What makes a house feel comfortable

Perhaps I'm not a nice person then. 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 think the style of furniture doesn't matter as long as there is somewhere to sit that is comfortable, a table nearby to set your drink, and a friend or relative to welcome you.

When I think of my favourite houses to visit they tend to be smaller, furniture arranged so conversation is easy, and I am made to feel at home. At one friend's house we rarely leave the kitchen, nattering around the table with coffee or tea for hours.

Another favourite belongs to one of my book group members. A spacious entryway, soft earthy colours and a not-too-big living room where all the furniture is comfy and arranged so we face each other. Interesting art and healthy plants at the window.

On a sofa good cushions and throw blankets are nice for snuggling and getting comfortable. A good mattress and plump pillows with high cotton thread bedding and adaptable lighting is relaxing for the bedroom. Relaxing items, like books, interesting objects, candles, fresh flowers, beautiful pot plants and art. Polished floors with unusual rugs and pets, lots of pets. I'm sure everyone has their own preferences though

A home is comfortable if the hosts are kind and welcoming. I don’t care what their furnishings are or how big it us. What matters is if I feel at home.

Goes without saying that a relaxed and friendly host is the thing that makes a home feel welcoming but I do like a home with interest, paintings, objet d’art, unusual furnishings.
Also comfortable chairs and beds.
My pet hate is a mountain of cushions on the bed.

Clean and comfortable. I don’t care if the furniture is mismatched, it’s their home. Don’t like smoking or doggy smells.

Kate1949

I was told once that someone thought I was a nice person until they found out I didn't like dogs. What a strange attitude.

Strange or not, that's how I feel. I never trust anyone who doesn't like animals - and if an animal doesn't like someone, then that says it all for me.

As Amberone says, it's the host(ess) and their attitude that makes the difference. Obviously they shouldn't be on their phones all the time, nor should they be busying round tidying up or spending ages in the kitchen.

Guests should not feel as though they are a burden.

Ideally in my mind a home needs to be warm with squishy sofas, lighting you can see to read, magazines, dogs and cats. I do like to have a bedside lamp. I absolutely hate visiting a “perfect” show home as I never feel at ease.

I was told once that someone thought I was a nice person until they found out I didn't like dogs. What a strange attitude.

No dogs. I feel very uncomfortable in a house where there are dogs. I can't wait to get out. Same goes for pubs and restaurants.

Somewhere comfortable to sit! Should be obvious enough, but we often stayed with friends where the only really comfortable seating was the husband’s Throne, i.e. his reclining armchair.

Apart from that, a very relaxed atmosphere, no show-home perfection, where you sense that keeping everything just so is your hostess’s main concern.
And of course warm enough in winter, and on any chilly non-winter days.

Ditto to pets - to us, a friendly, waggly dog, and/or a cuddly cat, are always a bonus.

Blondiescot, we were the same when we had a dog - anyone who didn’t like her was more than welcome to stay away. Many years ago, a dd had a male student friend to stay for a few days. She didn’t tell me until after he’d left, but he didn’t like dogs, so she’d told him, ‘You’ll have to pretend to like our dog or my mum will hate you!’ ?
Something of an exaggeration, but I would certainly have altered my opinion of him!

Any house that has a cat is home for me. Dislike dogs though as they smell bad no matter what their owners think.

It has to be clean and pet free for me. Pets mean it isn’t clean (even if the owner thinks it is). Decor is irrelevant as everyone has their own taste and I’m only there temporarily.

Comfy sofas including possibly a foot stool, so they can put their feet up and relax. I tell them where drinks/coffee is, and to make their selves at home
I love seeing other people's individual art and the way they've decorated.

Books and pets - my pets are part of my family and anyone who doesn't like them doesn't have to visit. Those who don't like animals are as welcome in our house as smokers - ie, not at all. My house, my rules.

I’m another who thinks aromas are important, and simply hate artificial air fresheners, candles, plug ins, and chemical cleaning smells. I’d rather have doggy smells. In holiday cottages I go round and remove air fresheners on arrival. I even dislike bedding which smells of perfumed washing powder.

This is really useful as I'm trying to 'do up' my bungalow and make it comfortable. No central fire here at all, I do miss my woodburner - don't miss the messy ash and bill for the wood though!

Clean bathroom, soft sofas, soft lighting, woodburner, wooden floors with rugs, lots and lots of books and pictures on the wall. Plants. Soft, clean towels.

I don't mind untidy but I do like clean and dust free or I'll spend my visit sneezing and coughing. Smell free too, preferably - no strong perfumes/dog smells. (Don't mind the dog itself though. Or cats.)

Really don't care what they've got in the way of furnishings or decor, it's not my house after all, so long as there is somewhere reasonably comfy to sit and chat.

Clean and warm bed and I'm fine.

It's really the hosts that make you comfortable, not the house. I once stayed with some friends who invited me for a week and within two days I was desperate to go home. They were constantly on the phone/social media talking to friends and family but didn't seem to have the time to sit and chat with me without interruption. I ended up feeling in the way and I've never been back since.

Clean kitchen and bathroom and a cat or two.

Good lighting. I love big side lamps. &

No little coffee tables with long spindly legs just asking to be knocked over.

Comfortable seats with good back support.

If I'm staying over - a loo that isn't right next to the hosts' bedroom so I don't have that "Do I or don't I?" dilemma about flushing at night.

Indoor plants that are well cared for so I don't have to sit there worrying about them.

Whoops. One kitchen will do ?

Seating that looks comfortable and inviting. I love a squishy sofa.
Clean bathroom and kitchens
Books and a few photos.
Somewhere between minimalist and hoarder level.
Fireplace - log burner does it for me.
Curtains not blinds.
Rugs not carpet
Soft lighting.

Clean and tidy, rich colours, lots of books, pictures and photos, candles, throws, and in winter, a lovely fire.