9 Design Mistakes You're Making In Your Rental (And How To Fix Them!)

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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 and vlogs on Wednesdays! Today's video is all about common design mistakes I know you're making, and how to fix them. I hope these help you when decorating your own home or apartment.
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Video shot by Carla Antonio: www.carlaantonio.com/
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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.

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Опубликовано:

5 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 320

@sassafrass7777 4 года назад

I love this style of video! It might also be interesting to do something like, “How to style a mid-century modern living room.” “How to style a modern boho bedroom.” “How to add modern farmhouse accessories to a kitchen.” Showcasing a range of different aesthetics might help viewers identify their styles and try out something new!

@renee356 4 года назад

With so many tips on decorating rentals, it would be interesting to see a video on tips for things to do to make sure you get your full deposit back when you move out.

@bridgetanne 4 года назад

LoneFox has one!! Search for Un-Making my apartment :)

@cmjb6118 4 года назад

My biggest problem is that I have a hard time buying individual items that form a nice cohesive look together in the end. I buy items because I like them and the color scheme or design theme matches the look I’m going for, but they end up not looking good together (too different) or are too monotonous. I can’t find a good middle ground where the visual is cohesive rather than cluttery.

@LifeLostSoul 4 года назад

I really think she should make an entire video on this topic alone with lots of visual aids. Because I think she didn't necessarily get into some of the things that can help items go together, when they are individual pieces. Like how a rattan chair could probably fit in any style room but looking for the right shape and style of chair, and then how that chair is styled is really going to effect if it feels minimal or extravagant.

@cmjb6118 4 года назад

LifeLostSoul Yes! It’s so hard to understand why you can buy things that feel like they should go together and look good and that you really like, but then you step back to take a look at the big picture, and it just seems like a bunch of things thrown together in a room, versus looking like a “whole”.

@angelicabianca631 4 года назад

Well she suggested making a mood board which is great for picking out items that look good together without having to buy them first

@rochitarudra2080 4 года назад

Second that

@sfowler1017 4 года назад

Doing a mood board is really helpful for this :)

@jennifercole9042 4 года назад

My biggest question is how to place furniture in an odd shaped room? I really enjoy your videos and the tip on not matching everything.

@angiebates4360 4 года назад

This was really useful, thank you. My tip would be to not be afraid of buying larger ornaments. I realised I was buying all these tiny little ornaments which were looking lost on shelves. I'm trying to buy bigger, statement pieces now which create more impact.

@TinyFitnessHouston 4 года назад

I would love to see free/extremely low cost ways to fix these. Many of these “mistakes” are just what people do when they’re starting out and can’t afford new light fixtures or get a good deal on a furniture set/their parents’ old stuff. I am too old for this channel 🤣 and decades beyond those days, but I don’t think people who have matching nightstands with matching lamps should feel like they have to run to ikea and buy something - there are lots of creative ways to punch up what you already have and make it look less matchy starter home. I also think buying second hand is a great way to get stylish pieces that fit all these recommendations - I still have a coffee table I got used in 2004 and I adore it, and it has had to go from my broke studio apartment to mid century styled apartment of neutrals to my lighter and more lively current home via trays, runners, books, and other styling to make it not seem so heavy and dark. (It’s lacquered wood, so I don’t want to paint it.) I have a large white tray on it right now, and I have two other dark rectangular pieces around my open living/dining area to balance it...and everything else is white and clear spring tones bc that’s what complements my coloring. Talked too much here, bye 🤣

@iamwindchakra 4 года назад

Totally! Lots of people start out with hand me downs. My first home we had ALL hand me down furniture. I bought accessories to match it and had a boring living room that wasn't my "flavor." That's where paint, throw pillows, are your friend. Couch covers. Throw pillows. Transform the hand me downs to something you love!

@connieh.4689 4 года назад

ALL of my furniture is hand me downs, found, so on...some of my pieces have been with me 20, 30, 40 years...I found paint works wonders as my tastes change....including painting cloth furniture! RU-vid has tons if tutorials, just gotta go for it. Have fun. If you don't like it, paint again...🥰

@olbird7647 4 года назад

I too am "too old for this channel" and totally agree with all of this as it reflects my own experience and that of the majority of most of my friends and family. Tbh I think that this probably made us very creative and our homes 'unique' by default. White or magnolia walls or someone else's hideous wallpaper/carpet were just what you had to work with-and were usually stuck with as a renter. And definitely why I would never choose white paint now. This channel has become very 'samey'- I've already unsubscribed and need to stop watching- the gushing comments on Alexandra being sone kind of 'genius' are really starting to grate. As lovely as she is she isn't reinventing the wheel- humans were decorating their homes even when dinosaurs were clomping about outside. Up-cycling and thrifting are nothing new either. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being an enthusiastic amateur/hobbyist but the fact Alexandra actually calls herself a decor 'expert' is ridiculous. Using 'statement' light shades does not an expert make. A couple of interior designer friends learned about the history and application of design and functionality regarding furniture, textiles, lighting and working with different architectural styles etc, etc during their training. They most definitely wouldn't be working if they failed to meet their client's needs. Most people never engage the services of interior designers anyway as we're perfectly capable of doing it ourselves.

@heatherstock4491 4 года назад

This!

@chandaharkins4418 4 года назад

Um, yes. Series! 😁 I'd like to know more about how to match paint colors to flooring (warm versus light and all that) and mixing wood tones. Thanks for sharing!

@meganbenton3805 4 года назад

Great tips! I would just like to add hanging your pictures too high, you want your artwork and pictures at eye level and buying furniture sets. Furniture sets come off a bit lazy styling. You can always break up furniture sets just don't use all the peices in one room.

@nicoles3373 4 года назад

Yes! I cringe when I see people that hang stuff too close to the ceiling... it looks ridiculous that high (wall art/shelves, not curtains)

@newyorkification 4 года назад

This was so instructional. I'd definitely love more about this subject.

@HDManifestor62 4 года назад

She has a lot of great videos that go more in depth! I’d check out her channel!

@anniedesignsstuff Год назад

I would love to see a video where you mood board and explain how you would decorate a dorm room! They are ridiculously small and have boring furniture that you have to use. And you can’t put any nails in the walls or change out light fixtures. It would be so so so helpful!! All of the inspo out there is either Princess themed or boho themed and I’d love to see something more unique and a more mature design that isn’t 99% from target!! 💕😄

@knottynumbers44 4 года назад

My next goal in life is learning how to switch out a light fixture. My contractor told me to make sure I buy one of those little meters though that you put on the wires to make sure they are not live before you start messing with them. Sometimes even when you turn off the breaker you can have a live wire (especially in older places like mine), and he told me it saved his butt a bunch of times. I have a "boob light" in my laundry room that has got to go, Im getting my courage up so I can change it myself.

@sassafrass7777 4 года назад

I want to learn this too. Everyone makes it look so easy, but I’m too scared to try. 😢

@katherinewill3 4 года назад

I just switched out my second lighting a week or so ago (inspired by Alexandra!) It is not difficult, and I felt really empowered afterwards.

@charleslavoie7622 4 года назад

I also did it for the first time this week ! :D It's really easier than it sounds, don't be scared to try ! You'll feel so much empowered once you did

@katieingram3726 4 года назад

Home Depot offers free classes for a lot of things. I took a class last year on how to replace light fixtures. Check it out, it's super helpful

@iamwindchakra 4 года назад

That's a goal for me too. I have a chandelier I want to hang.

@betterthanfavouritesweater 4 года назад

guys! if you don’t have photoshop use powerpoint for moodboards! it has a built in tool to remove background from pictures and makes it SO MUCH EASIER to create and make it look clean! you can also duplicate slides and swap one of the elements that you cannot choose between like 2 pendants for example. and then just go back and forth and compare 😄😄😄

@sierrareyelts1481 4 года назад

Yes please to the mini-series!

@nicoles3373 4 года назад

Such a fine line with having items that don’t match... it can scream college dorm hand me downs. I’m mid-30’s in my first home and finally buying real furniture... slowly switching out all the mismatched for cohesive styled furnishings.

@heatherstock4491 4 года назад

Same!

@jazzypiddy 4 года назад

I'd love to see a more expensive looking and sophisticated room from you. I feel like too often it 's easy for rooms to look bitsy and thrown together but it's much more difficult to achieve a really beautifully balanced and styled room.

@CrankyGrandma 4 года назад

I’m so surprised to learn you didn’t go to school for interior design! I love your make overs. You are a natural! I have NO Ability to figure out where stuff should go (or what stuff should go there). But I’m amazed at seeing the results you get. I love it! Wished you lived and worked in NJ; I’d hire you in a second!

@YogaconMarinaBuedo 4 года назад

I LOVE your channel!! What an amazing discovery!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@ilediazcouderbreceda2220 3 года назад

I love both your channels :))

@LittleMissBateman 4 года назад

The matching mistake has changed the game for me!

@cate4016 4 года назад

I'm always surprised that your landlord can stop you from painting. Here in Germany I can basically to whatever I want to the walls as long as I paint them white and without holes (patched up) when I leave.

@mapleleaf0 4 года назад

Here's another area rug trick. In small spaces, choose a rug not based on the decor in the the room but based on the color of the floor. For example, I decorated a basement family room that had a polished epoxied concrete floor. It was "copper" which really was orange (it was actually beautiful). I needed a fairly small rug for a seating grouping but didn't want to "chop up" the room with that rug, so I ordered a rug that had gradations of orange. It was different than the floor but it didn't stand out in sharp contrast either. This worked well. On the other hand, in a large space where you want to cozy up an expanse, a rug in a contrasting color to the floor can be the ticket to create definition.

@CozyDaRosy 4 года назад

That "off-the-wall" tip was great! And the layers tip. I'd love to see a video that goes through the process of moving in and what steps to take FIRST in making things fresh or personal. We're hoping to find our first house soon and I know I want to start making it personal right away. I made the mistake of never really personalizing our apartment because I knew we wouldn't be here for a long but now I'm wishing I did! Especially with your balcony video. It would have been inexpensive and made the apartment so much more of a home. And of course I'm only noticing because we've been in quarantine! But yes, I'd love to see a process video of some sort. Like, "Where to start decorating your space." Is paint first? Should you start with the kitchen or bathroom. Do you make a checklist of things that could be improved like lights or cabinets? Like we've moved in, stuff in boxes, we glance around our new home, where do we start?

@annaryan4803 4 года назад

I deeply appreciate you ability to forgive criticism. You remain positive even though some people criticize you in the comments. That ability will take you a long way.

@olbird7647 4 года назад

A lot of the criticism is constructive. She invites feedback in the comments so nothing to 'forgive'.

@KarinYehd 4 года назад

Yassss thank you Alexandra!! So helpful!!

@niacollins4444 3 года назад

Love it! Thank you, Alexandra! 💕

@lorrainepaz4834 4 года назад

Thank you, Alexandra! Loved this video. :)

@Calida 4 года назад

I loved this! Very helpful, things I wouldn't even think about changing up. Lottie! 😭💕

@AlineSantos-hy1hq 4 года назад

Thanks for the tips! I especially love the mood board idea, it has so much more impact on the final result!! 🧡

@mayaahluwalia8005 4 года назад

Your recent design advice videos have been so helpful!

@geraldineklatt7914 4 года назад

Love your enthusiasm 🐝❤️

@Em99957 4 года назад

Great advice as always! I'm glad you made this video because it will be a great one to reference for reminders when I move! 😊

@nancypettitt1211 4 года назад

Great video! I am learning so much. Yes, any design tips would be great. A series--awesome!

@jacquelineshea1824 4 года назад

Thanks for the advice ! Going to try pulling my furniture off the walls and hope it will give a new perspective 🙂

@bremenschmidt2437 4 года назад

Love the video, all your videos for that matter! That's what I did, I moved my couch away from the wall and created a divide.... living room and a breakfast nook, I love it! Thanks for all your efforts and energy and enthusiasm!!!! xo

@lyndseyfoster1080 4 года назад

Loved this video! All helpful tips for first time homeowners or renters. I’ll be coming back to this video a resource for sure! Please do more videos along this subject line 🙂

@elismorales8384 4 года назад

I have never been into decorating. I have been so supprised on how much I can learn by watching your videos. I am getting out of boxes of paperwork and old memories, clothes, ect to be able to style my small apt with just what I need with the touch of cozyness. Love your cat! Elis from Puerto Rico.

@victoriamacpriest7130 4 года назад

Thank you! Love these tips ❤

@priestesspeaches9095 4 года назад

Loving your channel. Thank you ♡

@zillamandy 4 года назад

Loved this! I live in a studio apartment & I collect things that I love, and I don’t worry if they match. It works for me. I’ve been here a year and I have not bought a mirror. This was a good reminder. PS your lipstick is so nice!

@OrganizeCreateDecorate 4 года назад

I'm probably not your typical subscriber. My hubby and I have owned four homes, three of which we had built. The last, our current home, we were the contractors. We made all the design decisions. My Mom loved to decorate. She always allowed me to do my own thing, so I've always been confident in my choices. I would say I probably have at least two and half times your age in experience decorating. 😀 With all that experience, I can say that your tips are GREAT not only for newbies, but those that have never felt comfortable decorating and aren't sure where to start. The only thing I'd add at this point, as I'm sure you'll do more of these videos, is they should not be afraid to try something new or something that they "think" other's won't like. It's okay to be different.

@Mira-ff9nr 4 года назад

Thank you for these great tips. Painting a place is a must. I am working on where to place the mirror in my new home.

@rosalinddudley9420 4 года назад

Thank you for all the tips!

@FiaGarciaDIY 4 года назад

Loved these! I always learn so much from your videos girl! 🧡

@denises9426 4 года назад

Great advice Alexandra! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

@dorianehardy1458 4 года назад

Thanks Alexandra for this great video. I would lov ideas on how to style a room slanted bedroom.

@tinamc2820 4 года назад

Great design ideas! Thank you!

@TheLaura0 4 года назад

Loved this video!

@DebraFlower 4 года назад

Thank you. These tips were very helpful.

@bremenschmidt2437 4 года назад

oh and LOVE that green round pillow!!!! :)

@jennabarna2353 4 года назад

After the one video you sampled I moved my couch to the middle of my living room and it was a game changer. Thanks 😊

@sanchitarajvanshi7796 4 года назад

I love it!! I think one mistake i have done and i really regret is matching my dining area with living area in a condo. But yes mirrors and some shelfs are definitely few ideas that i have incorporated in my place after looking at your videos. Thank you!!

@shierleymaesuarez-bombales2365 4 года назад

Thank you for this video ms. Alexandra :) I will watch this video again when the renovation of our home is done :) Viewer from PH :) i love watching your videos :)

@sylviapearson7394 4 года назад

Have started watching your designing since Covid. Enjoying while doing a treadmill workout. 2 birds with 1 stone exercise and learning decorative info. Keep up the great work and Ienjoy the fact that you're a fellow Canadian 🍁🍁

@eratodaergel5986 4 года назад

I'm currently in the process of gutting my new home in preparation for decorating & this is super helpful, thankyou!! 😊

@mchljrck 4 года назад

Love your vids! More small studio apartment makeover please 🙏✨

@ITSBRYINDY74 4 года назад

So right on about rugs and curtains! Those two things alone can make all the difference.

@ruthgaver1256 4 года назад

Alexandra, your basket bird lamp is really creative

@connihinkel7295 4 года назад

I think this is one of your BEST videos. VERY helpful to everyone, whether living in a small or large space, a rental or owned home. Thank you!

@ineldafitte5797 4 года назад

So good!! Thank you 🙏!

@ruthgoddard6539 4 года назад

Loved this video. I need all the help i can get

@lulooop 4 года назад

I m so happy that u post this video, i live in a super small aparment (32mt2) and i put my sofa in the middle of mi living room. At first felted akward but over past the time, fells like created spaces. thank u

@elisiaixchelle8879 4 года назад

I’m sheltering in place in San Francisco and me and my bf have been adding a lot to the house. We’ve added a bunch of houseplants, got a new floor lamp, added 2 mix matched chairs, and so much more. I am so inspired by your designs and content Alexandra!

@harmonyjoy 4 года назад

A mood board is a must! It just makes it possible for you and others to get an idea of what the outcome will be.

@qhaireeniqa7936 4 года назад

Thank you so much for the tips..

@marybethduke3263 4 года назад

Great ideas! Thanks!

@lindasaav7364 4 года назад

YES! I would love to see more on this subject! I have such a hard time to understand my interior design style which makes it super hard for me to commit to a style since I love so many other aspects of other styles *sigh* Can't remember which design mistake it was but when you talked about trying to make everything match too much I kind of felt it *lol* I've really been trying to make all of my furniture match the last couple of years since moving in together with my now husband and all of our furniture like book cases, tv consoles, cabinets, bed frames, drawers you name it, are black.. It's just very recently I've realized it really do look quite bland in a way, like too impersonal in a way and now I want to incorporate more wood tones in the mix to hopefully bring it all more life!

@DashaAnderson 4 года назад

Alexandra, its a great video! Thank you for sharing your main tips in one video:)

@nicolfernandez3786 3 года назад

Hi Alexandra! Wish you well... watching all the way from the Philippines 😊😊

@lindabeauchamp4596 3 года назад

Great practical tips!😊

@kathrynp7595 4 года назад

Great tips👍🏼

@Lifeasmrssmith 4 года назад

This would be a great series!

@ruslananishchyk4244 4 года назад

Thank you, Alexandra!)

@darrisnelson5223 4 года назад

This was so helpful Alexandra, thank you! A mood board is such a great suggestion! And sizing up the rug ... my son is an electrician so I love to change lighting and even switches. My dilemma is changing pieces from my big contemporary house to our open sunny casual beach house. I’ve taken ‘stabs’ at it and it looks like it. I feel like wiping the slate clean but don’t have the budget to do that all at once. Get the sofa slipcovered or buy that L-shape sofa w/chaise ... ditch the faded floral rug and replace with something fresh and beachy? Put up shelves in the office to free up floor space and cluttered look? Remove shades and pit up airy curtains? 🤦🏼‍♀️

@michaelahumphrey919 4 года назад

Love you stuff. I'd love to see a video all about lighting. Different types of lights, what works well for what space. How to work with existing fittings / lack of fittings etc.

@ChrisRampersad 4 года назад

Thanks for the great video. I have done a lot of them from I wish I would have painted when I moved in to buying a small rug as well. I always have trouble with lighting so videos on that would be great. keep up the good work

@ThisnThatVintage 3 года назад

Fun video! I am terrified of taking furniture off the walls. Please do some more vids on that😊 TFS your tips!

@nicolalang5603 4 года назад

I can't wait until we move into our new house, I need your help with arranging a rug Alexandra!

@daracampbell9941 3 года назад

This is so different from Australia, I've lived in many rentals and I've never been able to even put in nails let alone repaint. Putting up a shelf would definitely see you not get your deposit back.

@caraanderson3877 4 года назад

I love the lip color 😍 it really pops with that shirt 🥰

@tlvance3973 28 дней назад

Rewatching and just have to say you have a great video here with truly useful tips

@nachtorchis 4 года назад

Cool subject! Thx

@theresayanotti66 4 года назад

Thanks for the info you are great 👍

@amandavincett7409 4 года назад

I can never line up drill holes for shelves, thay are always a few mm out. It's so frustrating. Great video 🌹❤️

@sarahgibbs4660 4 года назад

One trick is to put painters tape along the back of the shelf to mark where the holes are and then place the tape only on the wall and marking those holes. :) I just learned this trick myself!

@caitlin399 4 года назад

@@sarahgibbs4660 so smart!! thanks for sharing

@laurenwhite4470 3 года назад

I’d love to hear your tips on how to design narrow spaces, especially living rooms! Also tips on how to choose accent wall colours to match furniture, flooring, and to increase lighting in a dark room.

@GMBRADLEY 4 года назад

My most common design question is how do you know where and how to shop for the things you need for the spaces. There are so many options of places to shop (Amazon, Walmart, Ikea, etc) and so many options in those places making it very overwhelming.

@wajeehakhi 4 года назад

Moving to Canada soon and can't wait to style my own space. I made a mood board following your tips and realised, I just want to replicate my current room colours in the new one too... or I just really love teal!

@olbird7647 4 года назад

Nothing wrong with either

@roxannepalmer6943 4 года назад

Love your lipstick. Looks great on you.

@jonnibravo1000 4 года назад

Awesome tips😁

@justinegreenaway7196 4 года назад

Thanks Alexandra, great tips! For the next in the series, I'd love to know your tips for styling a room with high ceilings (renter friendly). We have a large bedroom in our rental apartment with high ceilings. Tall plants seem like the obvious answer but unfortunately the room doesn't get a lot of light.

@katiepillar 4 года назад

Ikea do really realistic fake plants if you’re into that

@photoshadows 4 года назад

My biggest question when pulling furniture away from the walls is where to plug things in (lamps & chargers, for example). I currently have a sectional "floating" in my living area, but there's no way to plug in my lamps without having to step over the cords. Same thing with the desk in my office space. There are overhead lights in both spaces, but I want to be able to have softer light a lot of the time. Help! :)

@dawnshermantech 4 года назад

"Light Furniture" while still offering storage (a "home") for needed items such as a modem, router, and printer. Or some way to hide conceal them. They are necessary, but not necessarily part of design decor. :-P The small Master bedroom is where the cable-internet comes into the house. I have all of these in a small bedroom where there is only room for two small side tables. I do have some wall space as well.

@andreas_adventures 4 года назад

Your old area rug is so beautiful.

@LadyDuskme 3 года назад

This video is sooo helpful and great! In fact all of your videos are great and help me a lot! Thank you Alexandra! I do have a question though, I know that you like and specialize more on cozy warm styles. But any tips on how to decorate a space for a minimalist? 😁 it feels like it's the hardest style, how do you make layers in a minimalist space! 😅😆

@McCoy69 8 месяцев назад

You are just fabulous!!! I wish I would of known about you before. I need so much help. Either way I really enjoy watching you 😉

@Becky-ys4xc 4 года назад

Well since you asked for questions... I'd love to see tips on styling a cozy bed, especially for laying around on reading. I have a bedspread and my regular pillows and no idea how to cozy it up. (I'd also love rug sizing tips for the bedroom! I'm lucky enough to have a large space so I've set up an office nook in one corner and would love to figure out how to use different rugs to offset the areas.)

@aven-itzadeprimavera4878 4 года назад

Your voice is so soothing! :)

@creationslandscapedesigns 4 года назад

I always make mood boards for clients. I make two. One for plants and one for hardscape and accessories. It's a game changer.

@Sunflowers9191 4 года назад

I so agree with number 3.. I really dislike spaces where everything looks like it came from the same store, it’s just too much for me haha. For my place I ended up buying a lot of things from a thrift shop and using old furniture I already had, just painted it in a fresh new color. Everyone loves it!

@maunarose 4 года назад

Thanks Ms. Gater 💕🖤🌐✳️🧡💛❣️

@shirleygeorge6351 4 года назад

Great tips & corrections !Sweety.Glued from the south of India..wish & dream that you wave your magic wand & my home transforms & glows.Stay blessed dear with your gifted talents.

@extrafancyketchup 4 года назад

Curtains yes!!!! My Interior Designer friend from college told me to hang my curtains 6-3 inches from the ceiling. That's something I notice in other people's homes.