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House and home

What makes a house feel comfortable

(90 Posts)
Beswitched Thu 15-Jul-21 13:19:47

Just asking out of curiosity really.

If I'm staying in someone's house, as long as it's clean and warm I don't really care about anything else.

But rooms I really like are ones that aren't cluttered but do have lots of character - a mix of new and old furniture, paintings and photographs dotted around, colourful cushions, vases or jugs of flowers.

I'm not keen on matching 3 piece suites, or a very minimalist look.

Billybob4491 Fri 16-Jul-21 08:06:04

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

Beswitched Fri 16-Jul-21 09:19:31

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

Aepgirl Fri 16-Jul-21 10:57:23

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.

Moggycuddler Fri 16-Jul-21 10:58:27

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.

Jess20 Fri 16-Jul-21 11:03:01

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

TrendyNannie6 Fri 16-Jul-21 11:09:53

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

Gwenisgreat1 Fri 16-Jul-21 11:14:11

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!

Amalegra Fri 16-Jul-21 11:20:32

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!

Philippa111 Fri 16-Jul-21 11:22:26

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.

icanhandthemback Fri 16-Jul-21 11:24:51

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.

Nannashirlz Fri 16-Jul-21 11:27:05

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.

beth20 Fri 16-Jul-21 11:30:43

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.

nipsmum Fri 16-Jul-21 11:37:17

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.

Theoddbird Fri 16-Jul-21 11:47:27

Books, clutter and colour for me smile

knspol Fri 16-Jul-21 11:48:04

It's the people in it that makes it comfortable but if I was staying anywhere it would have to be clean, don't mind clutter or any kind of decor or muddled furnishings so long as clean.

Namsnanny Fri 16-Jul-21 11:53:57

A comfortable sofa, clutter free and fresh flowers.
We only have the flowers at home at the moment, and my back knows itshocksmile

Fiona57 Fri 16-Jul-21 11:54:48

A couple of labradors?

HannahLoisLuke Fri 16-Jul-21 11:55:00

I occasionally dog sit overnight for friends so I’m ready for doggy smells, even in the bedroom where they inevitably join me!
I take my own food but appreciate tea, coffee, sugar, milk, bread and butter. I would also love a radio in the bedroom and a decent bedside light so I don’t have to take my own. I’d also like the room nearer to the family bathroom instead of the one on the other side of the gallery.
Also a central heating thermostat that comes on when it should and is easy to adjust if need be, not one if those awful digital things which is impossible to work out.

maryrose54 Fri 16-Jul-21 11:55:20

I have 2 friends that I visit from time to time. One has a pristine home, all colours toning in shades of beige and cream and nothing lying around. The other friend has a more relaxed style, with colourful cushions, bookshelves with ornaments etc, family pictures, and I always feel more comfortable there.

Alioop Fri 16-Jul-21 12:12:37

I love lamps, especially soft lighting in the winter evenings with a throw over me listening to my dog snoring in her bed in the corner. Also a quiet spot with a big squishy chair where you can sit and read a good book.

grandtanteJE65 Fri 16-Jul-21 12:15:19

I always warn first time visitors that we have cats. That way if anyone is allergic we and they can find a B&B for them. If they are scared of cats, then the cats can be outside if the weather is good, or are confined to our bedroom for the duration.

I am on the tidy, clean but not over clean or tidy team.

JanaNana Fri 16-Jul-21 12:17:07

Comfy sofa or chairs, books, plenty of colour ,a few plants or flowers, warm and cosy in cold weather - too cold in some homes. Maybe a view of the garden but ( no artificial plug in smells). Don't mind the family pets and friendly hosts who don't spend most of the time on their phones.

olliebeak Fri 16-Jul-21 12:22:34

Friendly hosts - pleasant smells - comfortable seating/cushions.

sazz1 Fri 16-Jul-21 12:33:23

I think I'm more at home in homes that are a bit cluttered. Can't stand showhouses as I always feel out of place and uncomfortable
People who make time to talk to you and have animals are my favourite people to visit

annifrance Fri 16-Jul-21 13:33:36

Reasonably clean and warm. Very comfortable seating of all types and beds. Cats and dogs. Books. Well equipped kitchen for cooking and dishwasher so I can do my bit big time of wanted.