Dining table help

Chad and I have been looking for a gateleg dining table we can fit in our tiny niche of a "dining room" without going over budget. So far, its not looking too good. Either the tables have been too big once opened, are too expensive, or look and probably are pretty cheap. Our favorite looks-wise has been the Lance Extension Table from Design Within Reach. It can double as a console table when not in dining mode, and its wenge finish and aluminum legs match our aesthetic perfectly. Unfortunately, the price tag is around $1200 and once opened, the table is HUGE.
Ikea has a few tables that I've liked but Chad has vetoed until further inspection. The Langed gateleg table is a lovely white table that when opened will seat 2-4 people. From the picture it looks like it even has a nice little shelf for storing placemats and whatnot. Of course, its not as sleek looking as the DWR table, but its definitely in the running at only $99.
This Muddus table unfortunately just looks too flimsy and cheap, and Chad would HATE the color even though I think its kind of cute. At $40, what do you expect? Also comes in white, red, and yellow.
I think this Lakafors table at $60 would be a winner if only it were a solid color. Once opened, I'm not crazy about the black stripe down the center. Its definitely a space saver, folding down to a mere 5 7/8 inches.

The Cosmopolitan Table from The Door Store was almost the hands down winner, until we found out it was no longer in production. The great thing about it is that it had a ton of storage inside the main component. Why is it still on their website? Probably to taunt us small space dwellers. Apparently its on sale for $1200, but you can't get it, so dont bother.

All other gateleg tables that could work are bar height, but thats out of the question because I refuse to eat on barstools. Its too hard to get on for shorties like me! So I ask, does anyone have any suggestions for cool gateleg tables?

Netto Collection for the rest of us

Am I hearing this right? We can finally get cool baby furniture for reasonable prices? And by David Netto no less? Its true people...the new line is called CUB by Netto Collection and its definitely going to be a hit. The crib starts at $499, the changing table at $550, with the cute locker/seat less than $400. The furniture comes either as all white or white/pine mix. I can only hope they bring out some walnut, because THAT would be worth the wait. (not that I'm pregnant or anything!!)

Back with a vengeance...sort of.

Wow, has it really been this long since I've posted? First I finished my thesis (yay me!), then I graduated with my Masters in Interior Design (double yay me!), and now have been working ever since for Ghislaine and Deborah Berke and Partners. The past few weeks have been spent finishing my portfolio and starting to rummage around for jobs. Slim pickings, I gotta say, for those of us starting out in the design world. All the want ads seem to need 5-10 years experience!! Outrageous!

Enough griping....back to posting.