March 04, 2021

The secret to an amazing smelling home

How to use home scents to create your dream space

If scent is the most powerful of all the senses, with the ability to evoke memories like no other, it’s easy see why we all love fragrance so much. A scent has the magical ability to teleport you back to your teen years, remind you of a first crush, a European vacation, your grandma’s hugs or even a special date - all with just one sniff. So it makes sense then, to share the fragrance love throughout your home, and not just confine it to personal scent. Home scents and room fragrance have become huge in the last few years, and not just to disguise weird pet smells either. Home scents add another layer to your interior style, allowing you to create a bespoke feeling in each room, adding depth and character to your space. And, it’s easier than you think. All you need is a little know-how, the right scents, and these tips.

Choose your type - There are five types of home scents to choose from: candles, incense, soy wax melts, reed diffusers and room fragrances. Each set a different vibe in the home and can be used for different things, but mostly it comes down to personal preference.

Candles - These are great for setting the mood or ambience of a room, so especially great if you have friends over, or are hosting a special event. Reed Diffusers - These are ideal for a continuous, subtle scent rather than a once-off occasion, so it’s best to choose a smell that you’d like to be surrounded by daily. Room Fragrance - These are essentially like a personal scent, but for your room. You can spritz when you room needs a refresh, or spray on linens and clothes when they need some perk. Unlike the other two variants, this type of scent is shorter lasting, but more instant.

So how do you work out what scent goes where? Just think about the types of smells you want to associate with that area… and follow these handy tips.

Bedroom- Opt for romantic florals if you need some love, oriental vibes with amber and musk if you want to spice things up, or if you just want a good night's sleep try a subtle lavender.

Lounge/ Living area -This is most likely the place where visitors will come to - and be their lasting impression of your home. Because of this, when entertaining you can choose home scents you truly love, as you would a signature, personal scent. If you’re having a party you might like something lively and unexpected to suit the mood, whereas if you’re cooking a romantic dinner, a soft floral might suit more. If you’re stuck for inspiration, go for something fresh with green notes so as not to compete with any other aromas, or citrus scents which are always reliable because they’re refreshing without being overwhelming.

Bathroom - This is where citrus really has its moment. Lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit all work well here, as they give off a clean, fresh smell.

Mix it up: You may be really into rose, but too much of a good thing can be overpowering, and make it seem like you’re covering something up!

Have a candle? Use it! It can be tempting to “save” something you love for the right time or a special event but if you keep it too long you run the risk of the scent weakening. Bottom line: you bought it so use it! Every day can be the “special occasion” you’re looking for.

Adjust the number of reeds you have: It sounds simple, but the number of reeds you have in your diffuser will affect the strength of the scent. You’ll need to adjust according the size of the room, and also the intensity of the smell you are after.

Know when to turn and change your reeds: Scent will diffuse quicker in a warmer room, which is great if you want an instant fix, but if you want it to last longer a cooler space is key. Scent running dry? Turn over the reeds. And, if you buy a different top-up oil, remember to change the reeds too as they will still be infused with the last scent.