Normally when I think of the word vacant, it conjures up a negative picture in my head. “She had a vacant stare” or ‘his head was vacant of ideas’. Not positive.
It denotes the idea that there is nothing happening, nothing going on when it should be. The word “vacant” alludes to the idea of an expectation falling flat.
We’ve had the privilege of walking through many homes in our staging career and I have to admit, vacant is vacant.
Nothing is going on. It is difficult to picture what cozy happenings took place in a home’s space.
Was it comfortable and inviting or is this empty cold shell all this house has to offer?
The anticipation of walking into client’s home that is being lived in answers that question right away. One can see life in their surroundings; artifacts from a journey, school books and toys of noisy children, or sleek metal and glass stating a simplistic choice of style.
But if a home is totally vacant, I leave wanting more. It can be considered a blank canvas, but a blank canvas to those without an artistic eye is overwhelming.
As professional stagers, we have the benefit of bringing a discerning eye to a home allowing us to visualize that “what could be”.
By placing a few specifically chosen pieces of furniture and interesting accessories, a space becomes a place.
Correctly places ‘things’ bring character and expression, giving the idea of dimension to anyone walking through with the hope of making this house their own.
Vacant? Well, it is nice when you are looking for a hotel late at night~
