Have you ever wondered why some smells make you happy?
The rich scent of lilies in your living room, the soft musk of your freshly washed laundry and the enticing waft of bacon from your kitchen on a Sunday morning all have one thing in common.
More quickly than your senses of sight and sound, your sense of smell triggers chemical and emotional responses in your brain that, even on a miserable day, can put a smile on your face.
So, while we may spend hours making our homes look pretty, we’re missing a trick if we’re not ensuring they smell beautiful too.
From reducing stress to increasing energy and stirring nostalgic moments, fragrances can shape the mood of your house and define an individual character for each of your rooms.
Our guide will help you get started.
Living room
Now our scorching Bermuda summer has finally relented, it’s time to get cosy.
Warm, woody scents will help you feel snug on your couch as the evenings get longer and wind and rain lash against your windows from November to March. Experts recommend fig, amber and cashmere – but our choice, with its nod to Bermuda’s heritage, is cedar.
When we breathe in woody scents, our brains release emotions of calmness and we feel grounded. This makes your home feel welcoming to visitors, or a great place to relax at the end of a long day.
But there’s a whole world of fragrances to explore.
If you’re looking for something more romantic, go for a floral option like jasmine or rose; for an energetic vibe, try citrus, which promotes clarity of thought; a green tea or cucumber scent will give your home a sense of cleanliness.
The living room is usually the biggest space in the house, and it’s where we spend most of our time. It’s worth putting extra thought into getting right – and buy some bigger candles to make sure the whole room gets the benefit.
Bedroom
Lavender is usually the top choice because it encourages sleep, reduces anxiety and relaxes the nervous system.
There’s an extra advantage too: its natural oils irritate bugs. Hang it in your closet to keep moths at bay, and it will also deter tiny flying pests like flies and mosquitoes. Cockroaches don’t like it either, but unfortunately it’s only a short-term deterrent and won’t make any difference to an infestation.
Vanilla is a popular bedroom scent as it helps us feel comfortable and safe. It’s got that woody, calm aroma, and triggers nostalgia – invoking memories of making cookies with Nana, or Mom returning home from the bakery with treats.
Chamomile is sweet and fruity, and is a natural sedative, which is ideal for people with a busy mind or suffering from insomnia. A cup of chamomile tea in the living room, before you head to your chamomile-scented bedroom could be your key to a good night’s sleep.
Bathroom
Clean citrus notes will help your bathroom feel fresh, and make you feel sharp as you take your morning shower.
Citrus fragrances can also get rid of unwanted odours. The natural liquids in lemons, oranges and limes break down the bad smell which means they don’t just mask it – they get rid of it.
A little psychology is also at play. We’ve spent so many years associating lemon-scented kitchen disinfectants with cleanliness, our brain cuts to the chase. We smell citrus – we know something is clean!
Soft floral scents are also good for the bathroom, if you like to take long relaxing baths. Try jasmine as an alternative to lavender. The natural moisture and warmth of your bathroom will release jasmine’s fruity-floral notes, sending a message to your brain that it’s time to wind down.
Clean musk is a more neutral choice that will give your bathroom that fresh laundry feeling.
Home office
Pick an uplifting scent that boosts productivity. Just as citrus and green tea cleanse the body when you drink them, their fragrances can help clear the mind as you embark on that intense work assignment.
Eucalyptus is traditionally used in steam rooms and spas. If you’ve experienced that enough times, your brain will naturally link its fragrance with clear breathing and open air and prime itself for action.
Entertaining
If you’re hosting a dinner party, your home’s fragrance should subtly add ambiance without interfering with the fine aromas coming from your stovetop.
Citrus and herbs operate as a fragrance in the same way they do on a menu: they refresh the palate but don’t get in the way of the main show.
For a cocktail party, tobacco fragrances can provide a touch of glamour and sophistication. They’ve got a honeyed richness and can set off memories of family gatherings and holiday dinners. Pair them with leather or whiskey to complete the smoky, boozy vibe.
When it’s a more intimate gathering, soft spices or cashmere can make your place feel warm and welcoming.
Sources for this article include chickidee.co.uk, artes.com.au, bigelowchemists.com and neomwellbein.com.
