When it comes to asking favors from our friends, those related to home tasks tend to be among the most unappealing options—think about needing someone’s help with moving. These tasks usually take considerable time and demand significant physical exertion. Not long ago, I faced this exact situation when I decided to get a customized piece of furniture.
area rug
I was concerned about not being able to fit it under my bed and dresser by myself. Instead of directly asking for help, I viewed this moment of need as a chance to create a memorable night while also expressing my gratitude for their assistance. Thus, I planned a small event.
interior decorating
party.
By your mid-20s, organizing an impromptu gathering where several of your buddies can join within a brief timeframe—say less than a month—is quite challenging. Fortunately, I managed to enlist two willing participants, Claire and Jocelynne, for a Thursday night meetup. No party is complete without some munchies, so I loaded up on cheese, crackers, mixed nuts, popcorn, and chocolate-dipped pretzels. As summer brings along Aperol Spritz weather, naturally this refreshing beverage had to make an appearance at our soirée.
While enjoying some snacks and drinks, we got caught up with each other. Afterward, we began making plans.
Placing a rug
(a carpet liner) beneath a few items of furniture
should
It should be quite straightforward, correct? Keep in mind, I’ve assembled anything from desks to
loveseat
alone—I’ve even hung
peel-and-stick wallpaper
Solo (admittedly, something that almost made me cry), so I was certain the three of us could handle the installation without difficulty.
The situation presented a challenge, however. Given our limited space in a small room, relocating my queen-sized bed wasn’t feasible. This forced us to figure out how to lift it instead. Complicating matters further, the support legs of the bed frame aren’t attached directly; rather, they fit together similar to interlocking puzzle pieces. Therefore, we needed to devise a method for lifting just the frame.
and
Three of the support legs simultaneously. The bespoke rug in question,
from Ernesta
It is also 9 feet 8 inches wide and 7 feet 10 inches long, making it somewhat difficult to manage.
Alongside effective and innovative problem-solving techniques, we managed to accomplish it. Here are the insights I gained from this experience.
Genuine friends will assist with refurbishing.
Everybody I approached about doing me this favor agreed enthusiastically, even though several couldn’t make themselves available on the specific day I had planned. When I suggested throwing together a small get-together as part of it, their reactions were universally similar. Jocelynne declared she would agree “without needing any incentives,” capturing the overall sentiment shared by all. However,…
An apéritif time adds extra enjoyment to the redecoration process.
When you’re among great companions, even mundane household chores become more delightful. Transform these tasks into social gatherings with snacks and beverages to keep energy levels up, making everything smoother for all participants. This element becomes particularly crucial when tackling extensive endeavors such as relocation or heavy-duty packing; friendships might strain under stress from hunger, leading to everyone becoming irritable.
There are some jobs you just can’t handle alone.
Some tasks definitely demand more than just two hands. I seriously thought about tackling it solo, but I realize that approach likely would have resulted in me being overrun by carpet for approximately seven days until assistance arrived. Even though asking for help can be challenging at times, it’s essential.
Many minds prevail over a single one.
I couldn’t have had better partners assisting me not just with laying out the carpet, but also resolving the issue of how to
actually
Ensure it is completed accurately. Interestingly, Claire had previously handled the removal and installation of several Ernesta rugs during work at her family residence before assisting with mine. These rugs come tightly rolled; thus, she understood how to remove their wrapping without causing harm. Being quite meticulous herself—as am I—Claire ensured the rug would be positioned just right.
On the contrary, Jocelynne is a dependable troubleshooter. She suggested rolling the rug along with the rug pad beneath the bed as we raised each side of the frame and legs. While relocating my dresser over the carpet, she also noticed that taking out the drawers would make it easier—something I hadn’t considered since I was preoccupied with the realization that the drawers have child locks, allowing us to pull them open individually due to their tricky mechanism. Yes, it certainly is
a children’s furniture item
.
The dimensions of a rug can truly have an impact.
Prior to getting a customized rug, I had an 8-feet-by-5-feet area rug tucked beneath my bed. Following a consultation with a design advisor at Ernesta where we decided on a more suitable dimension (I’ll share my thoughts on this interaction soon), I was impressed. A larger rug significantly enhances the ambiance of the space (although the selection of hue and fabric likely plays into this as well). My old rug featured an overly fashionable black-and-white marbled print, whereas now I have
an ivory, hand-tied shag carpet crafted from pure wool
—a serious upgrade!
It’s pleasant to appreciate the outcome together in real time.
Finishing up a redesign project and being able to step back and admire your handiwork is incredibly satisfying. It becomes even more fulfilling when you can share those moments with people who were part of making it all come together. As we stood back appreciating our efforts, Claire wondered aloud, “So, what decor transformation comes next?” Knowing she liked working together made me realize that for future projects, I’d definitely want her involved again.
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