Okay you guys, I'm still pinching myself over this. For almost THREE years I've had this little drawing tucked away, a secret dream for our home, and I honestly never thought it would become real life. But then @therugroomutah invited us, and I just knew it was time to make magic happen :,) I mean, can you even believe it? From a little sketch on paper to a giant, cozy, perfect rug right in our living room. It's wild. And it's so much more than just a rug to me, it's like a piece of our family, a piece of our story, woven right into our home. I'm freakin out over it, ngl. I love this so much.

I remember drawing this thing way back when, probably during one of Stella's naps, just doodling ideas for our home. I wanted something that felt like *us*, you know? Not just something I picked off a shelf. Something that had meaning. And this design, with its little squiggles and shapes, just felt right. It was abstract enough to be cool, but still had this organic, flowy vibe that I love. I tucked it away in a drawer, thinking maybe one day, maybe. I'm so glad I held onto it. It's a good reminder that sometimes the best things take time, and it's worth waiting for the right moment and the right people to help you bring your visions to life. Like, who knew a rug could hold so much emotion? Hahah. But it does for me.

The Spark: When a Dream Met an Opportunity

So, fast forward almost three years, and we get this amazing invitation from The Rug Room Utah. And honestly, my mind went straight to that drawing. It was like a lightbulb moment, you know? I pulled it out of the drawer, a little crinkled and faded, but still so clear in my head. I showed Tanner, and he was like, "Wait, is that the one you drew?" He remembered it too! That's when I knew, this was it. This was the sign I needed to finally make this dream a reality. I sent them a picture of my little sketch, probably looking a hot mess, but they totally got it. They were so excited about the idea of taking a personal drawing and turning it into a custom rug. That's what I love about working with local businesses, especially ones that are so passionate about what they do. They don't just see a drawing, they see the story behind it, the potential, the heart. It makes such a difference.

I think sometimes we get stuck thinking that custom means super expensive or super complicated, but it doesn't have to be. It's about finding people who can translate your vision, whatever it is, into something tangible. And for me, that vision was literally a drawing from my own hand. It felt so personal, so me. I couldn't imagine just picking out a generic rug after having this idea brewing for so long. This was a chance to create something truly unique for our home, something that no one else would have, and that's pretty special.

The Design Process: From Sketch to Sample

Okay, so once I sent them the drawing, the real fun began! The Rug Room team was incredible. They took my super rough sketch and started working their magic. We talked about colors, textures, materials. I wanted something soft, durable (hello, three kids!), and in colors that would feel warm and inviting in our living room. We looked at so many different swatches, and honestly, that's where I usually get stuck. Curse my freakin indecisiveness hahah. But they were so patient and helped guide me through it. We settled on these beautiful, earthy tones that really made the design pop but still felt neutral and calming. I wanted it to be a statement piece, but not something that screamed for attention, if that makes sense? More like a warm hug for your feet.

They even made a small sample piece for us first, which was so smart! It's one thing to see colors on a screen or in a tiny swatch, but to see a mini version of your actual design in the proposed colors and materials? Game changer. It helped me visualize the final product so much better and confirm that we were on the right track. Tanner was surprisingly invested in this part too, which was cute. He's usually like, "whatever you want, babe," but even he was like, "oh yeah, that's gonna look good." It was a real family affair, even before the rug was made! I loved that we could all be a part of the process, even the girls got to see the sample and were like, "Mama, that's your drawing!" :,)

Bringing the Girls Into It: A Family Affair

Speaking of the girls, involving them in these kinds of home projects is so important to me. I want them to feel like our home is *their* home, a place where their creativity and ideas are valued. Even though this was my drawing, I showed them the progress every step of the way. When the sample arrived, they were so excited. Stella was like, "Can I draw on it?" Hahah, no sweetie, not yet! But it sparked their imagination. I feel like when kids see their parents creating and making things, it inspires them to do the same. And now, every time they look at that rug, they know it came from a little idea, a little drawing, and that's pretty cool.

I think it teaches them that big ideas start small, and that with a little bit of effort and help from others, you can make beautiful things happen. Plus, it's another memory woven into the fabric of our family life. Our home is full of these little stories, these little pieces that mean something to us, and that's what makes it feel so lived-in and loved. It's not about having the fanciest things, it's about having things that resonate with your heart. And this rug, oh my goodness, it resonates.

Installation Day: The Big Reveal!

Oh my gosh, installation day was like Christmas morning! I was so excited, I could barely sleep the night before. The Rug Room team came and they were so efficient and careful. Watching them unroll it and lay it down was just... magical. It was even better than I had imagined. The colors were perfect, the texture was so soft and luxurious, and the design, my little drawing, was there, huge and beautiful, right in the middle of our living room. I literally gasped. Tanner was like, "Wow, Lo, you really did that." He's always my biggest hype man, ily for that, babe.

The girls immediately ran over and started rolling around on it. That's when you know it's a hit, right? When the kids immediately claim it. Ozzy was doing her little army crawl, and Cherry just looked so cozy sitting on it. It instantly transformed the room, making it feel even warmer and more inviting. It's like the missing piece we didn't even know we were missing. It ties everything together, and it just feels so *right* in our space. I'm still just staring at it, pinching myself. It's truly a masterpiece in my eyes, and it came from such a simple, heartfelt place.

Why Custom? The Lo Beeston Take

So, you might be thinking, "Lo, why go through all that for a rug?" And honestly, I get it. There are a million beautiful rugs out there you can just buy. But for me, it goes deeper than just decor. It's about creating a home that tells *our* story. A home that feels authentic and personal. And sometimes, that means taking a little extra time, putting in a little extra thought, and maybe even pulling out an old drawing from a drawer. Custom pieces, whether it's a rug, a piece of art, or even a custom-built shelf, they just have this soul to them that mass-produced items sometimes lack. They carry the energy of the idea, the process, the people who made it, and the people it was made for. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about emotion and connection.

I feel like our home is a reflection of us, and I want it to be filled with things that make us happy, things that have meaning. This rug is a perfect example of that. It's a reminder of a little dream I had, a reminder of the amazing people at The Rug Room who helped bring it to life, and a reminder of the beautiful chaos and creativity of our family. So if you have a little drawing tucked away, or a wild idea for a piece of furniture, or just a vision for something unique in your home, I'm giving you full permission to go for it. Don't be afraid to dream big, and don't be afraid to ask for help to make those dreams come true. You never know what magic might be waiting to happen. I'm just so grateful for this whole experience, and for this beautiful, meaningful rug that now anchors our living room. It's heaven on earth fr. :,)