Beyond Aesthetics: Elevating with Scent
Platitudes are corny because they’re overused, but the matter of fact is that they’re useful because they still hold truth. Today we’re going to discuss two platitudes related to your home.
The first is that first impressions matter. When someone steps into your home, smell is the one of the first elements someone takes in. It’s the first note rather in the symphony of your space. Companies actually think about this a lot to drive their branding. Think about it — you almost always know you’re near an Abercrombie or Delta Sky Lounge or in a specific hotel because you smell it. Smell’s a key part of brand association, pattern recognition, and memory-making.
This brings me to the second truism, which is that comfort is king. Your home is a reflection of you—your style, your personality, and what brings you comfort. It’s your personal retreat and sanctuary from the chaos of the world. Scent plays a vital role in setting the feeling of your space from the very first second you or someone else steps inside. Today, we’re going to explore how to complete your space through smell and give off the comfort and impression you want for yourself and others.
The scent of your space should feel quintessentially you and seamlessly integrate with the interior design of the rest of your apartment or home. Whether you have cool tile floors, rich dark wood, or airy light wood, the right scent can make walking into your room an olfactory masterpiece. Let’s dive into the best scents based on your aesthetics.
Sleek Tiling & Modern Spaces // Diptyque Oyedo
Notes: Japanese Yuzu, Green Mandarin, Thyme
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Price: $76
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Notes: Japanese Yuzu, Green Mandarin, Thyme -- Price: $76 --
Sleek or simple tile flooring brings both an air and literal coolness of air to a place. However, modern spaces with tiles or smooth interiors like cement need pops of color in them to avoid being dull. The pops of color draw your attention to the uniqueness of the specific items rather than the larger surroundings. The perfect scent profile for these spaces is Diptyque’s Oyedo because of how it harmonizes like a pop of color.
Inspired by a Japanese garden, the scent pairs beautifully with crisp, citrus-forward scents that add brightness and energy to the space. It’s a really elegant blend of vibrant Japanese yuzu, zesty green mandarin, and a pinch of aromatic thyme. If your entryway features contemporary decor and/or high-gloss finishes, the smell and color of this candle fits right into the modern aesthetic while adding a touch of refined energy.
Light Woods & Scandinavian Aesthetic // Byredo Cotton Poplin
Notes: Blue Chamomile, Linen, White Cedarwood, Musk
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Price: $99
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Notes: Blue Chamomile, Linen, White Cedarwood, Musk -- Price: $99 --
Light wood floors lean towards a Scandinavian or Japandi aesthetic—bright, airy, and effortless. With minimalist aesthetics, a scent should seamlessly blend into the space, adding an understated layer of sophistication that complements the clean, sleek lines and overall ambiance, rather than drawing attention to itself.
One of my favorite picks for these spaces is the Swedish brand Byredo’s Cotton Poplin. It’s a delicate yet grounding scent featuring fresh chamomile and crisp linen with a warm base of white cedarwood and musk. The goal of this candle is meant to evoke the feeling of fresh linens. Its subtle, clean elegance complements light cabinetry and woven textures like rattan to add refined depth to the space.
Industrial-Chic & Exposed Elements // Apotheke Charcoal
Notes: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Smoky Amber, Leather
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Price: $46
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Notes: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Smoky Amber, Leather -- Price: $46 --
Alas, my personal favorite aesthetic, ‘le chic industriel’ where form follows function. Industrial-chic vibes are all about embracing raw beauty and seeing elegance in the unfinished architecture. These spaces are defined by exposed structural elements like steel beams, brick walls, and concrete floors and finished with sleek, contemporary finishes. To complete the vibe, you’ll want a fragrance that emulates that primitive yet polished feel. Said differently, the right scent will marry edginess and warmth to complement the space’s materiality.
Apotheke’s Charcoal candle is a perfect fit for the natural look. A characterizing raspberry, burnt maple, cinnamon and smoky embers brings a layer of warmth (maple), groundedness (wood embers) and refinement (cinnamon) to the area. Lastly, the matte black holders also add to the industrialized ambiance.
Airy, Open Spaces and Natural Light // Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Notes: Sage, Sea Salt, Ambrette Seeds
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Price: $82
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Notes: Sage, Sea Salt, Ambrette Seeds -- Price: $82 --
If it were a math equation airy + open spaces + natural lighting = calm, clean, and inviting. The aesthetic relies on simplicity and an uncluttered sense of openness to create a serene atmosphere. I often find these spaces exhibit varying degrees of minimalism—think light wood floors, clean lines, and large windows. Naturally, a fragrance should mirror the primness of the lines and vibrancy of the sunlight in an offering that’s refreshing but not overwhelmingly so.
Drawing from the British seaside, Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt candle (or diffuser!) is an ideal choice to complete the look. The blend of fresh sage, sea salt, and ambrette seeds creates a breezy, natural vibe that complements the openness of the room. It adds just enough freshness to uplift the space without drawing attention.
Rustic & Farmhouse Feels // Le Labo Laurier 62
Notes: Laurel, Cedarwood, Amber, Musk
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Price: $87
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Notes: Laurel, Cedarwood, Amber, Musk -- Price: $87 --
Rustic, farmhouse-inspired spaces are built on an earthy connection to nature using reclaimed wood, stone accents, and vintage touches. The rugged tone is grounded with an emphasis on organic textures and timeless pieces like a vintage clock or a wooden rocking chair. A great scent in these spaces should bring some warmth and historical elegance to complement the decor.
These spaces make me think of Le Labo’s Laurier 62, especially the version that comes in a tin can. Laurier is the synthesis of herbs like rosemary, thyme, cloves, and eucalyptus with patchouli and sandalwood. It’s a rich, herbaceous warmth that echoes the organic materials of the space. With it’s earthy sophistication. Laurier 62 offers elegance in rustic, farmhouse feels.
Bohemian & Free-Spirited Vibes // P.F. Candle Co Patchouli Sweetgrass
Notes: Patchouli, Sweetgrass, Smoke, Amber
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Price: $24
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Notes: Patchouli, Sweetgrass, Smoke, Amber -- Price: $24 --
Bohemian-inspired spaces are eclectic, earthy, and full of personality. These rooms are all about mixing textures, colors, and patterns, from macramé wall hangings to layered textiles. The vibe is carefree and welcoming, with a rich, lived-in feel that feels both comfortable and unique. To complete the boho aesthetic, you’ll want a fragrance that adds to the free-spirited nature of the space.
P.F. Candle Co.’s Patchouli Sweetgrass is a natural fit for a bohemian space. The brand characterizes the scent as ‘A windows-open, incense-burning Saturday with nowhere to be.’… you’re already envisioning window light shining on rattan furniture and colorful rugs, I know, très boho chic, am I right? The candle blends patchouli, sweetgrass, cream, and smoke in a way that feels symbiotic with bohemia’s earthy textures and vibrant colors. Patchouli Sweetgrsss is on the of the most fitting candles to seamlessly add soul to a room full of personality.
Darker Woods and Interiors // Trudon Ernesto
Notes: Leather, Tobacco, Amber
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Price: $125
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Notes: Leather, Tobacco, Amber -- Price: $125 --
Dark woods and paints bring richness and sophistication to a space. To round out the desired atmosphere, you’ll usually pair these spaces with warm lighting (we love an Edison bulb) and textured finishes like leather or velvet to round out the atmosphere. From a scent perspective, you’ll want the same effect as the lighting — enhance the dark tones’ depth while inviting a layer of intriguing complexity.
Paying homage to a Cuban hotel, Trudon’s Ernesto is an ideal match for these spaces, featuring an opulent blend of rum, leather, tobacco, and amber. This candle's smoky notes evoke an enigmatic sense of grandeur, creating a captivating ambiance that draws people in without dominating the space. The warm amber balances the boldness of the dark interiors while the leather notes accentuate the surrounding textures. Through its finishing effect, Ernesto can make a dark space feel both intimate and inviting.
