Subtle scents to give your home a lift.
What is home supposed to smell like? Long before I got my own place, I was living with my parents, and that meant being treated to different scents throughout the day. In the morning, home smells simply meant freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked bread, and in the late afternoon, the entire living room would be enveloped by the lovely smell of fresh laundry. There was no distinct scent, but I vividly remember that it always smelt good.
And I confess, there really is nothing quite like returning to a nice-smelling home and being enveloped in a luxurious, decadent scent. Something that takes away the stresses and strains of the day and welcomes you in, there really is nothing better.
Interior designers whom we spoke to, shared that home fragrances are the cupcakes of the interiors world – a little bit of luxury that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Indeed, more homeowners around the world are more willing to splurge on home fragrance these days, as they realise the benefits of returning to a well-scented home.
Online news reports showed that home fragrance retail sales have increased tremendously over the last few years. According to an online source, John Lewis – a leading departmental store chain in the United Kingdom, recorded an increase in home fragrance sales by 41 percent since 2010, and the figures are expected to continue rising.
Home fragrance – A rapidly growing industry
Once comprised of single-note room sprays and simple candles, the market today is filled with a wide variety of gorgeous, complex scents, as well as a wide range of vehicles to deliver them: luxury candles, sprays, oils and reed diffusers, as well as plug-ins, warmers and wax melts, potpourri and sachets.
Not sure which to pick? Here are some to consider:
1. Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Candle from Jo Malone
Whether placing in the kitchen, living room or bedroom, this fresh, zingy – yet remarkably delicate fragrance will revitalise you and your home. The slow-burn candle will subtly release the essence of lime, sweet mandarin, basil and white thyme, adding an uplifting boost to the atmosphere.
2. True Grace Village Fragrance Diffuser – Wild Lime
Create a stimulating yet warm and comforting atmosphere with this Village Wild Lime fragrance diffuser. The balance of limes, bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin and lemon with herbs and an amber base transport users to a faraway place. A beautifully etched glass bottle supports the fragrance and reeds. To use, uncork this decorative bottle and place the natural reed sticks to diffuse the sophisticated scent.
3. Aromachologie Relaxing Perfumed Sachets from L’Occitane
Filled with dried lavender and beads scented with essential oils, these sachets release a relaxing fragrance. Place one on your bedside table to prepare for bedtime. Made with the essential oils of lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange and geranium, these sachets have a 100 percent natural scent and a proven relaxing effect. Slip these sachets into drawers, wardrobes or suitcases to perfume your clothes and linens with a pleasant, aromatic scent.
4. Lavender Home Fragrance Spray from Crabtree & Evelyn
If there’s no time for lighting candles, a quick spritz or two of this dreamy scent will set things right. Unlike other fruit or herb-inspired fragrances, there is nothing cloying or overpowering about it. The best part? This scent brings the outdoors inside and instantly transforms your room into a garden in full bloom with the beautiful fragrance of lavender. It’s long-lasting too – next day you’ll still catch its delicate trail in the air.
5. Young Living’s Dewdrop Plug-in Diffuser
For everyday use, this subtle plug-in diffuser counteracts household odours – from pets to cooking smells – effectively. More than just an aroma diffuser, Young Living’s Dewdrop Diffuser also functions as a humidifier and atomiser in one simple-to-use product. Custom designed with up to four hours of continuous diffusion, automatic shut-off, and ambient light control, the Dewdrop Diffuser can transform any space into a spa-like atmosphere. The Dewdrop Diffuser comes with free 5ml bottles of lemon and lavender essential oils.
Article and images contributed by Michelle Yee.
Lush Dream Home 