Appealing to the senses

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Scent-scaping finds a place in the home

Scent-scaping is a hot new interior trend but it’s hardly a new practice.

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“In recent years, a growing number of people have begun to understand what we in the field of aromatherapy have long known: that scent is not a luxury; it’s a vital sensory tool for creating balance, intention and harmony in our lives,” says certified aromatherapy health professional Iris Dowling of Bronte Creek Natural Wellness in Oakville.

“This is the essence of scent-scaping, or as we often call it in therapeutic circles, fragrance layering.”

Dowling defines scent-scaping as the “art and science of curating specific aromatic experiences throughout your home or workspace. It involves pairing scents with the purpose of the room: diffusing invigorating essential oils in your office to foster focus or layering calming floral and wood notes in the bedroom to support restful sleep,” she says.

“Unlike randomly placing candles or spritzing room spray, scent-scaping is deeply intentional. It’s about choosing aromas that speak to the energy of a space and – more importantly – support the people within it. This alignment of purpose and scent is foundational in aromatherapy, where we see each aroma as a tool for emotional and physical alignment.”

BENEFITS OF SCENT-SCAPING

Bouclair’s Sonia Crete created the store’s Aroma Lab collection of candles, diffusers and soon sprays. “Fragrance has an impact on how we feel in our spaces. Scent-scaping can reduce stress, improve focus, lift your mood and create a welcoming ambiance,” she says.

“When we layer fragrance with thought and care, we activate the limbic system – an ancient part of the brain responsible for emotion, memory and behaviour,” says Dowling. “That’s why a certain scent can make your heart swell, calm your nerves or instantly lift your mood.”

She offers advice on how scent-scaping supports wellness:

• Stress reduction. Lavender, Roman chamomile and frankincense are revered for their grounding and soothing qualities. When diffused in bedrooms or quiet spaces, they can help lower cortisol levels and encourage deep relaxation.
• Improved focus. Rosemary, peppermint and lemon are perfect for home offices or study zones where mental agility is needed most.
• Mood regulation. Bright, citrusy oils like bergamot, sweet orange and grapefruit help lift low moods, especially during darker months, and are ideal for kitchens and communal areas.
• Odour neutralization. Essential oils like eucalyptus, lemon and tea tree offer powerful deodorizing properties. When integrated into laundry rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, they refresh the air while supporting respiratory wellness.

SCENT-SCAPING YOUR HOME

Crete suggests defining the mood you’d like to evoke in each room – such as calm, energized, cozy or refreshed – then pair that with your personal style and fragrance preferences. “Layering complementary products from the Aroma

Lab collection, such as soy-based candles and reed diffusers, allows you to create atmosphere tailored to each space,” she says.

“Our reed diffusers offer a subtle, refined scent experience. Unlike many plug-in options that can be too intense, these provide a delicate aroma that gently enhances the room without overwhelming it. Personally, I love placing reed diffusers near room entrances so that as you walk in, you’re immediately greeted by a soft, welcoming fragrance that sets the tone. Candles, on the other hand, work beautifully in corners or at the centre of a room, where they can amplify the mood – perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding.”

Dowling recommends a mindful, layered approach:

• Set your intention for each room. Ask yourself: What is this space for and how to I want to feel in it? Is it a sanctuary for sleep, a hub of focus or a place of gathering?
• Choose the right scent delivery method:
• Ultrasonic diffusers. A go-to for essential oil dispersal.
• Scented candles. These provide ambient light and aroma but ensure they’re made with natural wax and essential oils, not synthetic fragrance.
• Reed diffusers. Ideal for hallways or guest bathrooms where you want continuous low-level scent.
• Fresh herbs and flowers. Examples include lavender sprigs in a linen drawer or a eucalyptus bundle in the shower.
• Incense and resins. Great for ritual and spiritual practice, frankincense, palo santo or myrrh invite grounding and clarity.
• Blend with intention: Avoid mixing too many conflicting notes. Instead, build your space with complementary fragrance families. Think citrus with florals, woods with resins, or herbs with spices. For open-concept spaces, keep scents unified or transition gently.

“Subtlety is sacred. Less is more,” she says. “A scent should support and not overpower your space. Aim for an aromatic presence that you notice with pleasure, not distraction.”

Room-by-room recommendations

Certified aromatherapy health professional Iris Dowling offers her room-by-room recommendations and why:

• Living room. Sandalwood, vanilla, bergamot, patchouli. These grounding yet warm oils create a welcoming energy that invites relaxation and connection.
• Bedroom. Lavender, Roman chamomile, vetiver, rose. These oils calm the nervous system, support deep sleep, and cultivate intimacy and peace.
• Kitchen. Lemon, basil, lemongrass, peppermint. These oils cut through food odours and promote clarity and digestion.
• Bathroom. Eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, neroli. These purifying oils cleanse the air and encourage a spa-like atmosphere.
• Home office. Rosemary, peppermint, lemon, frankincense. This blend supports cognitive function, memory and sustained focus without overstimulation.
• Entryway. Citrus blends, fire needle, geranium. A light, fresh fragrance creates a joyful and inviting welcome.