Scent Your Home …How to Guide
The following interview appeared in Allure Magazine’s December 2010 issue, as part of the Insider’s Guide. “How to Scent Your Home,” by Jolene Edgar.
How to Scent Your Home
An Interview with Robert Gerstner ~ Gerstner is the co-owner of Aedes de Venustas, a fragrance boutique in New York City.
When choosing a home scent, approach the process with the same care and scrutiny you would when picking out a perfume. It’s just as personal, really.
Home Fragrance the How To Guide
- Know Your Type.
Candles release the most fragrance and are best for filling large areas. If you have a big space, pair two opposite scents, such as dark, spicy black tea and jasmine. To keep a candle’s scent subtle, burn it for a short time or set it out unlit; sometimes this is enough. Diffuser sticks are closest to candles in intensity: you can control the strength of the scent by how often you flip the sticks. Sprays are a nice short-term way to scent a room – the kitchen after cooking, for instance. Potpourri is subtle and ideal for small spaces, where you can put it out in a beautiful container. - Be Special.
The difference between exclusive high-end lines and annoying, in-your-face aromas is the quality and quantity of the essential oils and waxes. A good gardenia room spray, for instance, will contain a large amount of natural essence. - Consider the Setting.
For the kitchen, go fresh and green to avoid competing with the food: Fig is popular, as are mint, basil, and bergamot. In the bedroom, some like spicy and romantic scents; others lean toward relaxing lavender.
“Use a few different candles to create your own blend of scents.”
– by Jolene Edgar, for Allure Magazine, 12/2010 (learn more at allure.com)
