Episode 141: Teach Me How To Design A Beautiful Home On A Budget, with Design Expert and YouTuber Alexandra Gater
The highest level of adulting might just be creating a space that feels welcoming and reflects your personal style. But let’s be honest, that’s easier said than done, especially with the limitations of budgets and rental units. Our homes should be a source of comfort and inspiration — after all, our spaces have a real impact on our wellbeing. We’re on a mission to create our own personal oasis without breaking the bank, so we called in our friend, and the budget-friendly decor guru herself, Alexandra Gater.
The highest level of adulting might just be creating a space that feels welcoming and reflects your personal style. But let’s be honest, that’s easier said than done, especially with the limitations of budgets and rental units.
Our homes should be a source of comfort and inspiration — after all, our spaces have a real impact on our wellbeing. We’re on a mission to create our own personal oasis without breaking the bank, so we called in our friend, and the budget-friendly decor guru herself, Alexandra Gater.
Alexandra is a stylist and home decor expert who specializes in accessible home decor advice for renters and anyone working with a smaller budget. She started her design career as the home editor for Chatelaine Magazine, where she launched the popular YouTube series, The Home Primp. She’s since hosted the HGTV series Buy or DIY, and her work has appeared in brands like Apartment Therapy, Domino Magazine, Architectural Digest, The Rachel Ray Show, and the Global Morning Show. She just launched her STUNNING book Own Your Space, which offers room-by-room decorating tips for renters and homeowners.
Join us as we chat about:
Alexandra’s journey to becoming a design legend
The easiest, most budget-friendly ways to make a big impact
How to figure out your personal design aesthetic
Alexandra’s go-to products to spruce up a space
Advice for renters on making big changes and navigating landlords
Easy and temporary DIYs to try
Choosing unique and affordable art
Dealing with differing design styles with your partner
We hope this episode inspires you to make your home your own, because you deserve the space of your dreams!
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Buy Alexandra's book: Own Your Space
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Related Episodes:
Episode 39: How To Have An Adult AF Home
A big part of levelling up in adulthood for us has been moving past those university-dorm-room living habits and creating an actual adult home. Because anyone who’s ever called their parents asking for laundry tips or cooking questions knows...adulthood hits differently when you have your sh*t together at home!
So this is your quick and dirty guide to all the kitchen tools you *actually* need now that you’re adulting, the scoop about everything from pans and knives, to linens and laundry, grown-ass bedding and those fancy touches that will make your space functional and elevated. Are laundry tips sexy? No. Are we all trying to figure this stuff out? Yes. We hope this episode shows you that you DON’T need to wait for a wedding registry to get nice things that make you feel at home where you live, because even small investments in yourself and how you live can make a huge difference in your happiness and efficiency.
This episode is brought to you by Dove
A big part of levelling up in adulthood for us has been moving past those university-dorm-room living habits and creating an actual adult home. Because anyone who’s ever called their parents asking for laundry tips or cooking questions knows...adulthood hits differently when you have your shit together at home!
So this is your quick and dirty guide to all the kitchen tools you *actually* need now that you’re adulting, the scoop about everything from pans and knives, to linens and laundry, grown-ass bedding and those fancy touches that will make your space functional and elevated. Are laundry tips sexy? No. Are we all trying to figure this stuff out? Yes. We hope this episode shows you that you DON’T need to wait for a wedding registry to get nice things that make you feel at home where you live, because even small investments in yourself and how you live can make a huge difference in your happiness and efficiency.
And even though we’re covering a lot of things that you can buy for your place, we just want to flag that today’s advice isn’t all about spending a lot of money and acquiring a bunch of stuff. This can all be really budget-friendly, so wherever you’re at with your living situation and your budget, and whether you rent or own, know that you can follow these tips with super limited savings!
Tune in as we chat about:
The kitchen tools and unexpected appliances that are actually worth it
The essential kitchen knives you need and how to care for them
The different pans on the market and why we’re cast iron and non-stick fans
Fancy dishware, glassware and barware for your home
Why a good, luxurious bed is the best investment you can make
How steamers, air purifiers and humidifiers will change the game in your bedroom (and skincare routine)
The lowdown on linens: how many you need, and the right way to launder them
How a good couch can make your living room whole and how to get one on a dime
The importance of mood lighting and music
Which plant babies are the easiest to take care of and will look cute in your home
We hope this episode inspires you to make your home feel like yours, and to invest in easy upgrades that will make all the difference in your grownup space.
This episode is brought to you by Dove. Visit teachmehowtoadult.ca/dove for details on how to try a free sample of their Deep Moisture Hand Sanitizer that we can’t stop raving about!
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