What is scent-scaping? Experts believe we should all be doing it in our homes

Our sense of smell is incredibly powerful, and therefore any sensory element should never be underestimated when it comes to creating the right atmosphere in our homes.

The latest scent-scaping trend is a great way to embrace fragrance layering throughout the house to not only make a house smell great but also ensure every space appeals to the right senses by evoking different emotions in different rooms.

Layering fragrance allows you to switch between work, family and leisure time as you move throughout your home, creating clear zones with distinctions between activities, time and moods. Similar to emotive colour trends, you can also use scent to signify seasonal changes, making a home feel cosy in winter or light, airy, and refreshed for spring. A signature scent is another way to add the perfect finishing touch to any room, enhancing the atmosphere.

What is scent-scaping?

Scent-scaping is the art of differentiating one space from another in your home via the power of scent. Given the impact fragrance can have on the ambience of each room, it can play a hugely significant role in how each space is used. 

Similarly to how the best interior paint colours used in different rooms set the tone and create an ambience specifically for that room, scent-scaping allows your sense of smell to relate to each area of your home.

"A play on the term ‘landscape’, scent-scaping is creating distinctive environments or territories in your home through fragrance," explains master perfumer Ruth Mastenbroek from Ruth Mastenbroek Perfumer London. "You may choose to create a different atmosphere in the living room than you would in the kitchen, the bedroom or the bathroom."

Subconsciously, we make associations between the scent of a room and our purpose while we are there. So fragrance can also help us achieve a specific outcome more effectively. "For example, if we want our living room to be an inviting and comforting space, then it makes sense to choose scents that support this desire," Ruth explains.

What are the benefits of scent-scaping?

“Each smell we encounter is processed in the same part of the brain as our memories, emotions, and associative learning, meaning the connection between fragrance and emotion is powerful," explains Taylor Perlis, fragrance evaluator at Yankee Candle. "We are 100 times more likely to remember something we smell over something we touch or hear." 

"Selecting a specific fragrance for each space in your home will enable the special moments experienced in each of those rooms to have a more lasting impact, as you will be reminded of those memories each time you enter the room and inhale the signature fragrance.”

"Separating these spaces physically by using a specific scent in each can separate them in our brains too," says Ruth. "Making use of the positivity that is triggered by different fragrances for different activities."

Here's how to fragrance your home to create a signature scent for each room...

How to apply scent-scaping to your home

When determining how to use scents around your home, it's important to have a clear outline of how you want to feel in each room because that emotion will determine and influence your choice of scent. Choosing signature scents is also the perfect opportunity to add personality to your home.

"Our sense of smell works by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages through the nervous system and onto the part of the brain that controls emotions, the limbic system," explains Jo Kellet, the founder of From the Seed, and aromatherapist and essential oils expert on behalf of Tisserand Aromatherapy. 

Here are the scents and fragrance notes experts recommend for every room in the house...

Best fragrances for kitchens

As a room that naturally stirs up many different scents throughout the day, from freshly brewed coffee in the morning to an aromatic spiced dish for dinner, the best scents for kitchens are fresh fragrances that don't overpower.  And while it feels challenging to make your kitchen smell good, certain scent families can really help cut through.

"When it comes to the kitchen, fresh and zesty fragrances are most impactful as they can cut through the intensity of cooking smells," says Taylor. "I would recommend opting for one which balances zesty, bold citrus notes with a touch of fruity sweetness."

Best fragrance for bedrooms

As a personal sanctuary, it is imperative that you feel calm and at peace in a bedroom, which is why the best bedroom paint colours are also so key for setting the right tone. The overall decor should be tailored to aid a restorative mindset and achieve the best night's sleep possible.

"We would recommend avoiding anything too fresh and invigorating in the bedroom, as this is a place you are likely to rest and sleep in,' says Ruth. "So avoid anything too citrus (lemon, lime, bergamot, grapefruit, orange), or minty. Instead, you could opt for floral notes of jasmine or neroli, mingling with a touch of citrus, vanilla and ambers. Herbal concoctions can help calm the mind and bring peace before bed." 

"Lavender is known for its sleep-enhancing properties, so a fragrance which incorporates that botanical aroma is recommended," says Taylor.

Best fragrance for living rooms

Being a busy room but a space that needs to hold an air of relaxation, the living room is tricky when it comes to selecting the ideal home fragrance. "For the living room, something a little cosier and more ambient is appropriate," says Taylor. "The design of the candle itself is also something to consider in this space."

"In the living room, go for a fragrance that matches your interiors," suggested Ruth. "It could be lighter and fresher floral or woody scents to match your Scandi neutral tones; rose, peony, sandalwood and musks would be perfect.

Best fragrances for hallways

As the entrance to your home, this scent needs to make a good first impression and will go hand in hand with making your hallway welcoming

"This is the space in which you welcome guests, so the aroma should be inviting and not too overpowering," Taylor suggests. "A fresh and breezy fragrance works perfectly in this part of the home."

"I’m imagining a warm and enveloping scent in the hallway," says Ruth. "Woods, patchouli, ambers and a burst of citrus would be perfect, welcoming you home as you enter the front door."

Best fragrance for home offices

The home office should be a place of focus; therefore, it pays to welcome a fragrance which doesn’t overwhelm. The last thing you want is a scent that acts as a distraction.

"Subtly is the name of the game here," says Taylor. "So I would opt for an aroma which feels as though you’re bringing the outdoors in. Anything with the fragrance of evergreens works well.”

FAQs

How should you scent scape within a small home?

Don't let limited space limit the potential to embrace the scent-scaping ideology. “Focus on more subtle aromas in each space so that they don’t overlap and overwhelm," says Taylor. "Light, fresh fragrances, with more complex and defining undertones, are the best options for scent-scaping in smaller homes.”

What is the best scent to make your house smell good?

From your bestselling scented candles to fragrant houseplants, there are a lot of fragrances to choose from. Is there one that is better than the rest?

"Choosing the best scent depends on the atmosphere you want to create. Citrus notes like lemon or orange are fresh and uplifting, perfect for kitchens and bathrooms," explains Gareth Davies, Design Director at Classic Interiors.

"Warm scents like vanilla, sandalwood or cedar add comfort and richness, great for living rooms and bedrooms. Floral fragrances can bring a gentle, calming vibe," he adds.

So whilst there isn't technically a supreme smell, you can find the perfect fit once you've decided on the vibe of your space.

Gareth Davies

Gareth is the Design Director at Classic Interiors. He oversees all designs created by the design team at Classic Interiors and enjoys taking on client projects of his own, as time allows. A lot of his time is consumed with showroom design and at Classic Interiors he ensures their design team put a huge emphasis on understanding what the client wants to achieve with the space.

How to layer scents in a home?

Should you be struggling to pick just one scent for your home, then you can layer them, but you just need to make sure you're aromas complement each other.

"Layering scents means selecting complementary fragrances that can coexist without clashing. For example, pairing lavender with eucalyptus or vanilla with cinnamon. Start with a base scent from diffusers or candles, then add lighter touches with sprays or sachets in different rooms," says Gareth.

Why not try making your outdoor space smell good too with some of the best fragrant plants for a garden? Scentscaping needn't be limited to inside.