How To Design A Room From Start To Finish

How To Design A Room From Start To Finish | All The FREE Tools I Use

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3 жыл бұрын

Thanks to Milanote for sponsoring today’s video! Milanote is available for FREE with no time-limit - sign up by clicking HERE: milanote.com/alexandragater0721
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 walking you through how I plan a room makeover from start to finish, plus all of the free tools I use to make the process easier. I walk you through planning my kitchen makeover so you can see the process happening IRL AND get a sneak peek at what I have planned for this room! Full kitchen makeover coming in September!
Tools I use:
Smart Draw: bit.ly/3gESNTw
Milanote: milanote.com/alexandragater0721
Larisa’s Vintage Shop: / shoppe.clover
Hemme Custom: hemmecustom.com/
Let's be friends:
Instagram: / alexandragater
Pinterest: pinterest.ca/alexandragater
Shop my Amazon store Canada: www.amazon.ca/shop/alexandrag...
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Sign up to my newsletter to get decor tips and products in your inbox every week: www.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:
hello@alexandragater.com
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: www.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.

Пікірлер: 402

@BambiOnDashboard 3 жыл бұрын

My rule of thumb is: If it's difficult to change, then make it a timeless design. If it's easy to change, then make it quirky and fun.

@kendrabaca3892 3 жыл бұрын

I really like this :)

@valoriegonzales3167 3 жыл бұрын

Big brain

@natalievisser4169 3 жыл бұрын

My parents have textured tiles above their stove and we have found it harder to clean than smooth tiles at my house. So thought I’d let you know for something to consider above the stove/hob.

@dilshaad_23 3 жыл бұрын

I was typing something to this effect! Then figured perhaps I'm just waaaaay different ito cooking 😅 When my Mom finally got a kitchen makeover she also opted for mosaic tiles, and when I first saw it (white on walls, black at the stove) my mind screamed "cleaning nightmare!" 🙈 Granted we have a culture of cooking daily - steaming pots, spices galore - but the tiles are definitely not recommended unless the stove is barely used 😆

@MerryBee707 3 жыл бұрын

Same here. I find if I don't wash/wipe them daily, they collect grease and dust so quickly on the textured surface.

@simplelifesg3459 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed! I had textured tiles as my cooktop’s backsplash and it was incredibly troublesome to keep clean. Went with a single piece of glass backsplash instead at my current place. Large smooth tile slab(s) would work too.

@prajaktasathe 3 жыл бұрын

I just finished typing and bang saw urs 😂

@kundipot 3 жыл бұрын

I agree with you. But then it really depends on how much cooking happens in a kitchen. I’m Indian so anything that can’t be cleaned easily is a big NO. But if the kitchen is there to look pretty and maybe do some photography in there - then open shelves and organic tiles can look magazine-lovely.

@valerieann2751 3 жыл бұрын

Remove the cabinets above the fridge, they are usually worthless anyway and then you can get a tall skinny fridge that works better for the space. Also, why not just remove trim from the cabinets and then paint the fronts? Save a lot on money, and the cabinet bones are in good shape. Also love open shelving for above the sink, in a nice warm chunky wood . Definitely the white tiles

@defgloui 3 жыл бұрын

Agree to all of this!

@Kath-Erina 3 жыл бұрын

The surface of the cabinet fronts appears to be plastic though and not painted wood. So you can't sand it off and paint would probably not stick very well (even with a primer) and would likely to chip off easily over time. And also she wanted to change the style of the fronts (from plain to shaker). But I very much agree. If it was me, I probably would have gone with another colored sticking vinyl foil for cabinet fronts (i belive there are products made specifically for cabinet fronts)

@Everybodylovesthedee 3 жыл бұрын

Right. I would have also considered using peel and stick wall paper to make it fun.

@Everybodylovesthedee 3 жыл бұрын

@@Kath-Erina you can use liquid sandpaper about 1-3 times to deteriorate the top layer sheen, then use appropriate paint.

@naroacanalo8544 2 жыл бұрын

I definitely agree with you. 🙌😊 Especially about taking the cabinet on top of the fridge. She could put a shelf with some art and decor instead, to make it beautiful.

@melissataulbee2048 3 жыл бұрын

The rental should be timeless on the tile.

@0846752 3 жыл бұрын

I’m so happy you didn’t choose the patterned tile

@sandywlaschin3878 3 жыл бұрын

My thoughts too. Go with timeless on the permanent items.

@joycedavis9996 3 жыл бұрын

…glad to hear noah’s input and ideas…❤️ his herb wall garden idea.

@amlambert 3 жыл бұрын

He sure has a lot of opinions on things... 😐

@comoed4978 3 жыл бұрын

classic timeless tiles! the other ones feel "noisy"

@joannejmskkyvetos3890 3 жыл бұрын

Alexandra! I would really like to see a video of you taking your landlord around the house once all is done. His /her comments and expressions to the wonderful work you've done.

@kjsmith2122 3 жыл бұрын

So over open shelves. Just become a dust collector. The new kitchen cabinet doors will make a huge improvement!! Get DIY Danie to make some doors for the pantry. She can make something way better than you could buy!!

@kathykov1 3 жыл бұрын

YES!!! My thought exactly!!!

@m.maclellan7147 3 жыл бұрын

You could use moulding on top of current cabinet doors to get the look she wanted for much cheaper then new doors !

@sarahkamarudin5041 3 жыл бұрын

I agree! I think having glass front for the cabinets would give the same feel to having open shelving but keep the dust collecting to a minimum.

@valeriasauter3223 2 жыл бұрын

I have open shelves since the kitchen (IKEA) came with the Apartment.....who came up with that stupid idea anyways? Everything get's dirty and dusty! I'm totally with you!

@thatbrabgirl 3 жыл бұрын

I’m not a fan of “open shelving” but I have a lot of junk and like to hide it lol. Can’t wait to see it done !

@clairao3657 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed. I don't want my kitchen stuff exposed, and I don't own any items display-worthy. Also, with my cats, I probably would end up losing storage space to create shelving spaces for my cats... But I recognize that Alexandra loves open shelving, and if her landlord is fine with it, go for it.

@cramperella 3 жыл бұрын

Tired of open shelving.

@valerieann2751 3 жыл бұрын

I like some open , most closed. There are a few things I want to see and display. But need to hide a lot. Plus just a little open shelving can really open up a small space

@ellenmason3833 3 жыл бұрын

I have vintage reclaimed doors throughout my house and we used those frosted window decals to hide the mess.

@kundipot 3 жыл бұрын

Agree the glass is what makes those doors so awesome

@TheGreengarden96 3 жыл бұрын

I actually like the cabinets. I would love to have a kitchen with white for top cabinets and wood on the bottom. Something about it gives me mid century vibes.

@zuzuspetals38 2 жыл бұрын

Yes but w/o tht wood trim piece she’s going to remove….

@manny_yk 3 жыл бұрын

To the person reading this: Even though I don’t know you, I wish you the best of what life has to offer 💜

@madheremadthere4616 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! And right back at you!!

@carmenrosario1709 3 жыл бұрын

Same to you!

@valerieann2751 3 жыл бұрын

Ditto🥰

@lindsay8584 3 жыл бұрын

Same to you, my friend :)

@erikakts 3 жыл бұрын

Omg make sure the tile you chose is easy to clean since it’s going behind the stove

@mechel203 3 жыл бұрын

Great plans for the kitchen maker over. My one suggestion would be to get a counter-depth refrigerator. It may cost a little more but it looks amazing and gives more floor space in the kitchen. I did this in my kitchen with ikea cabinets and it makes the whole kitchen look expensive and elegant.

@birds5226 3 жыл бұрын

I don't see the kitchen outdated at all! Except for the backsplash Really why people hate wood !

@tcervantes1 3 жыл бұрын

I’m so sad you’re going to change the cabinet doors. Your floors are so scandi, you should just run with it. Shaker is more farmhouse/American. Your current doors are more minimalist/Scandinavian.

@27Spiritgirl 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed - maybe just sand/stain the wood-grained doors to match your scandi floor? And keep the rest white bright and minimal?

@rethinkthatkat 3 жыл бұрын

The organic timeless tiles are stunning! I also love having open shelving above my sink. Not having a heavier cabinet in my face when doing the dishes makes it surprisingly more enjoyable lol

@valerieann2751 3 жыл бұрын

Agree!

@rebecarendell 3 жыл бұрын

Those textured tiles look gorgeous, but are very difficult to clean, particularly if they are sat behind the hob.

@darrisnelson5223 3 жыл бұрын

A sealer would help but they will still be challenging to get clean.🤔

@rebecarendell 3 жыл бұрын

@@darrisnelson5223 It's more the fact that they don't lie flat, it just creates more surface area for bacteria, and makes it less easy to wipe clean. I love pretty things but I like practicality even more 😂 However I completely agree that a sealer would make an improvement, and I would absolutely recommend that.

@darrisnelson5223 3 жыл бұрын

@@rebecarendell Good point about the uneven surface being even more difficult! My current home was a vacation rental at one point and it’s life…They put pavers on everything the floors the countertops And backsplash backsplash.🤦‍♀️ well I understand it may have seemed easier to maintain for cleaning companies it’s not the most sanitary in my opinion. If I was redoing a backsplash I would keep it smooth and simple just like the countertops. Easy to wipe down, no greasy stains, etc. Obviously you understand this line of thinking!😆👍🏻

@rebecarendell 3 жыл бұрын

@@darrisnelson5223 Absolutely! Sadly, I'm more than old enough to have experienced more than my fair share of difficult to clean rentals, and I am all about a life of ease 😂

@darrisnelson5223 3 жыл бұрын

Your system works well. When designing and constructing my second home I carried a pad of bread paper with me everywhere! This was 1989… We didn’t have the digital tools that we do today. My ‘mood board’ was a binder where I had been collecting ideas for many years. I had tabs for each room and whenever I came across something I liked even if it was just a color it went into the binder. I use a sharpie and made notes on the magazine page. If I didn’t have a magazine page I would sketch the idea… And believe me I can barely draw stick figures so it doesn’t take an artist to do a simple sketch!😆 I carried around a measuring tape with me everywhere as well. You never know when you come across something and you need measurements. In those days we didn’t have iPhones but I did have a Polaroid camera and used it to take photographs and then glue them to binder paper and put them in my binder. This all worked out well… It took us four years to build the house and it was stunning! Best of luck with the kitchen remodel… We know it’s going to turn out gorgeous! Can’t wait to see what you and Noah create!❤️❤️

@LASmithBuxton 3 жыл бұрын

Literally breathed a sigh of relief when she went with the white backsplash tiles. Timelessness, FTW!

@dorimardelavega 3 жыл бұрын

Can’t wait to see this kitchen!! I am glad that Noah is getting more involved!!🙌🙌

@TamarLitvot 3 жыл бұрын

I love your plan, and yes, your explanation of your process was extremely helpful. Particularly loved it when you talked about how you can get confused if you pull all sorts of ideas and pics before doing basic measurements and thinking. Exactly what happened to me and I so wish this video had come out a year ago! One small thing - Smeg appliances are beautiful but 2 things: They are at the peak of the trend right now and will definitely date the kitchen (OTOH, fridges last only 9 or 10 years these days, unlike older fridges, so maybe that doesn’t matter) And Our neighbor who has an appliance store carries Smeg and won’t sell any to us because they are apparently not very reliable. Look into reviews to make sure that what you buy has a good reliability record.

@tigerbuchman4099 3 жыл бұрын

The irregular tiles just seem like a burden to try and clean.

@glendacox6540 3 жыл бұрын

Timeless. Timeless. Timeless

@JL11775 3 жыл бұрын

I love the textured tiles in the stacked design. Timeless!

@DanikaBasista 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely loved the breakdown style of this video! Also, I had already started using Milanote and already LOVE it, and they keep getting better!

@imaredhead1 3 жыл бұрын

Super useful info; macro view, leading to micro details. Not sure that irregular tiles in a backsplash are super functional for possible messy cooks… Nice to look at but function must also be considered. Thanks for your rental ideas, even for property owners!

@nks18 3 жыл бұрын

You know it’s gonna be a good one when you hit like a minute into the video 😂 hilarious !!!

@mariaandreinaguzmanapolina869 3 жыл бұрын

Timeless backsplash tiles for sure! Those white tiles are stunning!!!

@PeggySMitchell 3 жыл бұрын

As a person who has a Ragdoll cat named Morgana, I would advise against black fabric in the bench seats. Your kitty is so comfortable there, but the shedding…oy

@_axeler8_950 3 жыл бұрын

Perfect timing! I’m moving into a new apartment this week and I am finally allowed to paint and drill holes but it’s a little overwhelming. This was so helpful!

@droomprinsesje1234 3 жыл бұрын

Shaker style fronts are really easy to DIY, just glue/nail trim around the edges of your current cabinet fronts and drawers and paint them any colour

@AnnaNguyen42 2 жыл бұрын

Great episode! Really helps me with planning my own space. Shoutout to James also with the editing and illustrating your ideas. I always forget how good it is because it blends so well. Especially, after watching badly edited ones where people just talk andt the timing is all off or there's no visual showing what they are talking about.

@joysfairclough 3 жыл бұрын

I think the irregular organic texture of the natural-white tiles would make your kitchen countertops look almost too smooth and too bright-white in comparison. I like them both but they wouldn't flatter each other, if that makes sense.

@lainieweeks7285 3 жыл бұрын

Yes I would try to find a third option. Not the pattern but a different white tile that won't clash

@fraurosenthal2958 3 жыл бұрын

Your guide on planning a room is really up front and super helpful! Thank you!

@lucialopez-maya6581 3 жыл бұрын

This amazing! Thank you for sharing and looking forward to seeing the kitchen transformation 🥰

@KB-hs7vh 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing your ✨light✨ with us Alexandra! Watching your videos is such a mood booster for me! 😊

@jackandlill 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alexandra for sharing this valuable process! I am redoing some rooms in my apt & I keep getting ahead of myself & wanting to pick out decor before the more important stuff so this was really helpful for me! Can't wait to see the reveal of the kitchen makeover!

@carolinagonzalez8733 3 жыл бұрын

Timeless for sure!!! for money, for the environment

@laurenambrose4012 3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like it’s going to be lovely. I love the idea of the herb garden on the wall.

@musicismylove92 3 жыл бұрын

I would go more timeless with the backsplash, and use appliances / plants / books / etc to style it in a variety of ways over time.

@carmenrosario1709 3 жыл бұрын

Cant wait!! plans are always a good way to start any project!

@opalmoon2256 3 жыл бұрын

Great tips n perfect timing!!! Can't wait to see the updated kitchen!!!💕

@karinlouwturnley5926 3 жыл бұрын

Lets get started! Yeah baby.

@peggynorton5535 3 жыл бұрын

Excited to watch this series!!

@rebeccavinyard2899 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your process of making over your spaces. It’s very helpful! ♥️

@ribbleslipscomb5171 3 жыл бұрын

Kudos to Noah, for all his good ideas. I like your plans so far, Alexandra, the fabric for the bench is a wonderful choice, love it.

@leadicenta6028 3 жыл бұрын

Really nice to watch the process and can't wait to see the result :)

@foreverlostinabook 3 жыл бұрын

So excited for this makeover to happen! I love the plans.

@valeenify 3 жыл бұрын

Love the idea/plan of the open shelves with the tile backsplash 🤩 that’s going to be amazing 😻💗

@whatsupbosh 3 жыл бұрын

I've been loving the look of a classic white/neutral tile, but adding in a bright fun coloured grout!

@oaklandcookie 3 жыл бұрын

I like the idea of the white tile and cabinet fronts. Classic is best for a rental and you can always update with accessories. Love the backsplash tiles.

@pascalelewis 3 жыл бұрын

Alexandra! You need to show us this lovely goofy side of yourself / of your team more often! I loved that you guys kept more of those imperfect moments in the video. It was a tad less polished than usual but way more endearing imo, I really liked seeing a bit of the behind the scenes humanness and the laughter that goes on. Can't wait to see how the kitchen turns out! Best of luck with your upcoming projects!

@mayaberliner3955 Жыл бұрын

Woah smartdraw is a gift from heaven, thank you!

@arcoloys 3 жыл бұрын

I definitely would pick the pale tiles. Yea because it's timeless and would match with everything, but mostly because it's just gorgeous 😍

@valarya 3 жыл бұрын

I always pick my quirky elements in areas that don't take a TON of demo/effort/money to redo... like backsplash lol. Def keep that timeless so that your landlord won't have to update it as often. Those irregular tiles are GORGEOUS!!

@datkesecharles8815 3 жыл бұрын

I can't wait to see how the final reno matches your mood board. 😀 I thought it was a such cool feature that you can share your ideas with Noah and your team in milanote and then they can ask questions or weigh in.👌🏾 I think I'm most excited to see what you source for the pantry doors and if you were able to get the Smeg! 😍

@virginiavictoria984 3 жыл бұрын

I can’t wait to see it be done!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩

@GardenerPhyl 3 жыл бұрын

Ohhhhh this video was so very helpful. Thank you!

@jenknox2478 3 жыл бұрын

Timeless, never get tired of it

@H312l1na 3 жыл бұрын

excited for the complete tour!!!

@angelaglaros 3 жыл бұрын

I agree with others that highly textured surfaces in the kitchen are a recipe for collecting grease and grime. I vote for the smoothest and sturdiest shiny tile you can find for ease of cleaning!

@shei9051 3 жыл бұрын

Loveeee this video! Please make more of planning video like this before the makeover video, it makes the next video more exciting to watch!

@aolivestone6000 3 жыл бұрын

I love watching you do these room by room makeovers it’s quite educational to know what you can do to each space. And as far as design goes I personally like modern contemporary design so I can really speak on the type of design you like because it’s just not my vibe but love the videos And congrats on your new space I hope that you and Noah enjoy your new home for many years to come ❤️❤️❤️💝💝💖💖💖🥰🥰

@terrioakley2250 3 жыл бұрын

Can’t wait to see it all come together I think it will be lovely I agree the tiles need to be timeless as much as quirky would be fun , quirky limits your style . It’s going to be a beautiful space 👍🏻

@racheliannucci4720 3 жыл бұрын

Love the funky back splash!!!

@Kelli.Hicks.5 3 жыл бұрын

Such excellent tips and tricks! Thanks for sharing your thought processes.

@lillypad6689 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! I just wanted to let you know that Ikea cabinet doors are all uniform in size, you can just order new doors off the shelf from their range …. You can also easily replace any broken parts, buy extra shelves etc

@sherylb4405 3 жыл бұрын

Sounds amazing! Cannot wait to see it!

@debrabell2604 Жыл бұрын

Sounds wonderful!

@Richard-oc3vt 3 жыл бұрын

I like the ideas you're throwing out at us 😃 and the shaker style cabinet doors are gonna have a great impact on the new rental makeover 🤓 can't wait for the end results 😀 !!

@janetmiller175 3 жыл бұрын

I really like the classic tiles. A really good idea about an herb garden.

@Redberryfarm888 3 жыл бұрын

Love to see your progress in this new space - it is now a 'we' space, not just a 'she' space as the designer. (Imagine you are out on a design job... he has some buddies over and they are like, "Dude - what's up with the pom poms?!") You two can be a great team and grow together. Will be exciting to watch the blending of two individuals tastes.

@thebeachyfarmhouse6410 3 жыл бұрын

Cant wait to see this kitchen transform. 🤔💕Although I Think the current backsplash match your teakettle perfectly😘

@rachelburgener819 3 жыл бұрын

Ohhhhh that sounds awesome!!! I love your decisions😀 and I’m excited to see it come together ❤️😀

@jinyiduan2546 2 жыл бұрын

Watching your video is like a therapy to me haha thank you for your contribution to the world

@doris1998 3 жыл бұрын

Timeless and classic for sure because tiles are harder to install. Paint you can play around with. I have subway tiles in kitchen and bath. Great video!

@yoemnaely4376 3 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to see the kitchen Reno 🙌🙌👏👏

@hannahgomes 3 жыл бұрын

This is a super helpful video!!! I would love more content like this 🥰 I am trying to makeover my patio and living room.

@joeddo5183 3 жыл бұрын

Super excited for this!!!

@suzy1676 3 жыл бұрын

Great 💡 idea to share your process! I definitely learned a few things. Best wishes on your new kitchen look!

@livenubian-homedecordiylif8384 3 жыл бұрын

This is super helpful!! Iam actually planing an office makeover so this vid is coming in at the perfect time!!!! 🥰🥰❤️

@AlexandraGater 3 жыл бұрын

So happy to hear that :)

@Mariportal1 3 жыл бұрын

Love this video, thank you! 😊

@rosalinddudley9420 3 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to seeing your final reveal.

@karenjp5848 3 жыл бұрын

Love watching and learning the process. Glass on the new doors can be frosted (I’m sure you thought of that already). Love that nook, hanging herb garden is a great idea- useful and pretty. I like that you have chosen the timeless brick backsplash. I like that you are keeping the colors on the lighter side since the window isn’t centered to bring in more central light. 😁🇨🇦⭐️

@manasavavilapalli 3 жыл бұрын

Great plan. Looking forward to this makeover!

@eskimoki9630 2 жыл бұрын

This is a great video! Thanks so much for sharing your process. Obviously, I’ve always done it wrong and started with the inspo, then not really following through with all the ideas, because they didn’t work it my space 🤷‍♀️now I know that I should rather start with what I already have and with what already works. This is an awesome tip! Will definitely check out the software too when starting to redesign my kitchen space…

@ecpjll 2 жыл бұрын

this video was helpful💕 thanks for letting me know about milanote

@ConnieBradshawbradshawshouse 3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you choose the timeless backsplash.

@idaschmenkman5229 3 жыл бұрын

Definitely timeless

@SuperJennifer2527 3 жыл бұрын

Hey girl, I hope that’s the next video, I’m excited 😜

@katiedecker9835 3 жыл бұрын

Did no one else notice her write back spash?? At 8:25. I still love you, Alexandra!

@vickilewis1002 3 жыл бұрын

I really like the kitchen plan you chose!

@annalp7520 3 жыл бұрын

I cannot wait to see this design realised! 🙌

@vickytimmerman1365 3 жыл бұрын

I love the tile in the kitchen to be more of a neutral. That way you can change out the Decour all the time and it always works and you’re not defined to one color

@nilakshiroy6 3 жыл бұрын

This is really collaborative … great positive step forward team AG !

@gemstar2 3 жыл бұрын

The plants may drip water/bugs/dirt on you while sitting under them, might be worth considering if an art piece would work

@katsnow9256 3 жыл бұрын

I love everything about this make over! .............except the fridge! (It's just a retro thing for me and I'm not a fan of off white appliances) Can't wait to see the herb racks go in, awesome! I had flat upper cabinets in my room (3 double door) and after watching some video's, ran down to the DYI store and did it myself, shaker style for under $100! Woot woot! First time doing something like that after watching some of your videos! Your kitchen is going to awesome and Lottie approved!