Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Structube

The Monday Covet List

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Another Monday, another Covet List!

(A little background: Since I’ve decided that coveting is infinitely more agreeable than reckless spending, I was thrilled to be approached by Nadia Carriere of Child Mode to participate in the Monday Covet List. Together with some of my favorite fashion and style bloggers, Nicole Feliciano of Mom Trends, Vera Sweeney of Lady and the Blog and Audrey McClelland of Mom Generations, we’ll share 3-4 covet-worthy products that we are currently lusting over.)

Of course, I’ve realized that coming up with a covet list is way too easy because I tend to covet things all the time. This week, I’ve got the following gorgeous pieces on my mind (and perhaps favourited on my browser)…

1. I *may* have a small obsession with white coffee tables. The clean lines; the contemporary-meets-cottage feel; the purity of design. And, decidedly NOT child friendly. Sigh. This Picasso Swivel Coffee Table from Structube rubs me the right way.

“High-gloss lacquered coffee table with two swivel tops including a plane of tempered glass.” Retails for $399.00….

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Reno-cation: Dining Room

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I mentioned yesterday that Reid’s room would be coming up next, but last night, I had a clean dining room (which goes against nature when you’ve got babies) so I decided to take the opportunity to post a few photos.

Who says you need to play by the builder’s rules? We raged against the blue print and created a space that works for our family. Yes, it’s the old switcharoo!

Carrying on the theme of Nature’s Bounty from the rest of the main floor, the room designed by the builder to be a family room is now in fact my dining room.

BEFORE

You’ll remember from a previous photo that my dining room used to be squeezed into the front area of the house. In this spot, it seldom saw use (we opted to eat at the kitchen table instead) and was just another fixture to dust.

Here is our previous family room setup –

Even though I enjoyed having the family room so close to the kitchen, I find I do a lot less snacking now that my fridge is no longer in view of my couch!

AFTER 

NOTES

As you can see, just a little bit of paint does wonders to bring out the deco detailing in the chairs. I can’t deny that it’s nice to have such an airy, open space for dining… a bonus: we eat dinner at this table every night now!

To give the dining room a less formal feel, and to keep me entertained while I cook, we tucked a 32-inch TV into the corner opposite the fireplace.

So, not a crazy renovation, but one that suits our home and lifestyle. That just about finishes my wrap up on the first floor… except for the kitchen, where I made one small (but pretty awesome) change. You won’t want to miss it – review to come!