I staged a space recently that initially seemed to have no purpose. It was off of the front door and was too boxy to be a hallway and too transitional to be a functioning room on its own. I thought, "how the heck am I going to stage this space? It definitely needs some identity, but what?"
Then, I remembered my husband and a light bulb went off.
My spouse is a heck of a guy with only one flaw. He can be a bit of a dawdler. My married life has been full of moments waiting patiently for him in the car, or outside our home or another property while he has to go back for his missing keys...or hat...or map...or maybe he should change into sandals...or he might need that coat...or maybe not because the sun just came out...or maybe we should leave one more light on...and on...and on. It's been a little worse since we relocated to Portland and the weather is more unpredictable. I can't be the only one who has a friend or partner like this. Who else out there is plagued with the plight of the dawdler? Many potential home buyers...that's who! I've just discovered the next big trend in home staging. Creating a waiting room haven while our loved ones dawdle! Let them use the bathroom one more time, or change their socks or grab whatever before we depart. Here's an inviting space I've dubbed the Waiting for Dawdlers Waiting Room
That empty space now has a purpose. Go ahead and take your time honey. I'll wait here comfortably by the front door until you're ready!
View this house in its entirety @ 6111 SW Taylor's Ferry Road
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Uh oh, Kate! I may have dawdler tendancies. I often forget to grab my sunglasses. :) You did a great job with the space. From sterile looking to cozy and inviting! :)
Hi Kate~ I love that space. Very clever indeed! You are very creative and have a sense of humor at the same time!
Kate ~ clever use of the space and a great post! A good spot to put on your boots or lay your keys or mail down.
Kate, I had to laugh, your husband reminds me of mine. I use to tell him we had to be someplace 30 minutes earlier just to get him there on time. Until he caught on. Now we are just late!
This space is beauitful, I love it! Great job!
Sonja ~ Thanks for stopping by! I have a suggestion re: your sunglasses. Always keep an extra pair in the car. That way, if you've really been dawdling, you will have a back-up pair. You don't want to keep that special client waiting :)
Vickie ~ Nice to see you here. During this economy I have to keep myself laughing so I won't go to the dark side. Thanks for your kind words.
Maureen ~ Always a pleasure. Thanks for always taking the time to comment on my post. A pair of boots strategically placed in that space would look cool. Thanks for the idea :)
Donna ~ I love that 30 minute earlier idea. Brilliant! I keep the master schedule anyway. Thanks for the compliments and a new way to train the hubby.
LOVE your area rug-it really defines the space and green is my favorite color. Very cute post too! You are a fresh breath of air to AR and SIF!!!
What an awesome "dawdling" space you created. I can see my husband sitting in that chair waiting on me (smile).
Congratulations. Your post is being featured in the group; Staging Before & After Pictures.
Kathy
What a lovely little space you created! It's a creative way to help the buyers answer the question of what to do with this room. Great idea! (I can almost see a young man sitting there waiting for his date to be ready...)
Cathy ~ It's great to hear from someone from my home town! Thanks for visiting. I got that rug from IKEA. Where else?
Kathy ~ Thanks so much for adding my pics to Staging Before and After. You made my day!
Laurie ~ Thanks for the kind words. If the date takes too long the young man can always wrap himself up in the throw and have a snooze!
Very clever! You have created a lovely reception room as well for arriving guests.
Hi Kate, I have to agree you have created a lovely space and that it is the rug that defines it. Without the rug, I don't think it would have had quite the same impact upon entering.
I love it Kate, what a fantastic space and what a great name for it. I need that in my house!
Sharon ~ It's a pleasure to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by in the reception room :)
Michelle ~ Thanks a bunch. I love that little rug too. I named it Clarence.
Ana ~ We all need a space to wait for our beloved dawdlers! Thanks so much for your comment.
Ha, my husband must be related to yours. No matter where or what we do he takes forever. I swear he can go in to buy 1 item it takes hime 30 min. My sis-in-laws tell their husbands do the same thing. Love the space very cute set-up, like the name to!
You have successfully transformed the space into something more than a pass through. Great use of space Kate.
Perfect staging for this space, one of the reasons that staging is so important! Showing potential buyers what it can be used for....a "waiting" room is perfect for an empty space near the front door.
Cindy ~ I'm so gladd to hear my hubby is in good company. His whole family is like that as well. Gotta love those dawdlers. Glad you liked the space.
Michelle ~ A pass-through was just what this was but when you see it in person it is kind of it's own room as well. Thanks for the compliment!
Lisa ~ Hi Lisa! Glad you liked the 'waiting room". Hope you visit again soon.
I agree with my friend Michelle Finnamore, the rug is a terrific anchor and it's inviting you to come sit for a while. Nice job.
Terrylynn ~ Thanks! It was challenging space. Too boxy to be a regular hallway and too public to be staged as a separate room or office.