Have you ever noticed that a scent, whether in a cleaning product or a candle, might resonate with you in one room of your home but not in others? You're not alone!
In fact, scientists at Procter & Gamble have conducted comprehensive studies on which scents resonate most with their consumers in various rooms of the home, helping to guide their scent development. Interested in what people are drawn to for each space, I reached out to Arianna Castro, a Swiffer Scientist at P&G,to get more info. I also chatted with Kristen Pumphrey, co-founder of P.F. Candle Co., and Steve Soderholm, perfumer and co-founder of Ranger Station, on their picks for the best scents for every room.
The Entryway
There's no second chance to make a first impression, so make sure your entryway smells great when guests come in. And not just guests! After a long workday, there's nothing better than coming home to a house that smells wonderful. "When a guest first walks into your home, you want to make a statement," says Soderholm. "I love burning scents that are very top note heavy—for example, something really spicy or citrusy always gets the job done."
The Bedroom
"In the bedroom, where tranquility reigns, we discovered that consumers gravitate toward calming scents that promote relaxation and restful sleep," says Castro. She says lavender is a favorite for the bedroom, as well as fresh linen and cotton scents, as they evoke the comfort of crisp, clean sheets, creating a comfortable space where relaxation can thrive. Pumphrey says that for a calming vibe, go for lemon verbena, lavender, bergamot, or jasmine. "For a more sultry mood, go for musks, heavy woods, amber, sandalwood, cedarwood, and gardenia," she suggests.
Soderholm recommends selecting a scent that is 100% you, because this is your space and sanctuary. He says he likes to burn scents with amber notes in the bedroom.
The Living Room
As you (or your guest) enters your living space, Soderholm says he likes to choose a scent that will be comfortable for a long period of time. "Statement scents could get overwhelming to some individuals, so I like to do base scents versus something heavy," he explains. He suggests something warm and woodsy, as these are comforting to most people.
Castro points out that the living room is a space that often serves as the heart of the home. "We found that consumers seek scents that inspire warmth and connection in the living room. Tropical fruits, with their vibrant and uplifting aromas, infuse the space with a sense of adventure and joy, while fresh air scents and the comforting notes of lavender and vanilla create an inviting ambiance," she says, also pointing out that ocean scents add a refreshing touch that invites relaxation.
Pumphrey has a slightly different take, suggesting grounding, cozy, comforting scents like patchouli, cedarwood, pine, cedar, and vanilla, and rotating in notes that match the season. "Fruity florals are lovely during spring and summer, while heavier woods and spice are nice during fall and winter."
The Kitchen
The biggest takeaway in the kitchen? Avoid selecting something that will clash with cooking smells. "Fresh, herbal, neutral notes help enhance the vibe of the space," says Pumphrey. She suggests scents like rosemary, lavender, basil, chamomile, sage, thyme, mint, lemon, grapefruit, and terpenic fragrances like incense and woods.
"Our research indicates that consumers favor citrus fragrances, which energize the space and stimulate the senses, creating a refreshing atmosphere," says Castro. "Fresh air notes blend with the crisp aromas of apple and pear, resulting in a clean and inviting environment."
The Bathroom
When it comes to the bathroom, Pumphrey recommends reaching for strong, clean, fresh scents like citrus, oakmoss, fruit, eucalyptus, and lavender. Castro also mentions that the fresh and airy scents resonate well with consumers, based on their studies.
Soderholm suggests taking a risk if you're lighting a candle in a powder room when you have company over, "It's a fun space to let your personality out with a scent. Do something fun and different here—I like using something with patchouli or vetiver."
The Dining Room
"When not in use for meals, go for woody, resinous, slightly sweet, balsamic notes," says Pumphrey. She prefers scents like resin, oud, labdanum, frankincense, amber, vanilla, tonka bean, and balsam fir. "During meals, go for unscented beeswax tapers for a light honey fragrance that won’t overpower what’s on your plate," she says.
The Office
To keep the ideas flowing, Pumphrey advises choosing something that's stimulating, invigorating, and energizing. She suggests scents like rosemary, ginger, mint, bergamot, and light florals.
Read more at Real Simple
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