HOME SCENTS – THE IMPORTANCE OF FRAGRANCE AS PART OF AN INTERIOR
I love fragrance, not only to wear but to live with. Fragrance is often over looked as part of the design process, but for me scent is crucial in establishing the most inviting and memorable interiors. At home and when I’m home staging I always use scents to create ambiance and greet you with that ‘at home’ smell when you come through the front door. I will change these scents subtly with the seasons, such as warmer more oaky/spicy scents in winter and lighter, slightly more floral for spring/summer.
But choosing home fragrance is a subtle art, anything to powdery or air-freshner like will be a bigger turn off than no scent at all, too strong and people wonder what you trying to cover up. The right interior aroma should be like when wearing your own personal perfume, just a hint of something lovely.
The ideal rooms for fragrance are the hall/entryway to greet you on upon arriving home, bathrooms to add freshness and the living room to add ambiance. Occasionally bedrooms benefit from fragrance, but anything too strong can be disturbing when you are trying to sleep. Also, keep fragrance away from eating areas such as the kitchen and dining room.
For cosy scene setting go for warm aromas like Amber or Vanilla. These top notes should be just a ‘hint’ and be combined with other base elements, such as orange or musk. Zara do a fantastic range of air freshener diffuser sticks from £17.99. My recommendations are Black Vanilla and Dark Amber. For a deeper more masculine scent try Solix Rex from Sire Trudon, but expect to pay around £60.00 for a scented candle, although they will last for ages and the scent is truly unquie. Another beautiful sweet warm scent is Vanille Pamplemousse from Branche d’Olive. The 200ml diffuser stick will set you back about £33.00 but should scent you room for up at 2 months.
For fresh and spring-like scents go for Lily or Jasmine as top notes. White Jasmine and Pure Gardenia from Zara are bright and beautiful and fit with any space, as does Freesia by Diptyque. Jo Malone diffuser sticks are also amazing and will last for ages, try Red Roses or Lime Basil and Mandarin for scents for summer.
Some of these may look expensive, but don’t scrimp of home fragrance as cheaper products tend to smell – well just cheap! Expect to pay between £20-60.00 for premium quality products which will last and properly envelope your room. I find the diffuser sticks last the longest and are great for home staging. Sprays tend to disappear very quickly in the air and candles work best for personal homes, as they need to burn for a while before you can benefit from the scent. The other bonus with room scenters and candles is that the containers are so attractive they act as perfect styling props for shelves and coffee tables.
For more information on interior design or home staging contact me at info@clairebloom.com
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