Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

small renovations

I’m Part of a Squad. A Home Depot Blog Squad. Fabulous!

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It’s no secret that I’m a little less DIY (“do it yourself”) and a little more DIFM (“do it for me”). And there’s no shame in that! I am happy to keep contractors gainfully employed, and with every home reno and small room makeover we complete, we get a little more confident… a little more creative… and a lot more willing to take on bigger projects.
B-OdvBqCMAAGpIDOf course, taking the time to complete a room facelift or renovation is 50% ability, and 50% inspiration! And as part of the very first Home Depot Blog Squad, I am thrilled to be in the company of some of the most inspiring design and decor bloggers in Canada.

Together, we’ll be tackling small reno projects – with products and advice from Home Depot Canada – and working to encourage YOU to take on some projects of your own. Let’s just say that you can do it, and we can help.

Today, I’d love to share some of the home decor and design projects that have been happening behind the scenes by the #HDBlogSquad.

Tim Lam of Design Maze
Shannon Acheson of AKA Design
Brittany Stager of My Daily Randomness
Jennifer Flores of Rambling Renovators

And… moi! Okay, so I don’t have my small reno project available *just yet*. Between our recent family vacation and a tiny (really, super tiny, like minuscule) plumbing fiasco, we are a bit behind schedule for a laundry room “facelift”.

(Can a laundry room be pretty? I’d like to think so! And trust me, I’m working to make the most of the tiny cell that has been zoned for laundry purposes on our second floor. You can look forward to my reno in the coming weeks!)

In the meantime, check out the DIY’s above, and be sure to follow the #HDBlogSquad hashtag on social to stay on top of our exploits.

Are you currently working on any home renos? Do tell!

#ProjectManCave: Entertainment Me

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I have a confession to make.

Instead of blogging this amazing before and after post, I’ve been sitting in my new Man Cave and enjoying the ambiance. I’ve watched movies; decorated a tree, and even savoured a glass (or three) of wine. And as I sat in my basement, caressed by the warm glow of the fireplace and feet cozily buried in my soft shag rug, I said to myself, “I’d better get my a** in gear.”

(Remember when I pledged that it was time to Take Back the Basement? I think I took it too literally.)

As such, here I am. Today, I’ll be revealing one room – the entertainment area  – and showing you exactly how you can duplicate my efforts to complete your own Man Cave, with materials from Home Depot Canada!

But first, the “Before” and “After” –





It’s official: we have taken back the basement….

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Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful…

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… But the fire is so delightful!

 Little by little, #ProjectManCave is becoming a reality. What you’re seeing above:

1) BEHR Premuim Plus Paint in Bolero (right wall)
2) HAMPTON BAY Danstan Wall Mount Fireplace
3) SASSI 6 inch X 24 inch Dorada Ledgestone

All available at Home Depot Canada.

It may be hard to detect in the photo, but we offset the fireplace on the ledgestone to create geometric interest; it’s angled more to the left than right, and is positioned 3 feet from the leather sectional, which is the manufacturer’s recommended distance. And since our pot lights are equipped with dimmers, the fireplace looks oh so delightful.

#ProjectManCave continues!

The Cave that Took Over My Life

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Hello friends! If you’ve noticed the sporadic nature of my posts this week, high five! It means that you’ve missed me, and I love you for that. However, I am around… I’m just otherwise occupied, turning my basement into a Man Cave.

Three things: Home Depot Canada. Behr Paint. Entertainment Area.

Oh, it’s coming along nicely. Want a sneak peek? Sure! What was this….
Now looks like this:
Of course, it’s only a work in progress. The storage unit you see is actually just a place holder for our television (which will now be on the opposite wall that we had it orginally). Of course, the reason for the swap is so that we can make room for our brand new, wall mounted electric fireplace.

And this is just ONE room! #ProjectManCave continues and promises to take up much of my free time – but I LOVE it. We’re so pleased with the way the renos are going, and adore the products we’ve picked up at Home Depot Canada. The paint for this room was only $36.97, but look at what a difference it has made in warming up the room!

With that, I’m off to start my day… knowing that my night will be spent in my Man Cave. Have a great weekend all!

#ProjectManCave: Time to Take Back the Basement

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I can think of many really, really satisfying things in life, but the three that top my list, consistently, are:
1. Putting On Clothes Straight from the Dryer
2. Finding Money You Didn’t Know You Had
3. Witnessing Truly Horrendous “Before” Pictures…

… and then watching the miracle unfold with the “After” reveal. Yes, I may be absolutely obsessed with The Property Brothers for this very reason (notwithstanding the fact that they’re, you know, gorgeous). I mean, who doesn’t love a good before and after? There’s just something so rewarding about witnessing a pumpkin turn into a coach; an ugly duckling turning into a swan… you get my drift.

And in the case of my basement, we’ll be turning our play date dungeon into a dream Man Cave.

Play date dungeon, you ask? 

Ah… I don’t even think I can continue. The clutter is just SO embarrassing! Okay, okay, I’ll just get it over with nice and quick, like ripping off a Band-Aid….

Yes, this is the sorry state of our basement. I’d love to say that it is completely strewn with toys because I took the photos after a play date, but the truth is, it pretty much always looks this way. You see, I’ve got two feisty little boys who love to make a mess, and no amount of chastising, lecturing, and good housekeeping advice can prevent them from turning our basement into their personal path of destruction….

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Hibernate with Me! It’s Time for #ProjectManCave!

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Baby, it’s cold outside… okay, I know I’m just being a diva. It’s not that cold. But it’s not 28°C either, which is the weather forecast for Orlando, Florida today.

(Is there a time machine that transports your entire home to a sunny destination for 6 months?)

The thing is, as much as I detest the icy temperatures, I do love living in Canada. It’s the people; the rich mix of cultures; the opportunity to achieve your life goals. And for hypochondriacs like myself, the free healthcare is a bonus, too. But with the good, there’s always a bad, right?

It’s called Canadian winter. And even though I’ve had 35 frigid seasons to get accustomed to the climate, I’m not (and will never be) a snow bunny. In fact, I truly believe that great Grizzly Bears of the true north have it right: When the Weather Isn’t Great, You Hibernate. (Disclaimer: no grizzly has ever uttered these words.)

And if you’re going to hibernate, you’d best hibernate in style! Ladies and gentlemen, I’m so pleased to announce a cool little renovation I’m undertaking with The Home Depot Canada – it’s #ProjectManCave! This fall, in preparation of the cold temperatures ahead, I’ll be turning my basement from a play date dungeon to a dream Man Cave.

“Man caves have multiple purposes: they are a place to be alone, to be away from women and from female sensibilities, to indulge in hobbies, and to hang out with male friends. It is, loosely, a male-only space to retreat to watch sports matches, or play video games. Some psychologists claim that a man cave can provide refuge from stressful surroundings and be beneficial to marriage.” (Source)

Okay, so I realize that right about now you may be thinking, “What gives, Lena? Why would you possibly be so excited about a space that takes your man away from you?”

Well folks, it’s simple. Have you met my husband? He’s likely the most metrosexual man I’ve ever encountered. Yes, that’s him on the right, modelling one of his favourite fashion finds. Yes, he asked me to take the photo. Yes, he asked me if his hair looked okay.

He’s wearing a William Rast blazer we found in the States at a great price. Since the fabric and fit is half sweater, half blazer, he officially dubbed this article of clothing “The Swazer”. NOW do you understand the extent of his metrosexuality? No normal “dude” could come up with a description like that.

Hence, when I use the term “Man Cave” – what I’m really envisioning is a posh, contemporary-designed basement where I’ll love to kick back and entertain the girls, too! I honestly couldn’t be happier to help create a space for my husband. Fact: he has better taste than I do.

The best part? ALL of our small renovation needs can be found at The Home Depot Canada! From shag rugs to wine coolers, bathroom vanities to electric fireplaces, it’s so simple to rejuvenate a space on a budget. I always say that it’s the small changes that bring about BIG results – like a boldly painted feature wall, an artfully arranged play area or a clean, modern powder room.

Stay tuned – I’ve taken some pretty scary “before” photos right after a recent play date. Let’s just say that my husband and I are looking forward to reclaiming the basement as our own! The sea of toys is about to break us….

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