Using fragrances as decor statements

Learn how to use fragrance as a statement, not just a final touch, so your home smells as beautiful as it looks.

The beauty and ambiance of an interior space depends on not only the visual but also scent. You might adorn your home with the most gorgeous furniture and decor pieces, but if your space smells musty, mouldy or like cigarette smoke, for example, it takes away from the beauty of your space. Therefore, fragrance should not be overlooked, but used as a powerful element in your home.

Fragrance also evokes memories and adds to the atmosphere of your space. It elevates a home’s mood and aesthetic, making it feel luxurious and intentionally styled.

Here’s how you can use fragrance to elevate the mood, identity, and elegance of your space:

1. Reimagine fragrance as a design layer

In the same way you would mix materials or layer rugs, layering scent adds dimension to a room. Choose a fragrance that complements the purpose and style of the space. For example, sandalwood can ground a living room, while a citrus note or fresh fig can lift a kitchen.

2. Don’t forget the entryway

There’s nothing as powerful as a first impression. Having a candle or diffuser near the entrance will instantly welcome guests with atmosphere and set the tone before they even step into the main living area. Opt for a neutral scent, something light yet inviting like soft linen or white tea.

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3. Use aesthetic vessels

The fragrance is as important as its holder. A luxurious candle, a sculptural diffuser, or a minimalist incense holder are all visually appealing sources. Go for containers that double as decorative objects, like ceramic jars, brass holders, or hand-blown glass for a touch of refinement.

4. Consider the mood of the room

Each space has a different function, and that goes for fragrance, too. In your bedroom, you want calming notes like lavender or chamomile to promote sleep. In a study, though, you want to enhance focus, so invigorating scents like eucalyptus or rosemary would work well. Instead of treating fragrance like an afterthought, turn it into a design decision.

5. Rotate seasonally

Just as we refresh or decorate with the seasons, consider swapping scents: florals in spring, citrus in summer, woods and spices in winter. It’s a subtle move, yet it’ll keep your space feeling fresh and in tune with the time of the year.

Fragrance is tied to memory and emotion, it’s not just something you smell. Get creative and let it be a quiet expression of your style and mood, and weave beauty into the air you live in.

ALSO SEE: UNDERSTANDING THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF HOME FRAGRANCES