When winter shows its less friendly side, our home can become the best refuge, both physically and emotionally, a place where you want to be. Something that decisively contributes to this is its scent, due to the well-demonstrated role that aromas play in our well-being. "Our sense of smell is directly connected to the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that regulates emotions and memory. This means that, even without realizing it, scents can modulate mood, create a feeling of comfort, or increase attention," explains Mylène Thioux, the Parisian perfumer from Equivalenza and creator of Fine Fragrances who has been developing delicate fragrances for the home for almost three decades. She confesses that the scent of her home greatly influences how she feels and even her "concentration" when working, which is why she has a different aroma for each room. Now, in the living room, she likes to light candles that smell like wood, sandalwood, cedar, or vanilla, because "these types of fragrances make reading afternoons or dinners much more cozy," she states. On the other hand, in her bedroom, Mylène prefers more comforting aromas, with soft notes like lavender or jasmine, which "help her disconnect and relax at the end of the day," she adds.
The size and use of each room are not the only things to consider when perfuming a home. "The temperature, humidity, or even ventilation greatly affect how we perceive a scent," the perfumer advances. In other words, the aroma changes with the climate of each season, and this must be taken into account to get it right. "In autumn and winter, the cold and shorter days make us crave cozy spaces that provide comfort. In my home, I have woody notes (sandalwood, cedar, vetiver), soft oriental (amber, vanilla), or gourmand (cocoa, honey). On the other hand, in spring and summer, I opt for fresher and lighter ones, such as citrus (bergamot, mandarin), soft herbal (leaves, eucalyptus), or gentle floral (lavender, light jasmine)," she says.
And although the scent of our home should change, "just like we change clothes every day," insists the perfumer, we need to find our olfactory signature. This should be "a note that is always present, even if subtly, in passageways like the hallway, and that everyone can recognize as your own, something your environment associates with your home. That note will create a sense of home," she recommends, suggesting "a touch of white musk, soft amber, or light wood."
However, there is one scent that can be used all year round and always leaves the best impression when opening the door to your home: "The smell of freshly laundered clothes or clean sheets; a clean-smelling house always works," she reveals. Is it her favorite? "There are so many that I like that it is very difficult for me to choose just one, because it depends on the moment, the space, and how I feel, but at this time of year, a gourmand scent completely wins me over: aromas with edible notes, like spices, gingerbread cookies, or coffee, are warm and welcoming," she responds.
The choice "depends on the space and the moment," says the perfumer. "In the bedroom, I seek tranquility, which is why I like to light a small candle a few minutes before going to bed or during my reading time, in addition to using sprays with light notes, with lemon to freshen the room in the morning, or with lavender to help sleep at night." Citrus and light sprays also work well in the bathroom, "as they quickly refresh the aroma," and in the kitchen, "although they should never be mixed with food odors; it is best to place a small diffuser in a nearby corner, like the hallway, so that the scent is perceived without interfering," she explains.
In the living room or larger spaces, you have to be more generous - "Place water-soluble oil diffusers," she advises - and never forget about closets and drawers: "Sachets make everything smell good, even clothes."
Where to place air fresheners
More does not mean better when it comes to creating a good ambiance; in fact, "saturating can be annoying and even tire the sense of smell," assures Mylène Thioux. For it to work, you have to think about how the air moves and how the scent is perceived when entering and leaving the room. For example, "in a large living room, placing a diffuser in the center is fine, but if there are drafts or fans, the scent can disperse too quickly; it may be better to place it near a piece of furniture or in a corner, where it remains 'floating' for a while," explains the perfumer. And a detail that is often overlooked is the height at which we place the air fresheners: "If it is at nose level, or slightly above, they are perceived more naturally and envelopingly than if they are placed too low or too high," she ensures. In general, placing reed diffusers on shelves, side tables, or on a dresser is "enough for them to release the scent constantly and delicately, so that it is perceived without saturating." As for diffusers, it is best to place them in larger spaces, in the center of the room, "so that the fragrance spreads evenly," she states.
Common Mistakes When Perfuming the Home
The first mistake is not changing the sticks of the reed diffusers with the appropriate frequency. "It is advisable to renew them, as over time they stop absorbing and releasing the fragrance correctly. Turning them occasionally helps reactivate it, and when they are dark or barely scented, it is time to replace them," she explains. Additionally, the perfumer points out these other mistakes:
- Excessive intensity. We think that the stronger the scent, the better. But no, a very strong aroma can be overwhelming and annoying. Ideally, the fragrance should be perceived in the background and not overpower the space. Adjusting the amount and format to the room size makes a difference.
- Not adapting the fragrance to the space. Each room has its function, and its aroma should reflect it. Relaxing bedrooms, fresh bathrooms and kitchens, cozy living rooms... Using the same perfume everywhere can create unpleasant blends and disrupt harmony.
- Mixing aromas without coherence. Different fragrances, yes, but be careful: combining too many creates a confusing and artificial effect. It's best to maintain a scent line that connects spaces, varying the intensity or type of notes according to the room, but always with a sense and a base that connects them.
- Ignoring the season. Keeping the same fragrance all year round is one of the biggest mistakes. An intense aroma, like those from the woody or amber family, can be too heavy in summer, and conversely, a light scent loses presence in winter.
- Perfuming to cover odors. A good scent should never replace cleanliness. Perfuming a space without ventilating or eliminating previous odors only creates unpleasant combinations. It's advisable to air out before applying the fragrance.
- Choosing the wrong format. Reed diffusers, candles, diffusers, incense... Each format works best according to the size and use of the room. Placing a powerful diffuser in a small room or a very subtle scent in a large living room is a common mistake that is noticeable right away.