Home fragrances have the ability to transform any space into a vibrant tropical oasis or a grounded retreat. That’s why it’s so important to find the perfect scent that suits your lifestyle and design aesthetic.
Luckily, Egypt Sherrod, HGTV personality and interior designer, is here to help you get started. She collaborated with Air Wick and 1-800-Flowers.com on their latest home fragrance collection to help others find a long-lasting scent that will personalize their space.
“Develop a sense of home based on your authentic self,” Sherrod tells The Spruce.
The collection offers a selection of exclusive floral bouquets inspired by Air Wick’s signature home scents, combined with a complimentary Air Wick fragrance oil and the advanced plug-in or essential mist fill and diffuser. You don’t have to say goodbye to the beautiful floral notes in your home, even after your bouquet has withered.
We spoke with Sherrod about her top tips for finding the perfect home scent and how to use it effectively in your home so you can create a home you’ll enjoy stepping into every day.
Find what’s right for you
When it comes to home scents, Sherrod emphasizes the importance of finding a scent that makes you feel comfortable and happy as soon as you step into your home. Whether it’s lavender for a soothing atmosphere or linen for a touch of freshness, look for fragrance notes that create the atmosphere you look forward to when you get home after a long day.
Because everyone has different personal preferences, there are no hard and fast rules for what’s right or wrong, so explore your options until you find one that makes sense for you, Sherrod encourages.
Go to a flower shop
If you’re not sure where and how to start finding your perfect signature home scent, Sherrod recommends heading to your local flower shop to find out which ones contain the scent you feel most connected to.
“Go into a store, pick up several to smell and create combinations that you really feel good about,” says Sherrod.
Another option that Sherrod recommends is to go to 1-800-Flowers.com to view the various ready-made bouquets to get some inspiration or to create a custom bouquet from the flowers that you liked in the store. It will be delivered directly to your home and you can get a feel for it before purchasing a fragrance.
Create an experience
Choosing a home perfume should always be a deliberate process where you can evoke certain emotions or create an experience for yourself or others that feels memorable.
As a real estate agent and interior designer, Sherrod has always told her agents to start baking cookies or boiling a pot of cinnamon and orange before opening to create a cozy and warm atmosphere for guests.
“When someone tours a house, he’s not just touring with his eyes, but with all his senses,” says Sherrod. “The sense of smell really enhances the experience.”
This also applies to the specific rooms you have in your home, such as a home office or laundry room. If you want to create a vibrant space, choose lemongrass or minty notes for a home office to help you feel more energized.
Choose Designated areas
Depending on the size of your space, where you place a diffuser or plug-in can make all the difference by enhancing the ambiance of your home or making an impression when guests come over.
Sherrod personally likes to use a plug behind her front door, so it’s the first thing you smell when you walk into her house. It is hardly noticeable and makes a pleasant impression for everyone, including herself.
Try not to place plug-ins near curtains or large pieces of furniture as these can block airflow where the scent is distributed. Aim for open spaces where things can blend in seamlessly.
If you use a diffuser, style it in the center of a coffee table with other accessories such as books or decorative accents to complete the look.
Read next: 21 different types of candles and how to choose one
Read the original article on The Spruce.
