What do you look for in people's houses?

[Sarah Smyth]

What things do you observe when you are visiting someone's house for the first time?

Signs of creativity, style, humor or taste; the furniture, the decor, artwork and architectual details of the house.

If the house or the things within are beautiful, I'll definately say so, being specific.

If there is interesting art, I'll ask about it, every time...

[wendalah]

I usually immediately look for some alcohol. :)

[chefker]

LOL, Wendalah, me too. And food. :)

I don't look for anything particular when visiting someone, but I do tend to notice things like interesting storage ideas, or cool kitchen gadgets.

If it's an older house, I might ask about the history of the house, when it was built, etc.

[Tracie]

My first thought upon reading the title of this thread was, "The bathroom, if necessary." :D

To answer your actual question, I in general look at the layout/floor plan of the house as well as the decorating. Like you, I will compliment the homeowner on anything that I see that I really like.

If I spend a lot of time in someone's house, I tend to imagine what I would do with it if it were my house. I've rearranged my MIL's furniture in my head many times!

[kris97]

How the house is decorated in general. I also particularly pay attention to antiques or vintage-y things.

But in general, I'm most interested in what people have on their bookshelves, and (if they're friends) the possibility of swapping with them. :)

[eli1126]

I love old or interesting woodwork, paint color choices, decorations.

[Myra]

Pets, because I'm allergic. ;) Also, I tend to notice whether they have a ton of personal photographs. For some reason, I get a little creeped out when people have a lot of pictures of themselves. I'm thinking of two couples I know--one must have 12 pictures of the two of them in their apartment and the other one's decorating scheme seems to be weddings--pictures of them at their wedding, pics of other people at their wedding, pics of them at other people's weddings...

[KrissyCat7]

Cleanliness and decorating

[Katy]

I tend to immediately notice photos and books. Then again, I happen to love both photos and books :D Otherwise, I just take in the whole decorating they've got going on. I like to think of it much like decorating school - since my home isn't all that put together it's something that I aspire to.

[Standrea]

I see how clean they keep it. Like, do they clean under tables and behind the toilet. Weird, I know...but it's what I do every day of my life...clean, clean, clean...

[petdoc08]

I see how clean they keep it. Like, do they clean under tables and behind the toilet. Weird, I know...but it's what I do every day of my life...clean, clean, clean...

Remind me to not invite you over ;) :p

I tend to notice how a house smells. I have a bunch of pets and am always looking for ways to freshen my house. I also love looking at family pictures.

[Standrea]

Remind me to not invite you over ;) :p

I tend to notice how a house smells. I have a bunch of pets and am always looking for ways to freshen my house. I also love looking at family pictures.


Oooh!! I look for wedding pictures in people's houses (if they are married). I LOVE looking at wedding photo's!

And, I totally hear you on the smell thing too. I've been to some houses that you can smell from the driveway!! Gross...

[Kanga]

The paint both exterior and interior - color technique how it goes with the 'theme' of the house and other dekor

If they have kids, I always seem to find at least one or two toys, gear, books, etc that my kids absolutely MUST have.

[tgray99]

Cleanliness and decorating
Ditto. Clutter makes me nuts so when I go to someone's house I immediately notice if its cluttered. I also notice decor. We had some friends who bought a house and the first thing they did was paint all the walls in the cool color range even though they had very warm woods through out. Drove me crazy. I kept thinking, restain your wood or paint it all white! Conversely, if a house is beautifully decorated, I notice that too and try to figure out if I can do something like it in my own. If I go in a house that has the same floor plan as mine (which is easy as I live on an Army post and my neighborhood is all the same house), I notice how they have their furniture arranged and if it works better than mine.

[Rosebud]

As others have said, I'll head straight to the bookshelf to see what they've got (and what I might want to borrow or swap for). The other thing I immediately gravitate towards is animals. If they've got pets, I'll be playing with them within moments. Around here, there are a lot of houses with beautiful 1920s and 30s architectural details, so it's always fun to go to a house that has some of those features.

[DisneyGirl]

Cleanliness, decorating and family pictures.

The first thing I look to see if the house is clean and in order. i can not stand when people invite me and my family over their house is a complete and utter mess. Like carpets are not vacuumed, clutter everywhere..YUCK.

I also love to see how people decorate and see if things match..like the pictures to the wall color and if the picture fames go with the decor.

[Niobe]

I love looking at people's bookshelves and art. I'm not a huge fan of family photos, but I always look for paintings, prints, sculptures. And the bookshelves better contain some actual books. ;)

I'm horribly cluttered and messy, so I don't really look out for that at other's places. Actually, I prefer a bit of disorder. The spotlessly clean, perfectly arranged homes make me uncomfortable, like I can't relax or touch anything.

[chefker]

I'm horribly cluttered and messy, so I don't really look out for that at other's places. Actually, I prefer a bit of disorder. The spotlessly clean, perfectly arranged homes make me uncomfortable, like I can't relax or touch anything.

Same here. When I go to visit someone, I go to visit them, not to inspect their home for cleanliness. Clutter just doesn't bother me - we certainly have our share, although I do try to 'hide' it when I know I'm expecting company.

Now if someone's home is completely filthy - that's a different story. DH and I visited one of his friends once, and there was crusted food on the kitchen floor....blech! :eek: So a few piles of clutter, like magazines and such, wouldn't bother me as much as actual dirt/filth.

And, if people drop by my house unannounced and I haven't had a chance to tidy up...well, what you see is what you get!

[eli1126]

I see how clean they keep it. Like, do they clean under tables and behind the toilet. Weird, I know...but it's what I do every day of my life...clean, clean, clean...

Too Funny! I was going to say this too! I don't care about clutter, but if I walk into a house and it's dirty I do take note of it. Clutter doesn't bother me so much, but we have friends that will invite people over and leave the poop splatters on their toilet. If nothing else, when I willingly invite people over, I make sure my bathrooms are clean. Now, if you show up unannounced, all bets are off!

[Toonces]

I usually immediately look for some alcohol. :)

LOL! Me too... back in the day. :)

I see how clean they keep it. Like, do they clean under tables and behind the toilet. Weird, I know...but it's what I do every day of my life...clean, clean, clean...

Dang! :eek: Do you really do that? Are you looking for dust under tables or clutter? It makes me nervous to think that someone might be evaluating my cleanliness. Our house is clean, but not spotless.

I look at paint colors and techniques, decorations, furniture and kids' toys. I've never been to a filthy dirty house, but have been to cluttered houses. That doesn't bother me. Obvious filth would gross me out though.

[Toonces]

Clutter doesn't bother me so much, but we have friends that will invite people over and leave the poop splatters on their toilet.

Okay... that would really gross me out.

[Asha]

i think of ways i would like to redecorate or remodel to improve the person's home. i don't purposefully look to see if someone's house is clean, but i do take notice if it falls on either end of the extremes - too clean or too dirty.

[Rose]

Clutter doesn't bother me so much, but we have friends that will invite people over and leave the poop splatters on their toilet.

That is gross.

I would think it was strange if you came over and looked underneath my table though.

[penybryn]

I look for their use of color, both on walls and furniture. White walls drive me nuts. Also, the way the furniture is arranged. Can't stand all the furniture up against the walls.

The kitchen has to be pretty clean too. Messy doesn't bother me. Everyone who actually lives in their house has that, but dirty stuff grosses me out. Like when the stove looks like it hasn't been cleaned in ages and really nasty countertops. I wouldn't eat there!

[artist]

I probably look for the bathroom first because I probably have to go!

I like to look at what photos, kids art, magnets, etc. are on their fridge. I tend to wonder about people who have NOTHING on their fridge.

After that I guess I notice how either comfortable or uncomfortable their house is. If the first thing I have to do is take my shoes off, then I notice a living room with light carpeting and light furniture...I immediately am NOT comfortable and feel ready to leave.

I also find it odd when people have GIGANTIC television sets.

When I am in the bathroom, I notice any magazines or books. I am disappointed if all they have is crap like Martha Stewart LIVING or some other kitch type reading. I notice cutesy kitch crap, wallpaper borders, etc. If I saw a gun rack or cabinet I'd want to make up an excuse to leave.

A lack of art or anything on the walls freaks me out a bit.

I notice if the ONLY food served is meat, and then I start thinking of excuses to leave so I won't starve.

[artist]

Oh, I also get a little annoyed when I ask where the bathroom is, and the host says, "The powder room is around the corner." Powder room? These are the same people that have a "mud room", "master suite", and "den". :rolleyes:

[Standrea]

Dang! :eek: Do you really do that? Are you looking for dust under tables or clutter? It makes me nervous to think that someone might be evaluating my cleanliness. Our house is clean, but not spotless.


Well, it's not like I'm mean about it or anything...Like, I won't be your friend if you have dust bunnies ;)...

It's just something that I notice in our house and would be embarrassed if someone else notices it. Trust me, i know very little people that actually clean behind their toilets!


My BF checks out people pantries. If they aren't organized, it makes her batty!!

[Standrea]

I would think it was strange if you came over and looked underneath my table though.
OH!! It's not like that. Like, I wouldn't walk into someones house and get on all fours to check under their stuff! That's just plain rude and weird!! But, if you can see it from the couch/chair/standing...that's a different story!

[villanelle75]

Trust me, i know very little people that actually clean behind their toilets!



If they are very little people, I guess it would be easier for them to clean behind the toilets, since they'd fit back there quite well.

/end usage geek moment

[udsweetpea]

Something I notice... pet hair everywhere! When you have people coming over, at least vacuum the couch so I can sit down without having to wipe my butt of pet hair when I get up.

Something I kinda expect when I go to someone's... bathroom doors that LOCK! We have 2 friends with guest bathrooms that don't lock, and one of them doesn't even close all the way. So, the cat comes in and leaves an even bigger gap so everyone can see you on the toilet!

[jajacobsen]

I think what I notice the most is the vibe or atmosphere a house generates. So if its a little cluttered (or spotlessly clean) but seems very warm and inviting, I notice that. I also notice the opposite. Usually uninviting houses are occupied by men, and may be either very clean or very messy (ETA - I really that is a generalization, but it is also my experience).

I would notice the extremes. Like exremely clean or extremely dirty or extremely cluttered. Extremely cluttered and extremely dirty make me uncomfortable.

The first time in someone's house, I usually am trying to concentrate on conversation with them rather than "checking out all the details," because usually it means they are a relatively new aquaintance. I mean I do notice some things but I never try to appear as if I am looking or inspecting things.

My mom taught me it was very rude to treat someone's house like it was an open house or a decorator showhouse. So I would never want to seem like I was "evaluating" their belongings. I would also never ask to "see the house." That would be rude and an intrusion (and possibly very stressful for someone whose non-public areas are not "tour tidy," as we discussed ad nauseum in another thread).

However, if invited to "see the house" I certainly will do so, and I am likely to notice antiques or unusual pieces of furniture; artwork (hopefully original); fabric and other decor treatments.

If all else fails, hopefully there is a pet or two for me to notice. I love pets.

However, once I do know someone and have been to their hosue several times, things I notice are:

DIY projects or repairs not completed. ETA - and since I an a reno junkie, I can't help but think about reno projects I think might work well in said home.

Placement of framed artwork on walls (should be eye level or no more than 18 inches above a sofa - pet peeve of mine)

Floor plan/traffic flow - does it work or not?

Unity and harmony of design choices (details don't necessarily need to match but do they coordinate/complement each other)

Does the interior decorating flow harmoniously from room to room or is each room decorated in a very disparate manner?

I don't know if that meakes any sense or not.

[CarolinaGirl]

Since I'm still trying to decorate my own home, I notice things like rugs, lighting, countertop material, window treatments, paint colors, and artwork and how it's displayed. I also notice the way things are or are not stored (like baskets or bookshelves, etc...) since I'm always looking for better ways to organize my own stuff. I like seeing personal photos in people's homes because I think it is makes the home more personal and homey than random framed artwork (like you see in decorating magazines). I really try to take it all in so I have lots of ideas to take home. I really don't like clutter. It makes me feel clausterphobic. Don't get me wrong. There is clutter in my house that I would like to do away with. It's one thing to have a home that is "lived in" versus a home where nothing gets tidied up. Oh, and if it smells bad, I immediately notice it.

[Asha]

I also find it odd when people have GIGANTIC television sets.
lol! i don't find it odd if people have one big screen tv, but i do notice when people have lots of tv's in their house. i find it especially unusual when people have a big screen tv in their master bedroom.

I notice if the ONLY food served is meat, and then I start thinking of excuses to leave so I won't starve.
really? people have meals where they don't have any dishes without meat?


Something I kinda expect when I go to someone's... bathroom doors that LOCK! We have 2 friends with guest bathrooms that don't lock, and one of them doesn't even close all the way. So, the cat comes in and leaves an even bigger gap so everyone can see you on the toilet!
ha ha!!! i used to have an apt where the bathroom door didn't close all the way, but at least i didn't have a cat who gave everyone a peep show of the guests.

[artist]

really? people have meals where they don't have any dishes without meat?


Most people do...but you must remember I live in Minnesota! This is the state where jello with fruit is considered "salad" and lutefisk is actually a "food"! :)

[jajacobsen]

artist - you would HATE my house. Due to my DH's dependency upon television, we have SIX, including two very large ones. I swear to god they are NOT the first thing one notices when entering teh house, however - no shrines to the TV gods here).

I'm sorry to say we also have a powder room, master suite, mud room, and den. However, if you asked for the bathroom we would just say, "round the corner and to the left" with no need to define it as a powder room or full bathroom.

Does it help that we have a lot of original art, all of which was either done by me or my mother (a professiona artist) or traded or bought from other artist friends? Maybe that redeems us from hell due to the large TV count?

[artist]

artist - you would HATE my house. Due to my DH's dependency upon television, we have SIX, including two very large ones. I swear to god they are NOT the first thing one notices when entering teh house, however - no shrines to the TV gods here).

I'm sorry to say we also have a powder room, master suite, mud room, and den. However, if you asked for the bathroom we would just say, "round the corner and to the left" with no need to define it as a powder room or full bathroom.

Does it help that we have a lot of original art, all of which was either done by me or my mother (a professiona artist) or traded or bought from other artist friends? Maybe that redeems us from hell due to the large TV count?

:D

I think I'd be thrilled to visit you so long as your art is not Thomas Kinkaid! (I'm totally messing with you!)

[jajacobsen]

OK we are sooo NOT Thomas Kinkaid! No offense to anyone who may own his work, but from purely an art criticism viewpoint, he is more of an illustrator than an original artist.

[eli1126]

I also find it odd when people have GIGANTIC television sets.

We are those people. DH needed to have the 62 inch flat screen Plasma TV :rolleyes: I can't even tell you the dimensions of our living room because it just compounds the ridiculousness of such a large television. I always think of the shows where people get sucked through their television sets when I walk into my living room.

[jajacobsen]

Hijack - eli1126 - my trick is to make the ridiculously large TV one of the "smaller squares" in the room - if al all possible. We have a 50" plasma in our family room. BUT, the fireplace, the large cofee table, and an oil painting are all larger than the plasma flat screen TV. So people notice them first, and the TV last. It also helps that I placed the oil painting on thw wall which would be a natural focal point. If the TV screen had been there - it would have been "welcome to our home theatre."

So sometimes you really can fool the eye an dmake something seem smaller because something else is bigger.

[Walton]

I notice decor and the photographs that people have displayed. Like a PP said, I get a bit creeped out when people have a bunch of pictures of themselves displayed (it doesn't bother me if it's their children, but if it's just 30 framed pictures of the couple that's weird).

I also notice cleanliness - not clutter so much, but if there are layers of dust on things I get grossed out.

[kdotp]

Dude, if some of you came over to my house, you'd probably turn around and walk right back out! ;)

In general, I first notice the floorplan, the general look of the rooms (color, layout) and smell. Then I look closer at the furniture and decor. Moderate messes or clutter don't bother me. I try to clean as well as I can, and will do extra cleaning when we're having company over, but I work full-time, have a toddler (and a husband) and a dog that sheds All The Time; our house is going to have a certain "lived-in" feel. :)

[artist]

I actually like it when my friends have houses with that "lived in" look! A few dog toys, piles of laundry, dirty dishes, and kids toys hanging out in someone's house make me think, "Good! They still invited me over and knew better then to quick shove all that under something because I am their FRIEND and they know I don't care!" Heck, a lot of my friends have people hanging out on their deck or porch anyway, so it's not like any of us see much of the mess other then to use the bathroom. (Plus wine or sangria is usually served too, so by the time anyone has to pee, nobody cares!)


As for the t.v....first of all, that's awesome someone has a giant t.v., yet has an oil painting bigger than the t.v.! Also, what about playing a video of a fish tank or something really soothing?

[petdoc08]

I also find it odd when people have GIGANTIC television sets.

Ugg. My neighbor has a massive flat screen television in his 8'x12' living room. It almost takes up the entire back wall. The thing is so huge I can read the ticker on CNN from my daughter's nursery (across the driveway) easier than I can read CNN's ticker on our own television sitting on our couch. We had to install blackout shades because the glow was so bright in DD's room.

[kalogrias]

I tend to notice spaces. Like whether the rooms are airy or dark, whether the ceilings are high or low, whether I feel penned in or relexed. That's generally what I see first. Our apartment has walls that are 50% windows -- that kind of light feeling was very important to us.

After that, it's the decor, the personal knick-knacks, etc. As far as clutter -- we are very cluttered because our apartment does not have adequate storage space, so I can't judge anyone elses...but I do look for clean. If their bathrooms are dirty, I get grossed out. Kitchens...if they've just been cooking (say we are invited for dinner), well, then I expect a mess (I'm a messy cook), but if we're over for drinks, and their counters are piled high with dirty plates...total turn off.

Because of where we live, and because of the restrictions that are put upon us and most people we know in terms of housing, most people do not have art up and have not painted the walls (the walls here are inevitably wallpapered in some weird off-white and are concrete beneath -- no way to put in tacks or anythign else), so that's not something I look for right now (though if I see that someone HAS managed to hang something, I will ask about their methods).

[kam]

I'm shocked that it seems that some of you care this much about someone else's house! It seems that you more than "notice" and take it to "judge". I may notice if I find something striking about a style or a technique used. Okay, I'd notice if someone decorated their house in 800 animal heads or decided to let their child play in cat puke but as long as they don't bring the heads or puke to my house, that's how they want to live so be it.

I am a psycho about neatness myself (with 5 animals, I have to be since it seems my one cat could sneeze and cover the entire house in white fur). I also have a big screen TV. High ceilings. Flat walls. And I guess I should be glad that I don't offer to have a CC GTG at my place because while half the people here would love it, the other half would hate it. But if you did, no one was forcing you to attend in the first place ;)

[MidwesternGal]

First thing I notice is photos. I love looking at people's photos--I don't care if you got married 20 years ago, I'll ask to see your albums if you feel like sharing, hehehe!!! Themselves, kids, weddings, etc. Fabulousity! I don't have a single thing on my wall other than photos. A collage frame in my living room and then wedding pics of ourselves, pics of DS, and a family photo. So some of you probably think I'm weird. Oh well.

Second thing I notice is whether or not there is food out and about. And by food, I mean, dirty plates in the living room, empty glasses strewn about the house, etc. Yucky.

Most of you would think my home is cluttered like mad, but with tiny rooms, a packrat hubby, and a baby, there's really no other choice!

A little dirt and even lots of clutter doesn't bother me too much, but super obvious filthy stuff, like the aforementioned dishes in living room, would ick me out.

[artist]

Ugg. My neighbor has a massive flat screen television in his 8'x12' living room. It almost takes up the entire back wall. The thing is so huge I can read the ticker on CNN from my daughter's nursery (across the driveway) easier than I can read CNN's ticker on our own television sitting on our couch. We had to install blackout shades because the glow was so bright in DD's room.

I'm a little jealous of you now! I WISH I could watch CNN for free by just peaking out the window! :) (Kidding!)

[udsweetpea]

This is all why I'm a frantic mess anytime anyone calls to say they're going to drop by. BF wonders why I'm like that, and my only response is "you don't know how women are!!" Seems like I'm right :)

[chefker]

This is all why I'm a frantic mess anytime anyone calls to say they're going to drop by.

And this is why I've stopped answering my phone! :p

[Standrea]

Ok, I hope you all don't think I'm Bitchy or anything. It's not like I'm catty and call my friends and say, can you believe V didn't clean behind the toilet? It's just something I notice. I'm a SAHM, have a dog that sheds when she breaths, and a walking hurricane (my 14 month old DD). I feel like the only way I spend my day is washing and vacumming the floor. So, naturally, this is what I notice at other peoples houses! I'm not judging anyone because they dont have it done, I just notice it! :)

[jajacobsen]

Standrea - And it's fine to notice it - sometimes you just can't help it. Just like I ALWAYS notice when someone has a piece of framed art just floating away form anything - so more than 18 inches from back of sofa or other large piece of furniture) or wierdly placed art. I can't help it - but I aso notice when they do a great job of using framed art to really complement other furnishings/enhance the decor. I think each of us just has a few areas which we just can't help noticing.

[kari]

Funny, a guy friend that I have known for years recently came to my house for the first time. The first thing he said was that he was surprised that I didn't have neon beer signs everywhere. :D Then it said it was decorated 'girly'.

[eli1126]

I'm shocked that it seems that some of you care this much about someone else's house! It seems that you more than "notice" and take it to "judge". I may notice if I find something striking about a style or a technique used. Okay, I'd notice if someone decorated their house in 800 animal heads or decided to let their child play in cat puke but as long as they don't bring the heads or puke to my house, that's how they want to live so be it.

I can only speak for myself, but I don't judge people for the way they clean, decorate, paint, etc. Even my friends with the poop splatters, I love going to their house. They are hospitable in every way, but they don't care that people know they poop. It was just something I noticed. I also don't usually go around and tell other friends "so and so left poop splatters on the toilet." I think there is a big difference between noticing things at other peoples homes and being judgmental by stating that it's gross, you wouldn't go there ever again, etc.

[eli1126]

This is all why I'm a frantic mess anytime anyone calls to say they're going to drop by. BF wonders why I'm like that, and my only response is "you don't know how women are!!" Seems like I'm right :)

I've actually had more men comment on the dust and cob webs they've seen at my house!

[artist]

This is all why I'm a frantic mess anytime anyone calls to say they're going to drop by. BF wonders why I'm like that, and my only response is "you don't know how women are!!" Seems like I'm right :)

You should show him a few of the threads on here so he'll understand!

[Sin Nombre]

Unless the place is an absolute pigsty, I'm not going to notice a little dust or clutter. I DO notice a dirty bathroom however, because that kind of creeps me out...

I tend to notice more the feeling I get when entering someone house - is it warm and cozy (i.e., cottage-style), or large, airy and more sparsely decorated? Beach theme, or modern furniture? I am very drawn to farmhouse-style furniture, so I'll be sure to notice (and drool) if someone has a farmhouse sink or a deliberately-shabby, distressed or hand-painted sideboard or cupboard, or any antique item. I also zero in on books, photos and artwork, and I love seeing elements reflective of personal taste, such as ocean/beach-themed items, pretty wreaths, masks, etc., that surely might have been picked up during their travels. I love items with a "story" behind them, whether it's a grandfather's cherished humidor, or a handcrafted bowl picked up during their honeymoon in Mexico. I love to see things that obviously mean something personal to the individual, and are not just there for visual impact.

[penybryn]

You're bothered by a large plasma tv? Damn! I wish I had one!

Ever watch "Little People Big World" on TLC? Those people make a career out of not being bothered by what others think about their home. Its a nasty mess most of the time.

I love the show but I spend most of the half hour thinking about going to Oregon and cleaning that place (sorry, I'm a little OCD in the cleaning area).;)

[Delta]

I look for ideas for my own home, especially if it's an older home.

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I see how clean they keep it. Like, do they clean under tables and behind the toilet. Weird, I know...but it's what I do every day of my life...clean, clean, clean...

Same here...

[Standrea]

HAHAH! I know what someone looked for in MY house!

My friend came over the other night, and said after a few cocktails- You really need to wipe down the inside of your window sill. When it rains, the screens must be really dusty, and put some nasty muck on the inside of my window sills. I wipe then down weekly, but I guess I do need to do that more often now!

[DallasLady]

Ever watch "Little People Big World" on TLC? Those people make a career out of not being bothered by what others think about their home. Its a nasty mess most of the time.

I love the show but I spend most of the half hour thinking about going to Oregon and cleaning that place (sorry, I'm a little OCD in the cleaning area).;)

OMG, I think the same thing too. If I knew I was going go be on TV, I'd clean my house. Or at least hire a housekeeper. I can't have my MIL over withour cleaning for an hour prior. I couldn't imagine having millions of people seeing my house a mess.

[bluebunny]

I look for decorating ideas. :) I've been successful at doing it, too. I picked my bedroom paint color from a friend's living room paint color. I used another friend's kitchen color and countertops (slate) as an inspiration for my laundry/mud room. I like to see how people use color throughout their homes, display their photographs, and use artwork.

[gardenmommy]

I think I notice how it smells more than anything.

I grew up in a house with 2 smoking parents and hated how it smelled, and became so self conscious about it. I can also recall the specific smells of my best friends houses they grew up in, my grandparents house etc.

We recently went on a trip to Germany and when I walked into my uncles house there, it smelled just as I remembered:D

I guess I'm also always looking for ways to make our house smell better

[princesse]

A combo of things listed here: cleanliness, decor, smell. I also either go into immediate "how could I incorporate that into my house" mode or else "this is what I would do if this place were mine". Not being critical, just what I would do differently.