BWG Lifestyle Club

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Make Your Home Always Smell Great

There's always something about scents that evoke a memory or feeling. I pass by a laundromat, and the smell of the detergent instantly brings me back to a Saturday afternoon with my mum at home. A certain brand of aftershave reminds me of my old flame, and the scent of chestnut gives me the feeling of luxury and warmth.

Science backs that up. A 2014 study even says that smells trigger memories better than sight. More than that, good smells also promote better well-being. In a previous article titled, "Benefits of Burning Scented Candles At Home," we talked about some great positive effects scents have on our self-care.

Today, we are going to talk about making your home always smell great. Decorations and interiors make a good apartment stunning, but when it gives off a bit of a funky smell, it just messes up with the whole ambience.

Our goal is for you or your friends to be greeted with a signature aroma the moment they walk into your home.

Look for a strong scent. "Throw" is a term used to describe the power of smell and its ability to fill up space. Go for ones that have a strong smell even when it's unlit. You'll have to take the time and effort to explore which ones work for you.

Avoid Masking Odours. This is a common but grave mistake homeowners make when trying to freshen up a room. Masking odours with a candle won't work well. Say you've had fish for dinner, or your dog makes a stink, what do you do? If you hide the unpleasant smell with another powerful scent, you will end up with both odours competing in the room. Crack open a window and turn on the fans instead. Allow the offending smell to air out first before you light your candle to bring in the fresh scent.

Think Beyond Candles. We love candles, but it's definitely not for everyone (We see you, mums!) Other options for an aromatic home include: essential oil diffusers (we've got you covered at BWG Botanics), linen sprays (lightly mist your couch and rugs), and scented soaps. You can strategically place scented soaps with their fancy wrapping as part of your decor.

Consider The Purpose of The Room. A "woodsy" smell may dress up and elevate your reading room but it won't do any good for your kitchen. Each area of your house has a different purpose, so one smell won't work in all spaces. Pro Tip: Consider the time of day when selecting scents. Lifestyle guru, Cynthia O'Hara says,

"Try lemony candles in the kitchen during the day, when a refreshing scent is welcome, and then vanilla in the later afternoon or evening, when a cosier feeling is desired."

Lavender would be a great smell for your bedroom. You can diffuse essential oils before going to bed, or dab a few onto your pillow.

Try these easy and helpful tips to make your home always smell great and help you relax. But please, do not ever leave your house or go to bed with candles still lit!