1. Make scents: using fragrance for a warm and ambient home
For centuries Master perfumers have known the power of scent. Fragrance has been worn as a unique expression of oneself both throughout history and is still hugely popular today. Most of us have a signature scent, and one we wear for different or special occasions. Smell can affect our emotions, including our mood, our sense of well-being, happiness and our pleasure. And different smells can trigger memories (think crayons from early childhood!). So it makes scents (pun intended) to use fragrance to lift the mood and ambience of our home.
Choose a home fragrance that’s a unique expression of yourself. We love Orientals (also known as Amber & Oud). These stand out for their unique blend of warmth, exotic, rich and sensual notes. Think heady scents like vanilla, musk and exotic florals and spicy scents.
TIP: Choose a blended wax infused with essential oils for optimal sensory appeal. Master perfumers use a palette of premium ingredients rigorously selected for maximum fragrance experience and minimal impact on the environment. Try Glade 3 Wick Candle in Sheer Vanilla Embrace or Elegant Amber & Oud.
2. Glow from within: Light up your space with ambient candles
Light can affect our sleep patterns, our alertness, our mood, our environment and much more. Avoid bright artificial light in your home’s relaxing spaces (and during the afternoon and evening), as it can affect our body clock and our ability to rest, relax and prepare for sleep.
Instead, choose ambient lighting for places of rest and relaxation. As well as the ‘body clock’ benefits, ambient lighting is one of the easiest ways to add instant warmth and ambience to your home.
Choose candles with a beautiful glow to set the right mood in your home. Glass jars with unique decorative or textured glass features create a warm, radiating affect and perfect glow. Candles combined with scent mean you’re already two steps closer to a welcome and ambient home.
TIP: Self-trimming wicks using superior wick technology can optimise the flame size, appearance and glow, as well as the fragrance throw and soot control.
3. Furniture and décor mood enhances: Using colour, pattern, texture for effect
Don’t underestimate the power of your home décor and furniture choices! Sometimes the simplest items, like a fluffy floor mat, cosy bean bags, or an inviting couch laden with faux fur fluffy cushions, can create a warm, welcoming and relaxed vibe.
Look for homey and earth tones inspired by Mother Nature herself to add warmth and richness. Think creamy whites (as opposed to blue-based or white-whites) with beiges and browns, ferny greens and rich teal, warm oranges and hints of red.
Textured fabrics like natural wool, jute, leather and suede will always feel more inviting and hard-wearing than delicate fabrics like silk, satin, laces and sheers. Or add a totally luxurious feel with rich velvets, faux fur throws, flannelette and textured quilts. Go for pattern over solid block colours – or use a combination of both.
When it comes to your furniture, the more sturdy it is, the more welcoming it will feel. Solid structured pieces made from timber in rich walnut or mahogany will add warmth and ambience to your space. Go for curves, like round tables and softer edges on sofa legs rather than severe angles, block shapes or the popular metals used in urban industrial feel spaces.
