Scentelligence: Home Fragrance
When most people think of interior design, they think of the usual suspects: their favorite HGTV show, the kitchen renovation of their dreams (double ovens, anyone?), or a luxurious sectional to put their feet up after a long day. And while all of these are important aspects of design, there is one element that often gets overlooked: the way a space smells.
At The Candle Lab, we are passionate about scent education: Scentelligence, if you will. Below are some of our favorite tips for scenting various rooms in your home. Hint: it's more than candles!
Entryway
“It smells amazing in here!” There are few things more pleasurable than entering a home, especially if it’s particularly hot or cold outside. But the entryway can be a crowded space, especially when filled with puffy coats and winter boots. If you’re tight on space, a slim reed diffuser on the table next to your keys and mail is just the answer. You won’t risk a flame interfering with the chaos of the space, and the soft diffusing of the reeds won’t overwhelm the space. The entryway is a great place to experiment with different scents throughout the year as the seasons change. Fall and holiday fragrances are wonderful for making guests feel warm and welcome as the months get colder; then add a softer feel with clean, bright, and floral fragrances as your home lightens in the spring and summer months. Shop fragrances here.
Living / Family Room
The living room is the place to gather (that is, when everyone isn’t sneaking bites of dinner in the kitchen). Whether reading a good book or playing a rousing game of Monopoly, the living room is all about relaxation and comfort. If your living room is on the larger side, try placing two or even three candles in complementary scents throughout the space. Burning custom-scented wax tarts in a tart warmer or diffusing fragrance oil in a steam diffuser is also a great way to scent a large space. It’s also important to consider what other attributes the room has that may contribute to the way it smells: a wood-burning fireplace or lots of fragrant plants and flowers. In these cases, a single candle may be enough to fully scent the room.
Kitchen
No matter the size, it seems the kitchen is usually the unofficial gathering place in a home: where homework gets done, where bills are paid, where phone calls are made. If there is actual cooking that happens in your kitchen (if not, no judgment!), then it likely already smells pretty great. But for those times when freshly baked cookies aren’t in the oven or you haven’t just whipped up a pot of soup, there’s always a candle or aromatic mist to fool the nose. And there’s nothing like the bright, herbal, citrusy smells of Lemongrass, Mint Leaf, Rosemary, and/or Grapefruit to complete a sparkling clean kitchen.
Guest Bedroom / Bathroom
Are you the lucky host of frequent houseguests (we’re looking at you, in-laws)? The good news is, with just a little preparation you can make your guest bedroom and bathroom feel like a five-star hotel. A few spritzes of an aromatic mist will elevate your spare bedroom into a calm oasis from the hustle and bustle downstairs. We recommend a blend of spa-like scents such as Eucalyptus, Lavender, Grapefruit, and Green Tea. Or go for a more rustic yet still light feel with Bamboo, Bonsai, and Cedar. Leave the bottle on the dresser so your guests can spray more as they wish throughout their stay.
Half Bath
Depending on the layout of your home, you may have a half bathroom that isn’t frequently utilized. You want it to smell good when unexpected guests stop over, but leaving a candle burning can pose a hazard. Instead, opt for a reed diffuser to slowly release scent without using a frame. The sleek design will add a slightly sophisticated touch. Simply place it on the sink or a shelf to add a soft scent to a smaller space without overpowering the room. You could stick with clean scents like Clothesline or Absinthe, or change it up with the seasons. For a burst of fragrance, simply flip the reeds.
Tell us - what's your favorite way to scent your home?