Sore question for many - given so many cancelled, rescheduled holidays and having to navigating the COVID travel traffic light system. Avoiding all of that, scent has the power to transport our minds anywhere.
It is a very powerful trigger for emotions and memories, more so than any of our other senses. Those with full olfactory function may be able to think of smells that evoke particular memories; the scent of coconut and pineapple conjures recollections sun cream being applied on the shores of a sandy beach, for example. Or the smell of Ylang Ylang makes us happy and smile knowingly remembering those “Gap Yah” trips to Thailand.
Shops use this it all the time; ‘Scent Marketing’ allows bespoke signature scents to be atomised / diffused in store. It gives customers a sense of warm familiarity to ensure they feel relaxed, engaged and willing to shop! If so successful in commercial applications, why is it not used enough in Interior Design? By its very nature the cumulative effect of the design elements in a room should be leading us through an experience or even elicit an emotion or memory. And what better way to engage with it all better than ensuring the olfactory journey matches the design moments so intentionally created.
Why not create a signature scent for your home that’s instantly recognisable and change it for the seasons? Taking it a step further – what about designating scents to different rooms in the house. Citrus notes are crisp and energising – they work well in kitchens however less so in bedrooms as you try and unwind and fall asleep. Oud is dark and romantic and works so well on chilly autumnal and winter days but might feel too heavy in spring and summer for instance.