What makes a house feel comfortable

Books, clutter and colour for me

Relaxed happy occupants. I don't care what the furnishings are like. Clean and uncluttered. I usually go to other peoples homes to see the occupants, not to look at their THINGS.

Clean and tidy(ish), signs of life - a few toys handy for small people, books and plants, comfy chairs that people can get out of without too much effort.
We have been selling our house and were advised to take photos down during viewings - it felt very odd. Luckily we had plenty of 'art' from the g'children to put up instead.

Nothing worse than a show home makes you scared to move and not relax. Rather be somewhere I can feel relaxed with someone who is comfortable in themselves and why should you worry if it’s cluttered or not you not living with it just visiting. Ppl need to stop worrying what ppl think and enjoy your time with that person after year we’ve had who are we to judge each other.

At the moment I'd just welcome a house that doesn't stink of urine! Trying to manage an incontinent dementia patient is just beating us.

If you have a garden or access to one, one or two small vases of real garden flowers and 'weeds' adds a lot. Even just a few. It gives an 'alive' atmosphere... unlike artificial ones which, for me, make a stagnant feel, somehow. I always like to see a bowl of fruit too. And a lived in look but not dirty... clean corners can make a big difference( less easy these days!) I agree with the smell of dogs being grim. I can't bear toxic chemical air fresheners or sprays.. I make my own room spray from real essential oils..(few drops of oil, water and a drop of washing up liquid to emulsify) lavender being a favourite, used throughout time to refresh and calm. And open all the doors and windows to let the air through as often as possible. And some real art on the walls. Framed art done by grandchildren always looks really nice too. But yes, ultimately, it's the person who lives in a place that imbues it with their own vibes.

Bright, comfortable, smelling fresh, welcoming. Preferably with some interesting books to browse and/or animals to pet! Hate being barked at to ‘take your shoes off’ as soon as I get to the front door. I know we have to keep our homes and expensive flooring clean but subtler says of doing this are appreciated-perhaps a gentle reminder to bring ‘indoor footwear’ with you! Oh and I don’t want them ‘inspected’(as has happened) before I am permitted to wear them! Sofa cushions plumped up by a fussy hostess after I have vacated it are a no no too!

Along time ago, a friend once told me she always felt my house was comfortable, mainly because it was always 'lived in', i.e. untidy!! Nothing's changed!! Still untidy!

Clean house, pets to me are a must! All part of the family!, Calm household , books . Chiming clock, not really lover of ornaments, or loads of pics on walls, Although I do like the minimalistic to a point , not too much that it’s devoid of all personality, love fresh flowers, plants, music playing, the glow of a nice fire flickering electric or gas

Always more comfortable if there's a friendly dog or cat.

Somewhere comfy to sit, cushions and (for me) pets that are obviously well loved. Books around the place, a home that looks lived in but kept clean.

One with lovely fresh flowers, not necessarily well arranged, and well-loved books. Definitely one that looks like a home and not a show house. I have a super-clean-tidy-hygienic friend and I’m always terrified of spilling anything when I’m at her house (bit like Mrs Bucket’s neighbour!).

I have stayed in her home a couple of times and always take my own pillowcase just in case there’s a little bit of mascara that got missed when cleansing my face.

Ro60

Agree with your choices Beswitch plus books, the odd curio, Wi-Fi & a variety of lighting.

I can't believe I left books out. That's the main thing for me. I have hundreds of books and have them crammed into several bookcases around the place - although I do dream of having floor to ceiling bookshelves

I think a welcoming home has plenty of family photos on display.

We have a cat also a good friend who is frightened of cats . If she comes to stay a few days I put my cat in the cattery . She called in recently for a coffee and chat on route to holiday , only stayed a couple of hours so my cat was put on the utility room . She jumped straight into her bed and was content to stay there till our guest left. She is so scared of all cats , ours cat is super friendly but that makes no difference. I are happy to do that , my friend is very important to me and I consider making her comfortable a priority . If I stay in someone's house I too like a window that opens but my main expectation is to made to feel very welcome and relaxed .

I much prefer animals to people, so any pets are OK by me.

I don't mind pet smells as long as its not urine or faeces, as that tells me the animal is not being well cared for. We smell to animals so its natural that they smell to us. I'm not a fan of artificial scents.

I like a good selection of books, a comfy chair where you can put your feet up and somewhere I can make a coffee if I want one. A nice open fire to make toast on is a bonus.

Agree with your choices Beswitch plus books, the odd curio, Wi-Fi & a variety of lighting.

Pleased so many are saying they need books. Also hate anything matchy matchy and try to live by the William Morris mantra of not having anything unless it’s useful or beautiful.

Chewbacca

^Perhaps I'm not a nice person then. shock I thought I was. I didn't say I don't like animals. I do.^ Just not dogs. It's almost a crime to say so.

I feel the same way about dogs Kate1949 and it's not a crime to say so!

I'm very nervous of dogs. Obviously if I'm staying somewhere where there's a dog I'll get used to it after a couple of hours. But I still wouldn't want it sitting under the table when we're eating or jumping up on me.

Not trusting someone who doesn't like dogs is ridiculous.

Anyway sorry for sidetracking the thread. Anywhere that makes me feel welcome is lovely.

I can agree with some of the comments above but for me the Only important thing that makes a home feel comfortable for me are the people in it!

Goodness me, I don’t like dogs either Kate, well I don’t mind them, just not anywhere near me.
That is just ridiculous to say you can’t be a nice person if you don’t like dogs, absolutely ridiculous!

Perhaps I'm not a nice person then. shock I thought I was. I didn't say I don't like animals. I do. Just not dogs. It's almost a crime to say so.

I feel the same way about dogs Kate1949 and it's not a crime to say so!

I'd be glad to be invited anywhere but if it's really untidy it would be difficult not to tidy up. If there is no alcohol and iron rations I wouldn't stay

Kate1949 I don’t dislike animals, just choose not to have any. We don’t like dog smelly houses, owners that allow animals to rule their lives with pets that are out of control, (predominately dogs), jumping up, licking plates, all over the kitchen surfaces and the sole source of conversation. Perhaps I’m not nice either!