A fragrant home is not only welcoming, but also impacts your state of mind. Here are a few ways that can help you achieve just that.

Did you know that a fragrance can trigger various emotions within you? A particular scent has the power to remind you of someone or some place just because that scent is associated with it. That’s exactly why a particular perfume would remind you of someone; in fact, a pleasant smell has a positive effect on your mind and helps elevate your mood. Thus, keeping a few good scented candles and diffusers handy is helpful; it will also help when guests are visiting. A fresh smelling room is always pleasant and inviting; walking into a beautifully fragrant home indicates that the house is loved and cared for.

When there is a peculiar smell to a room, you are immediately drawn to a memory. You do remember a distinctive smell of your grandmother’s home, right? Scents do have a way of playing with your mood; it can make you nostalgic or take you back in time in a second. Ishaan Sarna, CEO at Sammsara says, “People have started realising the benefits of potpourri and aromatic candles; they not only make your room smell better, but also have certain oils that are good for health. From an accessory point of view, potpourri and scented candles are essential for bathrooms. Diffusers are very useful in other areas of the house, as they also work as a shield against mosquitoes.”

Candles

Candles do add an instant ambience to any room. It is a very common practice to use scented candles and fragrant sprays on a daily basis to relax and conjure up a dreamy atmosphere. The flicker of a flame and the aroma of candles help to add a touch of serenity, freshness and relaxation in homes. Although candles are a little tricky, the thumb rule is to opt for a candle, which has a strong scent when unlit. Candle do come with a safety hazard; do not ever leave the candle unattended; blow out the candle when leaving the room. Also do not light the candle near curtains or other flammable items; ensure the candle is placed on a smooth, sturdy surface so that it doesn’t topple over.

If you have a few unused scented candles, store them in your wardrobe, drawers, neglected corners, behind the curtains, etc. This way the scent that they emit will make the space aromati

Incense sticks

Hemil Parikh, founder, Elysium Abodes LLP helps us dig into our traditional form of scent and says, “Incense sticks are one of the best ways to fill our homes with wonderful and fragrant scents as they release fragrance when burned. Incense sticks come in various scents and when burnt, release a soothing and pleasant aroma into the air, which makes the home smell good.”

Diffusers and aromatic oils

Diffusers are a great way to add constant fragrance into our homes. They soak up the fragrance oil, disperse scents into the air and last until all the fragrance oil evaporates.

“Whether you are looking for a clean and crisp aroma for your bathroom or a soothing and relaxing scent for your bedroom, essential oils are everything you need. The gorgeous scents of the aromatic oils is what makes them everyone’s favourite. They not only smell good, but also contain therapeutic properties,” Parikh adds.

Potpourri

The fragrance of ourri can indeed do wonders to your mood. Potpourri is merely a bowl that is made up of a mixture of dried flowers, natural herbs, spices, essential oils, etc. You can place the potpourri in your living room and enjoy the sweet fragrance all around your house every time you enter.

Diy

• Although it may seem basic, but most people underestimate this step – open all the windows and allow air circulation and get rid of the stale smell;

• Adding plants in your home is more than just décor; they also help keep foul smell at bay;

• Baking soda can be used as a carpet deorderizer. Just sprinkle some on your carpet – you can also add some essential oil to make it extra fragrant;

• Adding fresh flowers to your decor will also help keep your home smelling fresh;

• You can make a linen spray by mixing essential oil of your choice with water in a spray bottle. Spritz the liquid in your room or on your couch to instantly refresh the room;

• Take some water in a saucepan and add lemon slices, herbs, a few drops of essential oil and bring to boil on slow heat. This works like a potpourri but is more potent. This is also a great way of putting your orange and lemon peels to use;

• Simmer water in a small saucepan and add citrus slices and herbs, like lavender or mint. The heat permeates the sweet scent throughout your house;

• Do remember to empty the trash as it could contribute to a lingering foul smell.

Poona mahimkar, Times Property, The Times of India, Chennai