Unveiling the La-Z-Boy Design Dash: A Story of Dreams and Imperfections
Every creative journey, whether in home decor, writing, or any passion we pursue, often involves moments where we come “so close to amazing.” These are the instances where our efforts culminate in something wonderful, yet perhaps not flawlessly perfect – and that, in itself, is a unique kind of beauty. Today, I want to pull back the curtain on one such memorable chapter from my own life: the time I had the extraordinary opportunity to design a sofa for La-Z-Boy. It was an experience that truly embodied the spirit of being “So Close To Amazing,” filled with unexpected challenges, exhilarating triumphs, and invaluable lessons learned along the way.
We all strive for perfection, don’t we? Especially in the carefully curated worlds we often present online. But life, in its glorious messiness, rarely adheres to such pristine ideals. This particular adventure, much like the themes explored in a remarkable book I recently read, offered a refreshing perspective on embracing the real, the unpolished, and the wonderfully imperfect aspects of our endeavors. It’s a narrative I’m excited to share, offering a peek into the realities behind the glamour, the determination required, and the profound satisfaction found even when the outcome isn’t exactly as envisioned.
Embrace the Beautifully Imperfect: A Tribute to KariAnne Wood’s “So Close To Amazing”
My dear friend, the incredibly talented KariAnne Wood, author of the inspiring book “So Close to Amazing”, asked me to reflect on my own “so close to amazing” moments after I devoured her book. And honestly, it wasn’t a matter of *if* I had one, but rather *which one* to share! KariAnne’s heartfelt prose and humorous anecdotes resonated deeply with me, providing a comforting reminder that we are all on a shared journey, navigating life’s delightful imperfections.
Her book is a masterclass in celebrating the authentic, sometimes messy, reality of life. From cover to cover, I found myself nodding in agreement, laughing out loud, and even shedding a few tears. KariAnne fearlessly shares stories of her own less-than-perfect moments – like the hilarious tale of her meticulously sewn 16-year-old outfit that spectacularly ripped at the most inconvenient time. It’s a testament to her transparency and genuine spirit that she can transform these relatable mishaps into empowering lessons. In a world where online personas often project an image of effortless perfection, KariAnne’s message is a breath of fresh air, reminding us that it’s in the striving, the trying, and the occasional missteps that true beauty and growth reside.
I still remember when I first encountered KariAnne online several years ago. I, like many others, was captivated by her seemingly idyllic life at Thistlewood Farms. Her stunning farmhouse, surrounded by picturesque Kentucky landscapes that seamlessly transitioned through the seasons, looked like something out of a fairytale. I’d gaze at her impeccably styled photos, wondering if her floors were ever graced by dog hair or if a single dirty dish ever lingered in her sink. She exuded an aura of effortless perfection, leading me to believe her life was a constant stream of Pinterest-worthy moments. I would timidly leave comments on her blog posts, eagerly anticipating a reply from this incredibly gifted woman. The day she first commented on *my* blog remains etched in my memory – a small validation that felt immense at the time.
However, after immersing myself in “So Close to Amazing,” my perception shifted. I realized that behind every beautifully captured image and every perfectly worded blog post, there’s a real person experiencing the same ups and downs as the rest of us. KariAnne’s candid stories about grand ideas that don’t always go as planned, and dreams that sometimes miss the mark, echoed my own experiences and validated a universal truth: nobody’s perfect. This realization brought a profound sense of connection and comfort, reinforcing the idea that our shared imperfections are what truly bind us together.
(Please note: This post includes Amazon affiliate links.)
Behind the Scenes: My La-Z-Boy Design Adventure
The opportunity to design a sofa for La-Z-Boy was a dream come true, a pinnacle moment in my blogging journey. The excitement was palpable, building for weeks before the actual event. However, as fate would have it, the universe decided to throw a curveball my way just days before my departure. The Saturday prior to my Tuesday flight, I found myself at Urgent Care. I’d been feeling unwell, and with such a significant trip looming, I knew I needed to be at my absolute best. The doctor delivered the diagnosis: Bronchitis. A fever, a relentless cough, and an overwhelming sense of misery threatened to derail everything.
Armed with a shot, a handful of prescriptions, and strict instructions to return if I didn’t improve, I spent the following days in a haze of medication and restless sleep. I prayed daily for wellness, for the strength to embrace this incredible opportunity. But alas, full recovery eluded me. I boarded the plane with a bag full of meds, an inhaler, and an arsenal of cough drops. My primary goal was to avoid coughing on my fellow passengers, so I popped cough drop after cough drop, until my mouth was literally sore and irritated. It was an uncomfortable, yet determined, start to what promised to be an unforgettable experience.
I arrived shortly before 2 PM, and by 2:30 PM, I was on a bus heading to the La-Z-Boy warehouse for the much-anticipated Design Dash. The bus was not just filled with bloggers; it was brimming with the cream of the crop, the powerhouse names in the home decor blogging world. Among them were industry giants like Miss Mustard Seed, Thrifty Decor Chick, Beneath My Heart, Shabby Creek Cottage, Remodelaholic, and the Glitter Girls. To say I felt out of my league would be an understatement. Here I was, battling bronchitis, feeling physically drained, and simultaneously grappling with a potent mix of excitement and imposter syndrome. It was a classic “sick and out of my league” scenario, yet I was determined to make the most of every moment.
Navigating the Design Dash: Fever, Inspiration, and a Touch of Chaos
The La-Z-Boy Design Dash was an exhilarating challenge. We were given a limited time – a mere 60 minutes – to select decor items from a vast warehouse and style a room around our pre-designed sofa. It was a test of speed, creativity, and strategic thinking. Despite my lingering illness, the adrenaline of the competition and the sheer joy of seeing my vision come to life propelled me forward. The design process itself had been a fantastic journey, working with the talented team at La-Z-Boy to bring a unique sofa concept to fruition. I had poured my heart into selecting the fabric, the silhouette, and every intricate detail, ensuring it reflected my personal style and brand aesthetics.
And then, the moment arrived. I rounded a corner in the sprawling warehouse, and there it was: *my* sofa. It was more gorgeous than I had imagined. The vibrant turquoise fabric, the elegant lines – it truly popped within the beautifully staged room. A wave of confidence washed over me. “Hey, maybe, just maybe I could win this thing!” I thought, a flicker of self-belief momentarily overshadowing my cough and general discomfort. It was a powerful reminder of how a creative vision, once realized, can lift your spirits and ignite your drive, even in challenging circumstances.
With newfound vigor, I dove into the 60-minute Design Dash. The warehouse was a treasure trove of furniture, accessories, and decorative elements, and the clock was ticking. I meticulously selected each item, envisioning how it would complement my turquoise sofa and complete the room’s aesthetic. A plush rug, elegant throw pillows, carefully chosen artwork, and accent tables – each piece was picked with a purpose. I’d place an item, step back to assess its impact, pat myself on the back for a great choice, then quickly blow my nose, puff my inhaler, and pop another cough drop. It was a surreal dance between exhilaration and physical struggle, a constant battle against my bronchitis while trying to maintain a laser focus on design.
The room came together beautifully. The pieces harmonized, creating a space that felt inviting, stylish, and distinctly “Refresh Restyle.” Despite feeling like a walking pharmacy, I was proud of what I had accomplished. The thought of potentially winning lingered, a hopeful whisper amidst the internal battle with my symptoms. It was a powerful demonstration of how passion for a project can push you through discomfort, enabling you to tap into reserves of creativity and determination you might not even know you possess.
The Reveal: My La-Z-Boy Sofa Moment
Standing in front of my beautifully styled room, with the turquoise sofa as the undeniable star, was a moment of immense satisfaction. It was a tangible representation of countless hours of planning, designing, and, in this particular instance, battling through illness. The vibrant color of the sofa, a bold choice, proved to be an anchor for the entire space, allowing other carefully selected decor items to play supporting roles without overpowering the main attraction. The overall effect was cohesive, inviting, and truly reflective of the modern, eclectic style I champion. It was a proud moment, made even more poignant by the challenges I had overcome to get there. The entire setting felt polished, professional, and ready for public viewing, a testament to the effort put in during that frantic 60-minute dash.
A Snapshot of Imperfection: The Photo That Captured It All
Amidst the professional atmosphere and the serious business of the Design Dash, there’s always room for a little fun, right? Or so I thought at the time. I playfully asked Tracy from Beneath My Heart to snap a photo of me on my newly designed sofa. It seemed like a brilliant idea. After all, I had meticulously planned my outfits for the trip, strategically choosing white clothes to create a striking contrast against the vivid turquoise of the sofa. The vision was clear: a bright, energetic shot capturing the joy of the moment.
Oh, the glorious irony! What transpired was a “so close to amazing” photo moment in its most literal and hilarious sense. White, it turns out, is not the most forgiving color when your clothes are a tad snug. And the pose? Let’s just say, lying in a relaxed, slightly contorted fashion on a sofa while battling bronchitis and its accompanying puffiness, is perhaps not the most flattering angle. The resulting photograph was… memorable. A raw, unedited glimpse into a moment that was far from the perfect, curated image I had envisioned. I often blame it on the meds – a convenient scapegoat for what was a truly comical, yet utterly relatable, snapshot of imperfection. It was a candid reminder that even in our most professional and carefully planned moments, life has a way of throwing in a delightful, awkward curveball.
Lessons Learned from the Design Dash and the “So Close To Amazing” Journey
This La-Z-Boy Design Dash, with all its unexpected twists and turns, was truly my “so close to amazing” moment. While I didn’t clinch the first-place title, I proudly landed in the top 3, an achievement I cherish deeply. More significantly, the entire experience offered a week of profound personal insights and humorous revelations. I learned a lot about myself, both as a designer and as an individual navigating life’s unpredictable currents.
Firstly, a crucial fashion dictum was cemented: never, ever wear tight white clothes when you’re feeling less than your best. Secondly, I discovered the astonishing capacity of my mouth to develop sores from an excessive consumption of cough drops – a lesson in moderation, perhaps. And lastly, posing on a beautiful sofa should always involve a quick self-assessment in a mirror, especially if you’re feeling under the weather! Most importantly, this journey reaffirmed a powerful life lesson: never give up, because even if you don’t achieve absolute perfection or win the grand prize, you might come “so close to amazing” that the experience itself becomes the ultimate victory. The effort, the learning, and the growth far outweigh the outcome, teaching us resilience, adaptability, and the invaluable skill of laughing at ourselves.
The La-Z-Boy Design Dash was more than just a competition; it was a microcosm of life. It taught me that it’s okay for things not to be absolutely perfect, that our vulnerabilities and imperfections make our stories more real and relatable. It underscored the courage it takes to put yourself out there, to try something big, and to embrace the outcome, whatever it may be. The pride in designing a sofa that represented my style, the camaraderie with other talented bloggers, and the sheer joy of participating in such an event far surpassed any desire for a trophy. It was a tangible reminder that success is often found in the journey itself, in the striving and the continuous pursuit of our passions, even when we stumble or fall a little short of our initial expectations.
Discover KariAnne Wood’s “So Close To Amazing”: Your Guide to a Perfectly Imperfect Life
If my story resonated with you, if you’ve ever felt the sting of falling “so close to amazing” or simply need a refreshing dose of humor and wisdom, then I wholeheartedly recommend KariAnne Wood’s book, “So Close To Amazing”. It’s more than just a book; it’s a comforting companion, a celebration of the beautifully imperfect lives we’re all living, and a powerful reminder that you are never alone in your journey.
KariAnne’s genuine voice, coupled with her delightful DIY projects and heartwarming stories, will inspire you to embrace your own “so close to amazing” moments. It encourages us to find joy in the effort, humor in the mishaps, and strength in our vulnerabilities. Her narrative debunks the myth of perfection, even for someone as seemingly fabulous as the lady living on that amazing Kentucky Thistlewood Farm. She reminds us that behind every polished façade, there’s a human story, rich with trials, triumphs, and the everyday moments that make life truly extraordinary.
For those eager to dive in, you can read the first chapter here: So Close – First Chapter. Prepare to be enchanted, entertained, and ultimately, uplifted by a voice that champions authenticity and grace in every situation.
On a final note, a huge congratulations to Thrifty Decor Chick for winning the La-Z-Boy Design Dash! Her talent is undeniable, and it was an honor to compete alongside such incredible bloggers. (And as a fun side note, KariAnne herself won this very same contest a few years prior, proving that even the most “perfect” among us have their own incredible triumphs!).
And to every single person who voted for me, your support meant the world. Thank you for being a part of this amazing, albeit perfectly imperfect, journey.