! I love how custom you can make Pax wardrobes - I even used custom doors to make these truly unique.
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:
Blueland products: bit.ly/3VGFGnM! *
Nieu cabinets: bit.ly/3VEUkMB * AF
Pax wardrobes: bit.ly/3W0i3GQ * AF
Cabinet handles: rstyle.me/+AonBaCk70tWqRwDca1... AF
Edge banding: rstyle.me/+vKe4O1kqwVeiWnSmmB... AF
Veneer trimmer (similar): rstyle.me/+k4koqGw01HqeNet7CE... AF
Paint: bit.ly/3Y8MIU3
Rug: rstyle.me/cz-n/ha3yztdcn6f * AF
Step ladder: bit.ly/3HFmjaQ
Outfit links:
Romper (similar): ​​bit.ly/3uvGfFd AF
Romperalls: bit.ly/3VTzubO AF
Knit sweater: bit.ly/3HmlfbB
Twirl Skirt: bit.ly/3Bh9U8X
US Links:
Blueland products: bit.ly/3VGFGnM! * AF
Nieu cabinets: bit.ly/3VEUkMB * AF
Pax wardrobes: bit.ly/3F2pHJS * AF
Cabinet handles: rstyle.me/+AonBaCk70tWqRwDca1... AF
Edge banding: amzn.to/3VYPkCd
Veneer trimmer (similar): amzn.to/3VTzYyE
Paint: bit.ly/3Y8MIU3 *
Rug: rstyle.me/cz-n/ha3yztdcn6f * AF
Step ladder: rstyle.me/+A3uswlbtIlEGlz8kg-... AF
Outfit links:
Romper (similar): ​​bit.ly/3uvGfFd AF
Romperalls: bit.ly/3VTzubO AF
Knit sweater: bit.ly/3HmlfbB
Twirl Skirt: bit.ly/3Bh9U8X
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Alexandra Gater
P.O. Box 68555 Walmer
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M5S 3C9
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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.
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.

[@AlexandraGater]

Want me to design your space, virtually? I just released a handful of Virtual Makeover Packages on my website, along with some gift cards if you are looking for a last-minute gift! alexandragater.com/collections/virtual-makeovers

[@oyvey764]

the tall doors was the way to go! I am about to move into a condo ( downsizing from a house) I will steal the pax with NIEU doors idea for sure. :-) Thanks for the inspiration.

[@kruttikahegde8284]

That is a truly gorgeous colour... it reminded me of the limewash painting you did with a sort of mossy green paint :)

[@EmmaStafrace]

Alexandra, that room looks so much more elevated now. Can I ask where did you find that rug?

[@sashac7002]

So worth it! I could never get my bedroom right until Team AG stepped in.

[@michaelbeck4236]

Those virtual makeover packages are 100% worth it, y'all! ❤️

[@NesaLagunas]

The way Graham is teaching Alexandra to use power tools - and seeing her get more and more confident with them - is the absolute most wholesome glowup. 💙

[@goodyxeroxx]

Padawan

[@sarahhansen762]

I love this too. So empowering.

[@Karincl7]

Yeah woman are hopeless without a man 🙄

[@aprilzbrozek2694]

100%!

[@jilliehearth6679]

Exactly what kept going through my mind on this particular video.

[@moniqueverdier7476]

I would like to adopt Graham...! What an extraordinary artisan, displaying qualities of patience, refines craftsmanship, precise detailing, good humoured, etc. Alexandra, you are so refreshing and avant-gardiste in your designs. Appreciation to your team, Monique

[@katbar6066]

Hey get in the Queue. I think there are a lot of us who need to adopt Graham!! Even here in Aus!!! 😂😂😂😂🐨🐨

[@fabienneroure9995]

Ah get on the waiting list!🤗🌟💛

[@ConservativeVeteran]

Graham is the best!

[@LaManelle]

Which one of you's blessing do I need to propose to him?

[@user-ed7et3pb4o]

I’d marry the man

[@meganharper6566]

Graham needs an MVP award! What an asset to your team - he's seriously amazing!

[@auroramocho118]

Your landlords are very lucky people! Everything you do turns out so beautiful.

[@melissaoc7209]

Yes! I think the same thing. And if she every moves how amazing the place will be for the next people

[@krose6451]

She is lucky too. Most every landlord I know dont approve of changes or diy for fear of tenants messing things up or doing something they dont approve of.

[@ladydeetz]

The tall doors are perfect it brings your eye up and I feel like the two lines of books would be too cluttered it looks amazing also loooove the green next to that rug also beautiful always!

[@AlexandraGater]

Thank you!! 😊

[@pjg6019]

It looks great! Just one little thing, I would have had the divider of the bookshelf line up with the divider of the closet

[@30arminda]

I love everything you’ve done here but the only issue I have is that top box’s vertical divider is not aligned to where the two big wardrobes meet. It’s killing me lol but otherwise it’s awesome!!

[@leannayovanov4490]

Sameeee, and how the side one isn't perfectly aligned with the roof and the wall.

[@silverymoon5516]

That vertical divider not lining up bothered me too, but I'd rather that than not having the top shelves. So much space! Great job!

[@brendamoon2660]

I like it but I prefer flow over symmetry

[@Mimi-ks7hy]

Same here 😂

[@valerieeier5221]

Yes, I thought the same, but brilliant work😊

[@michaelbeck4236]

And the way Alexandra's jaw dropped to the floor when Noah commented that the sulking room pink color would be warmer was a perfect on-camera moment.

[@mistyblankenship8158]

I love it all and not to be critical because I’m sure it doesn’t bother anyone else but I wish the one vertical divider in the bookcase above lined up with the line between the two larger Pax units. Picky, I know, sorry. 😏 To offset that statement, the whole unit is fabulous and y’all did a great job putting it all together.

[@joyclymer7377]

Where I live, a room can’t be considered a bedroom if it doesn’t have a built in closet. You just greatly increased the value of the home for the landlords. It looks fabulous!

[@Lovezz07]

Oh, that's do interesting.. where are you from?😊

[@amyholman354]

That's true. Some state building codes require a bedroom to have a closet, other states don't, and it matters if you are buying or selling which state you are in. There are other code requirements, too, such as having a window that opens, and being a certain size and shape. I think it's just a study if it doesn't have a closet--and now Alexandra has made the study into a bedroom.

[@bunchofbrunners8473]

I’m in the US and that’s how it is here! No closet - not a bedroom 👍🏼

[@lacee7494]

@@Lovezz07 in the US a room has to have a closet and a window to be called a bedroom. We are building a beach rental, I really didn't want closets in the bedrooms, I just wanted to add Ikea racks and storage. But the builder wouldn't go along with that because of the "bedrooms must have a closet" rule.

[@meerkatnip892]

Coming from Germany, closets, especially built-in closets are very strange to me. Almost no house has built-in wardrobes the way America has them, mostly because all the walls are massive stone walls. Building a tiny "room" for clothes would just be silly and take away lots of space.

[@TamarLitvot]

This is a fantastic closet that not only provides great storage but actually enhances the room. I would bet than when you move on to a bigger place or a house, your landlords will be happy to leave that beautiful closet in place. Makes the whole apartment more attractive.

[@obelus5985]

And adds value as well.

[@ConservativeVeteran]

When y'all were carrying all those shelves up the stairs, I was screaming "PIVOT....PIVOT....PIVOT". 😂 Honestly, I don't know what you would do without Graham!!! He is incredible!

[@danielle5969]

Same, I came her to say this! I was very disappointed they didn't say it🤣

[@zakirah1587]

Graham is such an asset!🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@missmochiicecream]

I think we all need our own little personal pocket-sized Graham for projects like this. :)

[@jenniflam4252]

It would be cool to see a price breakdown and labor breakdown for projects like this. It feels accessible because it's ikea, but also not because I have no idea where to even begin with sawing, etc!

[@m.maclellan7147]

Leave the comments section. Click on the stylised arrow mark in the upper right corner (below video) and the description pops down. She has links to most things. Last time I checked she provided links for USA & Canada.

[@JL11775]

Such a beautiful built-in! And once again Graham proves himself to be indispensable. He really brings your creative vision to life! Well done TeamAG!

[@xingcat]

The taller doors, green and the small, deep bookshelves remind me of a really super-chic house that friends of my parents had when I was growing up in the 1970s. Very, very chic and stylish. Great job!

[@Enirutas]

This is exactly the problem my partner and I have in our bedroom! If seeing this video isn't a push to start working on it now I don't know what is haha. Awesome job, Team AG!

[@AlexandraGater]

It was such a great solution for us!!!

[@kaleymihail8448]

you bringing the doors up makes it soo much more functional for generations to come. the future tenants will be thanking you! Hiding things like shoes, etc and then the option decorative like you have it now!

[@katherinespencer2633]

You and your staff are so talented..Graham is a genius, your lucky to have him. Another winning video!!

[@StacieDenet]

Graham is amazing and definitely deserves a raise. Look at this guy!

[@user-hx2iq2ht8t]

Graham is exceptional!

[@mollylonsdale7329]

The only tiny change I would make is removing one drawer so that your shirts can hang off the rod properly. Looks great!

[@AdriWiid]

We all need a Graham in our lives. He adapts with so much patience when any obstacle comes his way! ⭐

[@carltongirl95]

Everyone needs a "Graham" in their life he is wonderful Alexandra you're lucky to have him on your team...what a transformation though I'm not a green person and yes I think seeing more book's would have been the way I'd have gone...thankyou for sharing xo 💜

[@50gramsof]

Even if it wasn't in the reveal, I would have liked to at least seen the xbike in the finished space if that is how the room will be set up day-to-day

[@aimsly86]

Shocked you could find sufficient stock at an IKEA to do this 😂 Literally every single thing I’ve wanted to order in the past year from their signature series have been out of stock.

[@Beruthiel45]

Same here. Edmonton, one IKEA serving pretty much the Northern half of the province. 😭

[@EmmaVB82]

The thing that makes me the most sad about IKEA at the moment - they closed my local store in 2022 😭 Also Edmonton, but in the UK! 😆 So I’ve gone from a 12 min drive to a 30 min drive…and I don’t have a car! So going fro ~40 min to ~90 mins on public transport… needless to say, I haven’t been to IKEA lately ☹️ And I’m really in need of my own PAX wardrobe system, not to mention a bunch of other bits and pieces! Sad sad times. And this is London (still in the UK 😂), ffs!

[@ASwan724]

What!? A Tuesday video! What a nice surprise🤗

[@Snublet89]

It looks amazing!! The high doors were 100% the way to go, makes them look super custom and luxe. I feel like we all need a Graham in our lives 🤣

[@danijones8314]

i think the taller doors look so much better than having both shelves exposed, it looks more finished and custom. also i noticed the seven husbands of evelyn hugo on the shelf, one of my all time favorites ahh i might have to go read it again👀

[@lindawarden-burglund9603]

This is a beautiful built-in! What a difference it makes in this room. Not only does it add the storage you and Noah needed, but it enhances the look of the room. The color is really nice and warm. I love that shade of green! What a fantastic job you and Graham did. He is a great teacher as well as a master carpenter! You have truly transformed this space!

[@donnabong]

Speaking of safety, I highly recommend you guys wearing safety glasses when using power tools! Love love love your projects and I wish I had a graham in my life to help me build all the things I want!

[@southerngypsy13]

It's stunning honestly! The taller does are perfect. If you had seen 2 rows of books it wouldn't be as sleek and now it just has the perfect touch of color.

[@Tantejuju65]

I adore and admire Graham! So talented, patient, and easy going!!

[@lawerencebacon2036]

Graham did good you are lucky to have him he does very good work welcome to the team

[@freefoodchef7939]

Loving this midweek post! What a treat!

[@vick9895]

As someone who has a whole of shelves wall just for my shoes, I think shoe closets are not only exciting, they are the most beautiful thing!!!

[@agnesmooney4107]

This turned out so well. Graham is an incredibly gifted carpenter. You are so fortunate to have him.

[@kraesmom1]

Looks fantastic! Just a tip: if you either buy gray primer or ask the paint desk to put 2 oz black color in the white primer, you won't have as much trouble getting a deep color to cover. ;)

[@christianaboli]

There are no words to descrine the final outcome. I think your vision is perfectly met.

[@sherrie-deejenkins6504]

The wardrobe is AWESOME. LOVE THE COLOR.

[@AlexandraGater]

Thank you!!! I do too🥰🥰🥰

[@razamughal9095]

@@AlexandraGater you didnt link the power socket

[@lomalinke5042]

I never thought I could be THAT happy about folding doors, but I am! This was GREAT! It looks STUNNING! Bravooooooo!

[@luthuens]

We all agree we're in love with Graham, right? Ok, glad we do!

[@ashlaav]

Seriously... all the money n all coins for Graham. His eye for solutions and detail is so unreal to watch in every video. He's such a great elevated addition to the team *snaps/claps all around lol*

[@pman2916]

Graham is a legend at what he does!

[@sterlinghplibrary7340]

Graham needs his own show! Such talent!!!

[@peggynorton5535]

I don't what you pay Graham, but he needs a raise! These turned out beautifully.

[@groundcontrol7]

Closets of my slanted ceiling, old-home-no-storage-having, green-loving dreams! 🥰 What I would do to have those! You guys are so creative and talented I can't with this

[@jimmiepitt2596]

Amazing -- Function -- Simplicity -- Magical Storage

[@ThespianNiki]

I like the idea of only seeing one shelf of books. It looks more uniformed with a clean look.

[@nimishad4550]

I have been enjoying all your recent videos, the designs are amazing and functional and also wow. The addition of Graham is *chefs kiss*. I really appreciate that you have different people with different skills in your team and this reflects reality because not everyone has access to (or the space for) power tools + along with great woodworking skills. It’s made me realise that a lot of the channels that show one person being an amazing designer, decorator and also that they have the time and effort to learn a whole new skill such as building furniture- is probably not real life.

[@saswatideb8828]

The colour is absolutely stunning....... No exaggeration, if it is called a masterpiece.

[@debbiek7193]

Graham is a brilliant carpenter! You are so lucky to have him on your team. Great job! Your quality of life just improved dramatically. Well done 👏👏👏👏

[@soitsmelaura]

WOW! this shelving unit turned out so good ... the exposed bookshelf I think was a happy accident to tie in the colors from the rug ... great job team ag!

[@Anhi5067]

Graham is a wizard! You guys make such an excellent team!

[@shastabare6026]

🤌🤌🤌 the tall doors, the army green, the peekaboo bookshelf, the book ladder!! A whole wardrobe for my shoes?! I'm glad someone is living the dream. I only would have thought that long straight black door handles would have been more cohesive with the colour and lines of the doors. It's OK- I can change them over when I move in - Alexandra showed me how. 😀

[@beverleydryland1146]

Alexander you and your wonderful team have been a joy for me over the past 5 yrs thankyou MERRY CHRISTMAS 💖😁

[@aviajarehema7393]

Another great makeover. Highlights IMO: the Pax wardrobes, Nieu cabinets, handles, and step ladder (in that light seafoam color!). Spectacular.

[@boluolutunda1951]

That green was the PERFECT shade 😍

[@thisisbethm]

So adorable! I love the color…it’s not a color I’d normally pick but I kinda want it! And Graham was such a wonderful addition to your team. You are lucky to have him-and we are lucky you have him!

[@lindasands1433]

Graham is SO talented! Wish I had a friend like that! 💪🏼

[@jilliehearth6679]

This one was so much fun to watch because of all the creative hacking on the fly. I'm glad you finally called the height of the doors controversial. I so wanted to see both bookshelves but at the same time equally loved the elegance of the tall skinny panels.

[@sarahwenger4479]

I love this! The tall doors really do draw your eyes up and I’m so glad you went with your gut and changed the color. My one change would be adding longer handles; since the doors are so long, I feel like longer straight pulls would look really nice too!

[@jokebetweenthetrees]

Excacty what I think. Long tall slim handles in the same colour

[@nalanikiema]

Everyone needs a Graham in their life!! Stunning!

[@aafejas]

Alexandra doing her home makeover Me: Is she really renting? 🤣🤣🤣 This is stunning 💖 love it. We love Graham!!!

[@JuneBabes]

This is beautiful 🤩💗, I actually painted my room a similar colour, really beautiful and very warm especially with warm yellow light. Amazing job Alexandra 👏🏾

[@yvettekennedy1114]

Can I just say, Graham is AMAZINGLY TALENTED!

[@summerrain7466]

Wow! Huge difference!

[@leenyloves]

29:52 Alexandra holding in her laugh for dear life 😂💛

[@GhostUponaTimeOfficiel]

I love the final result and the outlet trick is so clever! Do you have the reference? And how does it work to connect it?

[@NeedANewHobby7]

You and Graham act like siblings . It’s so fun to watch.

[@millieolson]

Happy Accident!!! I like the books at top being visible-the color of the spines adds a nice decorative touch and looks great against the green!

[@christineadams796]

I just love it the color is gorgeous that is such a better use of space you all did an excellent job again 👍

[@ras8031]

Looks INCREDIBLE!!

[@Daymickey]

I’m surprised the taller doors weren’t the original plan! It would have looked weird to have them cut off lower. It looks great this way and now I want this in my room!

[@LindaKayHolevas]

I agree! The taller doors were definitely the way to go! I personally would have brought them all the way to the ceiling, but that’s just me. I love clean lines without a lot of clutter:)

[@nurugizani3075]

@@LindaKayHolevas same

[@michelle_jasek]

That wardrobe looks like it's always been there!! It turned out fantastic!🧡

[@angelabutler7761]

Wow. I absolutely love the use of the odd space. Lovely.

[@Raxx777]

Turned out great- what a lovely color !!!

[@FeministHomemaker]

I love how positive you guys are even when things go wrong, and you work with it! The tall doors with the top being more books looks amazing!

[@GillDawe]

That colour is perfection!

[@mowilson5588]

Love the rug in the office!

[@Kitkatrey]

I see your team and think what a great example of surrounding oneself with supportive, kind, creative souls and how it enhances and grows each person individually. To have such a supportive, collaborative team gives your videos a warm essence that cannot be faked and shines through your work.

[@ruthanderson1758]

To save space, I'd suggest putting the guest pillows in those storage bags that you use the vacuum to suck out the air and shrink the pillows - I do that with my guest pillows and the bag fits perfectly under the bed. Great job on the cabinetry but personally, I think olive green is an ugly colour (my preference is green with a blue undertone to it). Also, I would have put one less draw so that your hanging items could actually hang instead puddling on the shelf.

[@nurugizani3075]

That would be sage?

[@PeaceLoveDolls]

Maybe put the rod up higher would have also helped.

[@sfowler1017]

This is perfection! I'm so glad the doors were "too" tall. It looks amazing.

[@mary-annelahey5168]

LOVE that olive green!

[@RocketChild]

Alexandra, you're a great visionary to imagine these ideas and projects, and Graham is a great craftsman for being able to transform your ideas into reality. Such a great team you're collected together

[@suhseal]

It looks soooo good!!! I love built in storage! Ahhhh

[@sonyawaters9133]

Amazing transformation!! Love it!

[@Sandy-nu5ez]

I love the color you used. Looks great.

[@TiffanyLeClair]

A big part of me almost wishes you painted the doors as an homage to Noah’s old apartment couch: an in between color of royal and navy blue. Plus, blue is typically calming and we all know we need to have more calm inspired in our work lives. I LOVE what you and Graham came up with in modifying those book cases! It cracks me up when you start doing parts of the construction types of work… he’s like the hovering supervisor/teacher guiding you and correcting as you go.

[@Kath-Erina]

But Noah wanted a warm color, and dark blue is not very warm. I feel like the green really perfectly fits the room, it goes perfectly with the warm wood floors and that rug. It looks so nice all together! I'm also glad they changed the color last minute, it turned out really good

[@donncanedo131]

Everyone on team AG is super extra. I love the energy, the teamwork, everything. Watching all of your videos makes me incredibly happy. It is, believe me, therapeutic. -Fan from the PH.

[@suewestbrook1067]

Love the green cabinets and the book nook. My favorite is the knobs, they are the perfect finishing touch.

[@VinhVuitton]

Love the decison to go with the tall doors! Graham is amazing!

[@kayelle8005]

LOVE Windsor green

[@elmelimelon]

That wardrobe looks so LUXE✨

[@sueriley4412]

Being organized feels so good.

[@tonyascott602]

Wow! That is a statement! Great job AG and Graham!!

[@Havanah2006]

Gorgeous, the colour of thr cupboard is just stunning

[@effie_ga3678]

I ❤ it!! It looks like an accent wall...but it's a closet!! Brilliant!!! 👌

[@Cherie5353]

The green is beautiful. Love it. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@pamisntcraiganymore]

Really love this build. I am feeling inspired for my own problem closet area.