A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST SCENTS
FOR YOUR HOME

A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST SCENTS FOR YOUR HOME

An increasing number of people are using home fragrances to elevate their home ambiance. This is because fragrance has a positive impact on our lives: it can help us sleep better, relax, concentrate, and so much more. With hundreds of scent combinations ranging from citrus, floral, woody and oriental, Karl Winters has compiled a list of the best scents for your home. But before diving into that list, we’ll look at current delivery systems and factors to consider when choosing that perfect scent.

THE ART OF SCENTING A HOME IS NOTHING NEW

The art of scenting a home date to ancient times.

Romans used incense and aromatic flowers to add a sense of luxury and opulence. The scents were used in living spaces, special gatherings and religious ceremonies.
Sandalwood oil, derived from the Santalum album tree, was used for thousands of years in Indian culture. It was prized for its unique aroma and therapeutic benefits.
Frankincense is an are aromatic resin derived from Boswellia trees native to countries like Oman and Ethiopia. The sweet and citrusy aroma of incense was used by The European Catholic Church to create a sensorial atmosphere that evokes spirituality.

SCENTS AFFECT OUR EMOTIONS

Essential oils extracted from flowers and herbs are used for mental, spiritual and physical healing. Studies have shown a close connection exists between smell and our emotional state. The presence of fragrance in the environment triggers the limbic system in our brain which controls memories, emotions and feelings. This link is the reason why fragrance has a powerful influence on our overall energy and well-being.

ELEVATING YOUR HOME AMBIANCE

An emerging trend is the use of scents to elevate your home ambiance. The introduction of color, design and scent not only reflects your personal style but also enhances your comfort and enjoyment of that space. For example, woody scents like patchouli introduce a sense of warmth into the living room, whereas citrus scents like grapefruit are refreshing and perfect for the kitchen and washroom. A room with an industrial home décor aesthetic can be paired with scents like leather and frankincense to accentuate the minimalist finishes. Spicing up your living space with scent can transform your home a vibrant and inviting oasis.

COMMON SCENT DELIVERY PRODUCTS

The growing popularity of home fragrances has paved the way for new scent delivery systems. The 3 most common choices in the market today are:

2. Reed Diffusers

Reed-diffusers offer a flameless scent-delivery solution that disperses scent without the need for supervision. When reeds are inserted into vessels, fragrance travels up by capillary, ultimately diffusing into the air. The continuous flow of fragrance means that diffusers are more versatile, catering to those who want safe and customizable scent delivery. Another advantage of a reed diffuser is the aesthetic appeal of the vessel, which can enhance the aesthetic of your interiors.

CHOOSING THE BEST SCENTS FOR YOUR HOME

So where do you start when choosing a scent? Like perfumes, selecting a home fragrance is a personal decision that reflects your style, personality and mood. It this versatility that makes scents so wonderful to work with. Celebrity Kim Kardashian is known to use floral scents at her home like jasmine or rose, whereas Victoria Beckham prefers fruity scents like Fig.

With so many scents available in the market, how do you choose what’s best? You’re one-of-a-kind, and so are your preferences. We have put together a guide that helps you get started on choosing the best scents for your home:

1. Interior Design Style

The magic of interior design lies in its ability transform your living space into something beautiful and enviable. The interplay of color and design is crucial to creating a space that reflects your personal taste. While invisible, adding scent to this mix can be one of the most effective ways to elevating the mood and ambiance. The art of choosing a scent and can be categorized into 4 design styles:

Neutrals and Minimalism

Colors of whites, cremes, and beige are matched with scents like vanilla, green tea, and jasmine.

Warm and Earthy

Colors of olive green, red wine and rusty brown are matched with scents like blackcurrant, patchouli, and cedarwood

Modern & Metallic

Colors of gold, silver, and grey are matched with scents like white musk, incense and leather.

Bold and Dark

Colors of deep blues, dark green and grays are matched with scents like amber, palo santo and violet.

2. Culture

Scent preferences are rooted in cultural contexts, influenced from everything from climate, religion, and social norms. For example, Middle Eastern culture views home fragrance as a symbol of respect and hospitality. People of that region gravitate towards rich deep fragrances that feature woody and floral notes, particularly sandalwood, frankincense, rose, jasmine, oud and amber. In contrast, European culture prefer less intense scents that are softer and balanced. This includes scents like amber, vanilla as well woody scents like cinnamon and cloves.

3. Season

Embracing the beauty of nature can truly enrich our lives. Each season has a unique charm and character that can be captured through scent. From snowy branches to colorful leaves, introducing the perfect scent can transform your home into a beautiful sanctuary that exudes the spirit of the Season.

Winter Scents

As temperatures plummet, we gravitate towards scents that are grounding, cozy and warm. Expect woody scents like cedarwood, sandalwood, and pine. Scents that capture the Holiday cheer include cypress, rosemary and pomegranate.

Spring Scents:

Spring represents new beginnings and the joy of rebirth. Here you will find fresh floral notes like lavender and lily of the valley, as well as herbal scents like mint and rosemary.

Summer Scents

Summer is associated with vibrant colors and energy that exudes life. Think of fruity scents like coconut, apple and passion, intertwined with bright notes like bergamot and lychee.

Fall Scents

With temperatures dropping, Fall represents a transition to warmth and serenity. Spicy and earthy scents are popular, particularly cedarwood, cinnamon and vanilla.

4. Wellness

Scents that promote wellness and mental well-being have increased in popularity since the pandemic. A new generation of health-conscious consumers are using homes scents that supports relaxation, energy focus, and even sleep quality. Choosing scents like sandalwood, patchouli and eucalyptus help create calming spaces that promote mindfulness and meditation. Energizing scents like cypress and peppermint are great for the morning wake-up routine or during exercise sessions.

5. Special Events