"The game was ok, but I wish you would describe more."

Since I stated GMing 2 months ago, this has been my problem. In every game besides Call of Cthulhu. Somehow in CoC I'm more "there", more aware of the fact how important the descriptions are for building atmosphere. There have been no complaints about my my CoC games. But, DnD, Stars without number, Numenera, they all have the same problem. My descriptions aren't elaborate enough. How do I fix this? In theory, I know the basics, describing not only the sight, but the sound and the smells, the temperature, but somehow when not playing Call of Cthulhu I don't remember that stuff and only describe what they see. And not well at that, it seems. How do I fix this? I would like not to suck as a GM xD

Should I watch more tv in the chosen setting? Read more? Maybe the problem is that any atmosphere that is not horror and setting that is not our world I don't see clearly. Do you have any tips for me on how to improve descriptions?

Since you clearly know how to do descriptions, and the issue seems to be in non-horror settings, I can think of only one piece of advice:  Practice Just Like A Speech.  As part of your game prep, set aside extra time to verbally go through every description, every delivery, etc.  The more familiar, and comfortable, you are with the material; the easier it should be to give the detailed descriptions.

In your shoes I would be interested in identifying why there is such a comfort zone in one genre and then attempting to adapt whatever I found to other genres.

Run a horror/undead themed D&D game to make an easier crossover. Practice like Shalrath42 said.

I would encourage you to use pictures for NPC's and Locations. Just pinch stuff from pinterest or google. Wherever. Stick them on the back of your DM screen and then add big headings of SMELL, SOUND, MOOD over the top to prompt you to include that in your description. You could also print out a sheet of excellent non visual descriptors and put that on your DM screen as well as a bit of a prompt. Just seeing those words there should help you to remember to use them, or at least words like them.

Raid Roget's Thesaurus.

The advice I've always heard is to watch Netflix with Audio Description turned on in the languages & subtitles - this gives you a good idea of how to describe a scene for someone who can't see it.

Quote from Highland_Troll >>

Raid Roget's Thesaurus.

 Or Word Hippo online.

Thank you for all the advice! <3

Did the player provide any more specific information on what the felt they weren’t getting from your descriptions? 

I would suggest that you put four index cards next to you. On one card write Sight, the next Sound, on the third Scent and lastly Tactile. As you are describing the environment flip the cards over so that once you have all of them done you should feel as though you have done so adequately. Simply flip the four cards face up when you wish to use them and start anew. I have used this technique with many younger DMs and after a few sessions the cards are put away as it becomes engrained in their processes. I hope this helps and welcome to the wonderful world of DMing.  

Make a mindmap of what is described in CoC that works for you. Then use that mindmap to describe all the stuff in your D&D world? 

I find it difficult as well because there's a lot going on, the more I DM, the more focus I get of it. For inspiration I watch youtube episodes of series hosted by the masters ;)

Quote from ratwhowouldbeking >>

The advice I've always heard is to watch Netflix with Audio Description turned on in the languages & subtitles - this gives you a good idea of how to describe a scene for someone who can't see it.

I saw an article on io9 about this and I have watched a few movies this way as a result. It's amazing how concise the descriptions can be. I highly recommend people check this out if they have not already.

In simpler terms, when I describe a room, I try to keep it to one or two sentences about layout and dimensions of the room itself, if possible including two senses other than sight. Then I make a point to point out notable things in the room like furniture, natural structures, occupants, etc. Also, keep in mind any of your characters who have a high passive perception. You can give a general description and then say, "Thaddeus, you also notice some wear on the floor near the wardrobe in the corner." You acknowledged his superior perception and also baited the party with something to do in the room in addition to whatever they might do anyway.

Personally, I love long detailed descriptions, but not everyone does. Sometimes, less is more.

I write box text ahead of time for scenes I will be running.

It feels a little weird at first vs just improving it, but I find it helps make sure I didn't miss anything.