[A_perfect_lady]

Personally, I would not pad the word count with unnecessary description. It tends to bore and overwhelm people, and it isn't necessary. Jane Austen, one of the most celebrated authors of English literature, was actually quite spare in her descriptions. Here is how she describes the house of the rich and handsome Mr. Darcy, the most eligible bachelor in the famous Pride and Prejudice:

It was a large, handsome stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned.

Once the touring party is inside the house, it is described, through the heroine's eyes,

The rooms were lofty and handsome, and their furniture suitable to the fortune of their proprietor; but Elizabeth saw, with admiration of his taste, that it was neither gaudy nor uselessly fine...

That's it. Here's how she describes Mr. Darcy himself:

Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report, which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year.

If you need your story to be longer, consider weaving in a sub-plot. But don't pad it with unnecessary description.

[mairdie]

Jane Austen is very visual without overwhelming in detail. She lets you, the reader, finish up the detail in your own mind, which is enriching.

But packing in great thoughts in a few sentences can be mentally exhausting. While you’re examining implications, you’re losing plot line and potentially getting lost.

[The Duke]

I definitely agree regarding not “padding”, however I do believe that vivid descriptions help to teleport the reader into the story.