The Art of Scent-Scaping: How To Layer Fragrances to Set the Mood

The Art of Scent-Scaping: How To Layer Fragrances to Set the Mood

Suzie Anderson | Owner of Suzie Anderson Home Suzie Anderson | Owner of Suzie Anderson Home
8 minute read

What is Scent-Scaping?

Scent-scaping is a term that may be unfamiliar to many but is one of the keys to transforming your living space. Scent-scaping is the practice of using various scents to define and enhance different areas of your living space, creating distinct olfactory environments that complement activities, time of day, and mood.

Have you ever walked into a room and felt transported to another time or place?

Picture this: stepping into your kitchen and being greeted by the zesty aroma of citrus, instantly lifting your spirits and energizing your senses. Or settling into your living room, enveloped in a warm and inviting fragrance that fosters connection and relaxation. And as you retreat to your bedroom, a soothing scent fills the air, gently coaxing you into a deep sleep.

But scent-scaping isn't just reserved for large spaces. Even on a smaller scale, you can infuse your closets, wardrobes, and drawers with delightful fragrances using scented wax tablets or essential oil diffusers.

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The Positive Impact of Scent-Scaping

Why does this matter? Our sense of smell, often overlooked in favor of sight and sound, profoundly shapes our emotions and memories, impacting how we experience a space.

So how can you embark on your scent-scaping journey? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  1. Aromatherapy Diffusers: Harness the therapeutic power of essential oils to tailor the atmosphere to your needs. Lavender for relaxation, citrus for revitalization, eucalyptus for a refreshing boost—there's a scent for every mood.

  2. Bath and Body Care: A luxurious soap pump bottle and diffuser for a refreshing scent in the bathroom.
  3. Scented Candles and Sprays: For a quick and easy way to infuse your home with fragrance, opt for lightly scented candles and room sprays that evoke your desired ambiance.

  4. Natural Elements: Incorporate lightly scented flowers and natural materials like wood and limestone into your decor to bring the outdoors in and naturally freshen the air.

  5. Linen Refresh: Treat your bedding, cushions, and upholstery to a spritz of linen spray to keep them smelling fresh and inviting. Another ideas is a light pillow spray to create a serene atmosphere in the bedroom.

  6. Ventilation and Purification: Invest in proper ventilation and air purification systems to ensure a consistently clean and pleasant-smelling environment.

Introducing scent-scaping as part of your home ritual adds a personal touch, creating a unique olfactory experience that associates specific emotions and significance with your living space.

If you find the concept of layering multiple scents daunting, you can simplify by curating a collection of fragrances and rotating them seasonally, to suit various activities, or according to different rooms in your home.

Some Most-Loved Brands to Start Your Scent-Scaping Journey

The Raconteur

The Raconteur is an artisanal luxury fragrance brand based in Sydney, Australia. Their primary motivation for establishing themselves as a niche natural perfume house stems from their dedication to narrating the tales of Australia's native botanical plants. They believe that natural ingredients offer a greater depth and vibrancy in comparison to their synthetic alternatives.

L'Entrepreneur | Homme | Old Bank Atelier Candle

L'Entrepreneur | Homme | Old Bank Atelier Candle

$90.00

In celebration of our passion for Antiques, History and all things European, we have created these SAH Exclusive Candles, L’entrepreneur Homme & L’entrepreneuse Femme. Derived from the French verb 'Entreprendre' meaning 'to undertake', these candles are a salute to entrepreneurial spirit,… read more

L'entrepreneuse | Femme | Old Bank Atelier Candle

L'entrepreneuse | Femme |  Old Bank Atelier Candle

$90.00

In celebration of our passion for Antiques, History and all things European, we have created these SAH Exclusive Candles, L’entrepreneur Homme & L’entrepreneuse Femme. Derived from the French verb 'Entreprendre' meaning 'to undertake', these candles are a salute to entrepreneurial spirit, honouring those who undertake… read more

Trudon Candles

Celebrated worldwide, Trudon is the oldest candlemaker, founded on Rue Saint-Honoré in 1643.

From the unforgettable fragrances formulated by master perfumers to the exquisite champagne-bucket-inspired glass vessels handmade in Italy, Trudon has perfected its craft throughout its hundreds of years of experience.

Rich in history and quality, Trudon determined the scent of Louis XIV's royal court centuries before we started appreciating the candles as statement pieces for our homes.

Another investment-worthy item is the La Promeneuse and cameos, the most divine-smelling wax melts and melting dishes. The evocative fragrance and slow burn of the La Promeneuse is a daily ritual for me as I light it before my morning meditation.

Cire Trudon La Promeneuse Coffret

Cire Trudon La Promeneuse Coffret

$499.00

Diffuser by Cire Trudon La Promeneuse is a decorative object designed to diffuse the Cire Trudon fragrances. After placing a cameo in the ceramic dish, light a night-light beneath it. The heated cameo will melt and spread its fragrance rapidly… read more

Cire Trudon Josephine Scented Cameos | 4 Pack

Cire Trudon Josephine Scented Cameos | 4 Pack

$47.00

  Box of 4 Scented Cameos - Josephine The scented cameo wax goes on the ceramic dish of La Promeneuse. Once the night-light is lit, the heated cameo will melt and spread its fragrance rapidly into the air. Notes: Head: Bergamot,… read more

Here are just some of the reasons I believe Trudon candles are investment-worthy option for your scent-scaping journey include:

  1. Trudon products are handmade in Normandy, France. 

  2. The wicks are made of quality cotton.

  3. The wicks are hand positioned in the centre and cut at a specific height to ensure an optimal first burn.

  4. Upon completion, each candle comes in a customised box, recognisable with the Trudon emblems and attributes affixed by hand.

  5. The vessels are champagne bucket inspired.
  6. These vessels can be reused as vases, ice buckets, or decorative containers. Simply put the candle in the freezer to dry the remaining wax before removing it and washing the vessel.

  7. The Trudon wick extinguisher forms the ideal companion to your candle care routine. 

I believe two of the most iconic Trudon candle fragrances are Abd El Kadar and Ernesto. I also recommend their latest collection, 'Versailles'. 

Trudon | Versailles Diffuser

Trudon | Versailles Diffuser

$339.00

Handcrafted in the same glass manufacture than the candles, the Diffuser is topped with a 100% recyclable aluminum ring. Through it, you place 8 natural, black rattan sticks. This is a 350ml fluted container adorned with a gold emblem. The diffuser… read more

The Aromatherapy Company

Founded in New Zealand in 1990, The Aromatherapy Company has emerged as a frontrunner in the realm of home fragrance and body care.

Among their esteemed brands, Smith & Co., a recent addition to Suzie Anderson Home, introduces a touch of sophistication to your daily routines and rituals, from the subtle yet enduring fragrances to the beautiful vessels and soft mood lighting, they offer a range of fragrances to elevate your living space.

Smith & Co Candle | Tonka & White Musk

Smith & Co Candle | Tonka & White Musk

$39.95

Enhance your ambiance with the captivating scent of Smith & Co. Candle in Tonka & White Musk. Crafted with 250g of premium soy wax, this candle delivers a clean, long-lasting burn, enveloping your space in a delightful fragrance that uplifts… read more

Smith & Co Hand & Body Wash | Amber & Freesia

Smith & Co Hand & Body Wash | Amber & Freesia

$29.95

Indulge in luxurious cleansing with Smith & Co Hand & Body Wash, infused with the delightful fragrance of Amber & Freesia. Enriched with nourishing Kakadu Plum Oil and Marula Oil, this formula gently cleanses and hydrates, leaving your skin feeling… read more

The Different Fragrance Families

According to Aromatherapy Co. some of the most sought-after fragrances fall into these categories:

Citrus

Citrus fragrances offer a burst of freshness and vitality, capturing the essence of luscious lemon, tangy grapefruit, and zesty lime blended with invigorating aromatic undertones and hints of bergamot. Their revitalizing qualities make them ideal for any season, evoking memories of sun-drenched days with their bold, tart notes.

citrus scent-scaping

Fresh

Fresh fragrances exude cleanliness, clarity, and vitality, evoking the great outdoors. With crisp sea spray, soft cotton, and invigorating marine accords, they create an effervescent aroma that uplifts and revitalizes. Like a breath of fresh air, these scents capture sunshine and sea breeze, infusing your space with a refreshing ambiance.

fresh scent-scaping

Floral

Floral fragrances celebrate spring's abundance with delicate petals, oriental florals, and subtle woody undertones. Evoking images of freshly cut bouquets and enchanting garden parties, they are soft, sweet, and feminine, capturing the essence of romance and natural beauty to fill your space with captivating allure.

floral scent-scaping

Gourmand

Gourmand fragrances indulge with creamy, sweet aromas resembling delectable desserts. Featuring notes of creme caramel, candied sugar, toffee, and vanilla bean, they offer a luxurious sensory experience. Balancing sweetness with a hint of spice, these scents evoke the allure of gourmet treats, enveloping your space in pure indulgence.

caramel scent-scaping

Fruity

Fruity fragrances energize with vibrant scents of ripe berries, apple, peach, and mango, complemented by creamy coconut and musk undertones for warmth and depth.

fruity fragrance

Woody

Woody fragrances exude a captivating blend of spice and masculinity, featuring robust notes intertwined with the allure of smoldering leather and tobacco. This aromatic family encompasses the rich depths of oud, the earthy essence of moss, the timeless elegance of cedar and sandalwood, as well as the rugged charm of patchouli and vetiver roots and leaves. With their complex and smoky allure, woody fragrances add an air of sophistication and mystery to any space, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

woody scentscaping

Oriental

Oriental fragrances evoke indulgence and seduction, inspired by exotic Orient spices. This luxurious scent category includes enveloping perfumes like incense and amber, with spicy hints of cinnamon and star anise. Delving into fragrance history, Oriental scents feature deep, woody blends reminiscent of perfumery's origins. With their complex allure, they create an atmosphere of opulence, perfect for moments of allure and indulgence.

oriental scent-scaping

Aromatic

Aromatic fragrances combine the freshness of garden herbs like sage, mint, basil, and lavender with leafy green notes, creating a woody allure. These scents evoke the outdoors with a light and airy aroma, enhanced by playful citrus accents, making them perfect for refreshing and uplifting any space.

aromatic scent-scaping

Curating Comfort with Scent-Scaping

For example, some scents that are closely associated with feelings of comfort include:

  • Vanilla: Vanilla has a warm, sweet, and comforting aroma that can evoke feelings of relaxation and happiness.

  • Lavender: Lavender has a calming and soothing scent that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Its aroma is often used in aromatherapy and relaxation techniques.

  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon has a warm and inviting scent that can be associated with home cooking and baking. 

  • Freshly brewed coffee: Its aroma is often associated with mornings and starting the day off on the right foot.

  • Roses: Roses have a sweet and romantic scent that can evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation. 

  • Baked Goods: Baked goods such as fresh bread, or the sweet aroma of homemade pastries, cookies, or cakes, can offer a sense of comfort, welcome, and nostalgia.

By embracing scent-scaping, you can transform your home into a haven that not only looks beautiful but also delights the senses. 

Incorporating a variety of complementary aromas strategically throughout your home can facilitate smoother transitions between different activities and enhance your overall well-being. Whether it's the energizing scent of citrus to kickstart your workday, the calming aroma of lavender to unwind during leisure time, or the warm fragrance of vanilla to foster family connections, each scent can evoke specific emotions and set the tone for the moment.

By establishing scent zones within your home, you can create an environment where every space contributes to a harmonious and uplifting atmosphere, ultimately enriching your daily experiences.

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