Completely Renter-Friendly 344 sq. ft. Studio Apartment Makeover | CAN’T PAINT OR DRILL HOLES

Completely Renter-Friendly 344 sq. ft. Studio Apartment Makeover | CAN’T PAINT OR DRILL HOLES

Thank you to Cricut for sponsoring this video!
Cricut Products:
Cricut maker: https://shrsl.com/2u13j
Peel and stick premium vinyl: https://shrsl.com/2u13s

Hey guys! I’m Alexandra Gater and I show you how to do rental-friendly upgrades and DIY projects on a budget. New videos every Saturday! Today I’m making over a tiny studio apartment but the catch is that I can’t paint or put any holes in the walls! I know this is the reality for so many renters, so I hope this gives you ideas for new ways to decorate your tiny space. I’m using peel-and-stick wallpaper to create a separate work nook in this open space, creating a faux painted arch headboard and using hanging plants to divide the space.

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:
Article dining/desk chair: https://bit.ly/3ueLKXO *
Wallpaper: https://etsy.me/3jOAUDU
Underbed storage: https://bit.ly/3GwaWPr *
Arch decal: https://etsy.me/3nDzdKH *
Green cushion: https://bit.ly/3mlEFTa *
Rug: https://bit.ly/2ZyB1wl *
Charcoal bedding: https://fave.co/3nGrGuy AF
Bed cushions: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Floor mirror: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Mini dresser: https://amzn.to/3pLypWR AF
Hanging planters: https://bit.ly/3vVLLAI *
Faux plants: https://bit.ly/3BsL6YK *
Art print 1: https://fave.co/3Bvr1kQ AF *
Art print 2: https://fave.co/3EnlI8I AF *
Wall hanging/tapestry: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Floor lamp: https://fave.co/3GwcU2h AF *
Desk: https://bit.ly/2ZxabFh *
Console table: https://amzn.to/31buEjj AF
Arch mirror: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e
Table lamp: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Entryway rug: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Stool/Pouf: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Key shelf: https://amzn.to/3mnyDkK AF
Terracotta bedspread: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Coffee table/ottoman set: https://fave.co/3mjtElb AF *
Armrest tray: https://bit.ly/311Orl2 *
Console table baskets: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Beige cushions: https://bit.ly/2ZtfTHF *

U.S. Links:
Article dining/desk chair: https://bit.ly/3ueLKXO *
Wallpaper: https://etsy.me/3jOAUDU
Underbed storage: https://bit.ly/3nxNoB0 *
Arch decal: https://etsy.me/3nDzdKH *
Green cushion: https://bit.ly/3BmTjxx *
Rug: https://bit.ly/2ZyB1wl *
Charcoal bedding: https://fave.co/2ZvG4NU AF
Bed cushions: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Floor mirror: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Mini dresser: https://amzn.to/3nGtROK AF
Hanging planters: https://bit.ly/3vVLLAI *
Faux plants: https://bit.ly/31d8jSv *
Art print 1: https://fave.co/3Bvr1kQ AF *
Art print 2: https://fave.co/3EnlI8I AF *
Wall hanging/tapestry: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Floor lamp: https://fave.co/3GwcU2h AF *
Desk: https://bit.ly/3nFjs5T *
Console table: https://amzn.to/3moEFlb AF
Arch mirror: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e
Table lamp: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Entryway rug: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Stool/Pouf: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Key shelf: https://amzn.to/2ZuCVy3 AF
Terracotta bedspread: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Coffee table/ottoman set: https://fave.co/3mjtElb AF *
Armrest tray: https://bit.ly/3nASoVz *
Console table baskets: Homesense https://bit.ly/3EriK3e *
Beige cushions: https://bit.ly/3CsCLFP *

Let’s be friends:
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@alexandragaterofficial
Instagram: https://instagram.com/alexandragater
Pinterest: https://pinterest.ca/alexandragater
Shop my Amazon store Canada: https://amazon.ca/shop/alexandragater
Shop my Amazon store U.S.: https://amazon.com/shop/alexandragater
Sign up to my newsletter to get decor tips and products in your inbox every week: https://alexandragater.com
Retro label maker I use: https://amzn.to/2j7Ukk8 *

GET IN TOUCH:
Alexandra Gater
P.O. Box 68555 Walmer
Toronto, ON
M5S 3C9

EMAIL:
alexandra@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: https://carlaantonio.com
Senior Editor, James Resendes: https://vimeo.com/jamesresendes
Junior editor/vlog editor, Alessandra Sconza https://vimeo.com/asconza
Intro designed and animated by Lindsey Deschamps: https://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.

50 Comments

  1. Steph K on August 6, 2022 at 3:37 am

    I know there are a lot of nay sayers abouts the dining chair as a work chair but as some who also works from home I have an office with an office chair, I also have the movable desk that can be used on a couch or bed, and I have my dining.space and many many times Ives been more comfortable working from a dining chair than the other alternatives I invested in. It really depends on the setup

  2. My daily life يومياتي on August 6, 2022 at 3:39 am

    Hey guys
    Put the speed 2X, you gonna thank me 😂👍

  3. Dawn Oldham on August 6, 2022 at 3:40 am

    You’re so talented. I watch these videos and unfortunately take not much away from them that I can use. But I sure do love watching your end results! Lol
    Every single video is a win!

  4. EmmaLouLoves on August 6, 2022 at 3:41 am

    That was amazing, love all the fixes and ideas. Each area looked separate and cosy. love it.

  5. C J on August 6, 2022 at 3:42 am

    that rug in front of the door needs a rug pad!!

  6. Donna Oswald on August 6, 2022 at 3:43 am

    Check with your landlord before you do any of these. It’s in the lease that you can’t change anything unless you get their ok. If you can’t remove what you have done they will keep your security deposit. It costs them money to fix what you have done.
    Know this from experience….

  7. BB Rosser on August 6, 2022 at 3:43 am

    I’ve found myself wishing that I could use all of your ideas for this space to furnish and decorate my next space. There are some of your ideas that I can use. So, thank you very much for ideas and inspiration!

  8. Jan Murphy on August 6, 2022 at 3:44 am

    I think I would have put a drawer unit on wheels at the foot of her bed instead of that ugly grey thing. She could have used the top of it, as well. Even set a lamp on top of it. Maybe a small bookcase perpendicular to her desk for more storage.

  9. CORAL CLARKE on August 6, 2022 at 3:47 am

    This is the way it is for most Australian renters!

  10. RUSTY RED on August 6, 2022 at 3:48 am

    How do you get the ceiling hooks down? Cause mine don’t come off

  11. Mary C Garmon on August 6, 2022 at 3:49 am

    Wish you could have found a cane pattern arch for the headboard. Would have really popped and coordinated with the desk chair,pouf and baskets. Overall looks pulled together.

  12. Robin Rubendunst on August 6, 2022 at 3:53 am

    Never like the generic artwork. Agree about the too small desk and dining chair… uncomfortable! Otherwise great makeover

  13. moon on August 6, 2022 at 3:54 am

    I’m sorry I can’t let the wood mirror being badly painted black, it would look way better since it would add a nature feeling to the space and match with the wood of the console

  14. Adrienna Hartung on August 6, 2022 at 3:55 am

    That’s a good one Alexandra!

  15. TracyHRodriguez on August 6, 2022 at 4:00 am

    Really great work. The space looks so elevated.

  16. Lisa Davis on August 6, 2022 at 4:00 am

    A real head board with bed turned would also have worked in this space. Could have separated space and provide darker sleep zone as well. Just a thought.

  17. Kimber Fields on August 6, 2022 at 4:01 am

    James needs a channel! Love him!!❤️

  18. Debra Grimes on August 6, 2022 at 4:03 am

    I ‘m a new person on your channel. I love small apt.make over awesome. Thank you for making the video. It was great. Gave me so many Ideas. Stay safe and bless Mrs Dee from Ga.

  19. Sarah BOOTH on August 6, 2022 at 4:05 am

    Another amazing job! I wondered about a couple of things but you foresee how it is all going to pull together and compliment each other. You have some serious design vision, sugar!!

  20. Rachel Anne HQ on August 6, 2022 at 4:05 am

    Just curious, is Chico no longer in your team? Didn’t seem to see him on your Montreal vlog or I might have missed something.

  21. Gale Whiteman on August 6, 2022 at 4:07 am

    Funny story. I used command hooks in a bedroom I rented in San Diego…when I was moving, I took them off and chunks of the wall (paint) came off. The wall wasn’t painted properly apparition . I didn’t install the command hooks until a couple months after moving in.

  22. Olivia Plunkett on August 6, 2022 at 4:07 am

    I finally have become content with the set up of my apartment and now I want to change everything again!

  23. Sushia86 on August 6, 2022 at 4:08 am

    Loved it! A friend recommended your page and really I am enjoying seeing your creativity and different styles you bring in. So nice of you to keep the parts where you try something and you don’t like it so you change the item like what happened with the bed sheets. It’s more relatable and people can also learn from that. The only thing I would add is that the bed could have been changed into a Murphy bed so that she gain space and have let’s say a moving or foldable dining table in there and at night she could convert it back to her bedroom. These Murphy beds are made so it’s easy to use them every evening. Or if she really need to keep the bed space as is, add some sheer drapes so that space is isolated from the rest of the apartment and the focus into the living room when people enter. Really good job to your team! I’ve just subscribed to your channel.

  24. Maribelle Lebre on August 6, 2022 at 4:10 am

    You did an amazing job – especialy given the renter-friendly limitation.
    I’d love to see a renter-friendly maximalist makeover of a modestly sized studio apartment.
    How to put lots of colour – and I mean a lot – of colour in a space you can’t paint or drill in.
    How to deal with cupboards that have so many years’ worth of paint they’re too bumpy for peel’n’stick.
    Small, windowless kitchens, bathrooms.
    Or an uber colourful balcony makeover. Southern European styled maybe. 🙂
    You’ve heard of Dopamine Dressing?
    Howabout renter-friendly Dopamine Decorating?
    *been having fun perusing your page and finsing more inspiration. Thank you!

  25. Lynda Madrid-Miller on August 6, 2022 at 4:11 am

    I think you could’ve put the white dresser at the end of the bed.
    You can still see the storage bins under her bed% But over all it looks cute!!

  26. Lost On Land Again on August 6, 2022 at 4:11 am

    Nope, I don’t get it. It looked better before you started quite honestly.

  27. Mikyda3 on August 6, 2022 at 4:12 am

    Subscribed as requested 😉
    Gorgeous city view!

  28. Gina Jula on August 6, 2022 at 4:13 am

    No offence, but that cushions covers you’ve DIY are super silly and ugly in the same time. You had so many cool patters there and chose so bad 😰

  29. Lynn Harmon on August 6, 2022 at 4:13 am

    To fix the bed- a thin bookcase at the end of the bed would keep the clean lines of the apt. w/o taking up much space and provide more storage. This keep the bed the cozy retreat that u made. I love ur videos.

  30. Faizah Lubaba on August 6, 2022 at 4:15 am

    26:01 chile fr that doesn’t look cute, it looks like it’s dehydrated

  31. Robyn Leigh on August 6, 2022 at 4:16 am

    I am dying to know where you got the gold couch or love? Is gonna be my next purchase and I’m just curious 🤔. Thanks!

  32. Nana Donna on August 6, 2022 at 4:17 am

    I have used the Command products and when I removed them… the paint came off the wall! Please include in your makeovers the correct way to remove them.

  33. Kiki Rose on August 6, 2022 at 4:18 am

    Command hooks, hook and latch plus fabric and starch to add color and texture to walls.

  34. Mary Poppins on August 6, 2022 at 4:18 am

    I would have put a wall cubboard at the end of the bed to create a semi wall more storage space and gives the room its own space. Now it’s looks like the bedroom is in the living room.
    Otherwise great job

  35. Megan Seastrom on August 6, 2022 at 4:21 am

    Wow, great job! One of your best ones yet. The only thing is the end of the bed with the white storage boxes showing. Personally, I would have brought the comforter almost to the floor so you don’t see them. Or, as suggested by sybil, a darker storage box that would visually disappear. I love the use of the hanging plants to create a division, too.

  36. thejessicajanay on August 6, 2022 at 4:21 am

    I’m waiting for this channel to become a show on Netflix omg I’m obsessed

  37. Nadia Singh on August 6, 2022 at 4:22 am

    Wall paper hung with tacs would be perfect. I had a similar situation 👌🏽

  38. Laura W on August 6, 2022 at 4:23 am

    More content and less giggling like 12 year olds.

  39. Karen on August 6, 2022 at 4:23 am

    I’m watching this video AGAIN! I love it when the crew is featured but, I’ve gotta tell you, I am OBSESSED With James! I am old enough to be his grandmother, and he would make any grandma proud, as would you all. Watching these is so much fun !

  40. Animefreak 1400 on August 6, 2022 at 4:24 am

    I love so much of this. I’m glad you got the brighter bed spread. Only think I would change is the desk area. Now sure on the actual desk. But that chair would be a no go for me. I work from home and that doesn’t look comfortable to have to spend 8ish hours in a day.

  41. Fiona on August 6, 2022 at 4:24 am

    It’s nice but it’s not really functional for a smaller space. You’ve filled the top of surfaces which is much needed with stuff like plants and art and taken away the console that has additional storage. That desk and chair is not great for her set up as well and not comfortable

  42. sarahcarols on August 6, 2022 at 4:25 am

    love this!!! great job AG team

  43. Bunny on August 6, 2022 at 4:27 am

    Im in waterloo ON,
    in a tiny bachelor exactly like this apartment!! I desperately need help making my place cute and stylish!!

  44. Naomi Violet on August 6, 2022 at 4:29 am

    Spiritual tip, never face a mirror to a bed mirrors are spirit portals so you could be getting watched waking up often at night and feeling restless is common with a mirror facing the bed.

  45. Monica Elias on August 6, 2022 at 4:29 am

    Love the peel and stick wallpaper . Can you give the name your link doesn’t work

  46. Hannah Alicea on August 6, 2022 at 4:30 am

    Hi

  47. darniella dd on August 6, 2022 at 4:31 am

    no kitchen..?

  48. Jim Baker on August 6, 2022 at 4:31 am

    why in the world can’t you paint the place you live in?

  49. kimberly rogers on August 6, 2022 at 4:32 am

    Wonderful !

  50. katietatey on August 6, 2022 at 4:35 am

    Very cool apartment! I am so curious what the rent is like in such a tiny space but with such an amazing view. The end result was awesome. I am also curious if the command hooks rip paint off the wall when removed, and will the landlord be mad about that. I think restricting her from painting the walls or putting any holes is pretty lame. But you really transformed the space in spite of that!

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