Out of all our senses, smell is the most persuasive and although we may consider it as a “hidden” element it has the ability to generate emotions and memories, as well as the power to create ambiance and mood. Read on to find out why interior designers now consider fragrance as an essential element when planning interior spaces, as well as tips on how you can use them in your home.
So, let’s start with the science – our olfactory system is a collision of biology and psychology and we perceive scent through at least 1,000 receptors. In contrast, the eye only uses three receptors to distinguish colours. Scents have an immediate and compelling effect as they are directly linked to the brain’s limbic system which is the part of the brain responsible for our memories and emotions. Therefore, scents go beyond our rational perception and have an ultimate impact on our emotions and how we feel.
When we are planning our home interiors we always consider how we can make the space look visually but it is equally relevant to consider ways to make it feel right. Our home interiors should appeal to all of our senses and it is important to consider all the elements that contribute to this such as how lighting and fragrance can really enhance, as well as change, the feeling of any space.
When working on projects both in homes and hospitality, interior designers are now strategically using interior fragrance as one of the tools in making a space reach its full potential. Consider it just as important as choosing an artwork for your wall or furniture for your space.
How to use fragrance in the home
Your fragrance tools
On a practical level there are different ways you bring scent into your home and it is likely you will want to use a combination of these:
- Reed diffusers which infuse the room with a constant background scent
- Candles which provide a warm glow and fragrance which adds atmosphere, especially when the nights are drawing in
- Room sprays for an instant hit of fragrance
- Fragrance granules / sachets which can be used in different ways to scent drawers, vases, bowls, cupboards . . . .
Different areas of your home may also have different practical requirements – consider how you might want to use fragrance as part of the experience when someone arrives to your home; areas that may need to have an instant fragrance boost such as a bathroom, kitchen or boot room and areas where you want a gentle background smell such as a bedroom or dressing room or perhaps ways to freshen up your linens and towels.
The size of your space, as well as factors such as position of heating, windows and doors will determine which of these you may want to use and which size diffuser you might pick. For example our range includes diffusers of 250ml, 500ml and 1000ml, but for maximum impact and standout, we also offer stunning 2700ml and 4300ml options, which will keep a room fragranced for a year!
For more on how to get the best out of your home fragrance tools, we recommend reading another in our blog series: Practical tips for using home fragrance in your home.
Selecting your fragrance
Then, you will want to consider the actual fragrance – you may opt to have a signature scent throughout your home or you may prefer to pick different scents according to the room, the mood you want to create or the season. Our interior fragrances are divided into 5 olfactory families:
- Woody – reassuring and decisive, expressing warmth
- Citrus – fresh, dynamic, happy and exciting
- Aromatic – Mediterranean, fresh, energetic
- Flowery – romantic, sweet, delicate, intense and engaging
- Oriental – engaging, deep, fire
Not all interior fragrances are equal!
We recommend and only sell the highest quality interior fragrance through our CULTI Milano range – the quality of the product is as good as perfume you would put on your body. The quality of the product also impacts the intensity and effectiveness of the fragrance in your home. And what we love is that CULTI Milano offers refills for your diffusers which means you can re-use the beautiful glass bottles and it is very cost-effective too.
The aesthetics
Not only do you want your home to smell beautiful, you also want to ensure the design of the item works well in your space. Our CULTI Milano range offers a number of collections to allow you to select your preferred fragrance/s and to use these in the style of bottle you prefer.
CULTI Milano was founded in 1990 by Alessandro Agrati, an eclectic interior designer, who realized the strong appeal and impact that a perfume has on its environment. CULTI Milano was the pioneer in inventing the rattan sticks which diffuse perfume in the air. An innovation that has changed the way home fragrance is used and perceived worldwide.
Today the company is one of the world’s leading brands in research, fragrance development, and quality of materials offering a stunning range of interior fragrance products. The refinement of the fragrances, combined with the elegance of the bottles and the packaging, have made the CULTI MILANO product into an undisputed style icon.
Find the perfect fragrance
For help finding an interior fragrance solution for your home, please speak to one of our team and check out our CULTI Milano collection at houseofdome.com or call us on 020 3908 5605.
