WAITING ROOM DECOR

Balance.
We have all sat in waiting rooms, looked around the room and asked ourselves, "What were they thinking?" It may not be a question of taste or style as much as a genuine lack of caring. The decor is often tacky and temporary looking, or used "Space Odyssey" modern that is getting a second shot at life. The facility's attitude regarding their waiting guests is often reflected in the waiting room decor. Little concern generally translates into shabby surroundings. Some just need to remove the overdone and meaningless certificates covering a good portion of wall space. Credibility and professionalism come in many forms, but overkill in the certificate department just means they're trying too hard. Meaningful commendations should be reserved for individual offices, or not at all. Tasteful decor is always a question of balance and reason. Save the personal items for personal places.

Think back.
We can all bring up an example of a hideous waiting room environment. One that has little or nothing to do with decorating, and more to do with apathy. A waiting area that is strung together with little or no care and concern for aesthetics or comfort. I remember an appointment with a highly recommended podiatrist. Despite the doctor's ability to sustain a very lucrative practice, the waiting room looked like a basement 'Rec Room' dating back to the seventies. The walls cried out for a coat of fresh paint and some much needed artwork. Each of the four walls were tightly chair-lined with cheap folding chairs. In one corner stood a relic of a water cooler that should have had a sign reading, "Please don't drink the water". In keeping with the rest of the room, fixed to the wall, was a battered wooden rack with its share of outdated magazines. The flimsy, portability of the room reminded me of an illegal operation we would see on the news, designed so that the room could be vacated rather quickly. It made me wonder what I was doing there.

Tasteful comfort.
Waiting rooms need not be lavishly decorated, but rather tastefully functional and comfortable. Never tedious. After all, the intention is to make the time pass quickly in a pleasing, relaxing way. There is no excuse for anything less. Empty walls, rigid and poorly kept chairs and old fixtures hold no appeal. A waiting room should be unobtrusive. Clean, simple and comfortable works best. It reflects the facility's unspoken respect for its patrons and does not need to be a designer statement. What it should never be is, "Wait here - like it or not". It does not take much to show you care. Waiting room decor is all about being a good, considerate host.

For additional information contact Nick@adamhilldesign.com .