Scent-scaping has recently become a trend that people use to add another dimension when designing their home. By burning different scents in different areas of your home, you can create a journey as you wander around the rooms.
Instead of adding visual aspects such as soft furnishings, you can mimic the feel of the room’s visual appearance with a complimentary aroma. Scent has such strong link to emotions and on a subconscious level, can convey a large amount of information about a space. Maybe it won’t be too long until we see this holistic approach to design on BBC’s Interior Design Masters?👀
Also known as fragrance zoning, scent-scaping can also have practical effects by helping to improve our work life balance and mental health.
Now more of us than ever before are working from home, being able to separate your job from your home life has never been more challenging. Not only is it tricky to turn off after a day working from the dining room table but working from your bedroom can negatively impact your sleep hygiene and mental wellbeing. Healthline says working from a ‘bedroom could possibly keep you tired, alter your body clock, and negatively impact your mental health’ Unfortunately, we may not all have the opportunity to work in another room to where we sleep but even if we do, we are still at risk of burn out.
One solution to encourage your mind to unwind at the end of the day could be scent-scaping, As we said before, scent is linked to the part of brain that governs emotions and memories and so it can help compartmentalise each room and periods of time in your mind. Scents have the power to reenergise your mind, boost your mood and can act as a powerful subconscious trigger that allows us to switch to a different mindset.
To use fragrance zoning as a way to combat burn out and help you relax in the evenings, we recommend using one fragrance whilst you’re working and one scent when you’re winding down.
Scents that help with stimulation
We recommend starting the day with citrus scents to help ignite brain waves. Schmidt (1996) claims that if you’re after stimulation then fresh and citrus scents are the way to go. Our Lemongrass & Ginger, Avobath and Grapefruit are perfect to have lit whilst you’re working away.
Scents that can create a calm environment
When it comes to creating a relaxing, well-balanced environment, Schmidt (1996) suggests using oriental and natural smells. Some of our favourites would be Black Rose & Oud or perhaps Velvet Peony & Oud to create a relaxing, tranquil atmosphere.
Scents for sleep
Restonic reports that the aroma of lavender can have the potential to lower both blood pressure and heart rate. One study by Fismer and Pilkington (2012) found that insomniacs slept better when the room they had been sleeping in smelt of lavender. We like to think that our Lavender melts and candles are perfect for a dream inducing slumber. Our At The Spa is also a gorgeous scent, primarily smelling of French Lavender, to help you serenely drift off. We would recommend burning or melting a scent for just over an hour before you intend to go to sleep, remembering to blow it out just before you snuggle down under the covers.
What are your thoughts? Do you work from home? Do you find scent scaping effective? Let us know!
References
Fismer, K. and Pilkington, K., 2012. Lavender and sleep: A systematic review of the evidence. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 4(4), pp.e436-e447.
