For those looking to update their home this summer, a great place to start is with your chosen scent. Here, a fragrance expert at NEXT has provided YCB readers with insights into the on-trend scents of the summer and how to choose a signature smell for your home.
Studies have shown that scents play a big part in our emotions and have strong links to memory, so finding a smell that we love for our homes is a great way to create a welcoming, comfortable environment. NEXT have seen a 199% increase in onsite searches over the last week for ‘reed diffusers’, suggesting that many of us are looking for new home scents.
Almost four in five Brits (78%) say that they are conscious about their home scent and the impression it creates for visitors, whilst over two-thirds (70%) of people say that they notice scent when entering people’s homes. Whether you’re a regular host or are trying to sell your home, creating an ambient setting through scent can be very impactful.
Famously we can become ‘nose-blind’ to the smells in our homes, so finding a pleasant and unique scent for your space can be a tough task. A home fragrance buyer and scent expert at NEXT has offered their top tips on finding your signature scent and how best to disperse them, along with insights into trending notes for the season.
- Find your favourite base notes
“When it comes to choosing a scent for your home, looking at the individual notes within the product is key. It’s particularly important to find base notes that you love. These are the notes that will last the longest and you will find that they linger in your home. These tend to be deep, rich scents – often woody or oud.
“The middle notes (also known as the heart notes) tend to be what really differentiates the fragrance. These make up the majority of the scent and are often full bodied, fruity or floral.
“Top notes are the most volatile part of the scent and will be the most noticeable when first sprayed or lit. These tend to be dominant at first but will subside to let the middle and base notes shine through. Often these are fresh, sharp, scents that come from fruit or herb families – such as lemon, coriander or saffron.”
- Consider notes that make you feel ‘at home’
“Choosing a scent for your home isn’t necessarily the same as finding your signature perfume or aftershave. The best choice for your home fragrance is one that makes you feel restful and doesn’t overwhelm your sense of smell.
“Calming ‘spa’ like scents (including anything with white tea, bergamot and lavender) are light but soothing and help to make us feel relaxed and at ease. Alternatively, ‘Sea Salt’ fragrances can remind us of holidays on the coast and being with our families – evoking a sense of contentment that feels refreshing.”
- Switch your scent with the seasons
“Switching up your home fragrances throughout the year can really refresh a living space. Opt for calming and clean scents earlier in the year – like fresh linens, cotton or white tea. Floral, citrus or coastal fragrances are lovely throughout spring and summer and help to bring the feeling of outdoors in.
“Cosy fragrances can really help to set the mood when we head into autumn and winter – this could be a classic spicy Christmas scent of clove & cinnamon, a smoky fireside wood, or a gorgeous deep scent of fresh cut pine.”
- Placement of fragrance sources is important
“Place your diffusers and candles somewhere central within the room, above mid-level height and in an open area if possible, so you can utilise any airflow to fill the room with the scent. Using surfaces like sideboards or nests of tables to place them close to seating areas helps you to feel the full impact of the scent when using the room.
“We advise keeping diffusers & candles out of direct sunlight to avoid the oils evaporating. Also take care when placing them near windows or doors, particularly if they are draughty as this may reduce the potency of the scent.”
- Don’t be afraid to mix scents
“Whether you choose to have the same scent throughout the home or different scents for each room, it all comes down to personal preference and the size of a property. Smaller properties could get overwhelmed with too many fragrances so it may be best to stick to one or two key scents. Whereas larger properties can get away with a few more. If you do have the space, using scents to create different ambiences and zones within your home can be really impactful.
“You may want to have a fresh, clean smell in the bathroom and a more woody, aromatic vibe in your living room. Consider the purpose of each room and the feelings you want to evoke in there before choosing a scent.”
For those who want to be on-trend with their home fragrance choices, the team at NEXT have shared their insights into the most popular scents this summer:
“Woody base notes are proving to be very popular at the moment; they add a lovely depth and sophistication to a fragrance. Aromatic, sweet smelling woods like cedarwood and sandalwood are some of the most popular notes to use in both men and women’s perfumes.
“We’re seeing emerging trends in gourmand fragrances – those that feature sweet, food related ingredients. Warm scents like vanilla and almond that feel like a cosy embrace are becoming more and more common within the fragrance ranges of high end brands.
“Scents relating to wellness continue to be a huge trend too – anything associated with relaxation. Lavender & bergamot scents are not going anywhere!”
To shop home fragrance and try out new scents in your home, visit the NEXT website.
