Five tips for adding refreshing scents at home
With the weather getting balmy and warm in most parts of the country, it’s time to finally open the windows and let the fresh air in.
To create an appealing environment, a key aspect is appealing to the senses. And a key sense that can provide long-lasting appeal at home is smell.
Smell is a sense many people are sensitive to, and incorporating it into an environment should be done with thought and care.
Often I suggest an environment that is odor-neutral — one that is fresh and clean, as opposed to one that is perfumed or over-scented.
If you’re looking for ways to involve scent into your environment I suggest natural scents, not plug-ins, incense or sprays.
My top five scents are:
1. Fresh lavender: Lavender is a wonderful scent for the home. Place it in gauze spice bags (available in any grocery store in the spice aisle) or in open jars.
2. Eucalyptus: This is a natural plant that packs a powerful aroma.
3. Rosemary and mint: These traditional herbs are wonderful when placed around the home in creative ways.
4. Fresh lemon or lime: Citrus scents are fresh, clean and crisp and a wonderful way to add an appealing aroma.
Squeeze fresh lemon or lime in water for floating candles or freshly cut flowers, or have them on display.
5. Scents of clean burning soy-based candles: Soy-based candles are natural, they smell great and come in sumptuous varieties.
Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at www.cathyhobbs.com.
