What’s That Smell?: An Exploration into Home Fragrance

Esssential oils, candles, hand wash and more

“I want to know what your house smells like. First in exchange, I’ll tell you what mine smells like.”

These were the opening lines that drew me into a recent TikTok, and then even further down a rabbit hole, all about home fragrance. If you’ve touched any corner of #fragrancetok, you’ll know perfume is having its (well-deserved) moment. Of course, individuals have been creating and luxuriating in the space for centuries. One corner that’s perhaps less spoken of is the world of home scents, a sub-genre I happen to be very passionate about.

Let’s explore the diverse world of smells by navigating incense, room sprays, candles and more with the shared goal of uncovering how our homes smell, and perhaps, how we can make them smell even better. I’ll divulge what I’m loving in my space, if you share with me what’s in yours. Let’s begin!

Essential Oils
For a more natural option, I love diffusing and using various essential oils. The result is always very calming and spa-like. A few essentials we always turn to include:

Vitruvi Stone ($123) + Move Diffuser ($199): We use these diffusers exclusively in our home because of how beautiful (and also effective) they are. We love to pair it with the Golden Premium Diffuser Blend ($28), which smells like sunshine with a bit of peppermint and ginger to uplift. Truly a magical combination!

Creating “custom blends” based on Aesop fragrances: This was a trick I learned from that original TikTok I mentioned early. We have Petigrain ($10), Bergamot ($14), and Vetiver ($12) oils we purchased from Whole Foods to smell like their Reverence line. It’s a trick that really works!

L’avant Fresh Linen Laundry Oil ($24): Almost all of our laundry detergent is unscented, but we like to use this oil on our wool dryer balls to add a little something extra.

Incense
I know the smoky fragrance isn’t for everyone, but I happen to love burning incense. Something about it feels sacred and nostalgic.

Tennen: I prefer Japanese incense and this brand houses some of my favorite varietals. I love their assortment packs ($34) because all of the scents are lovely and this allows you to try a few different flavors from the line.

Elemense: Another Japanese incense brand I love. We have Tetsukon ($35) which is a beautiful blend of bergamot, violet, and cedarwood, but I’ve also smelled Kiyobi ($35) and it is equally lovely.

Zenbunni: If you want powerful incense, Zenbunni’s Holy Smoke ($30) will fill your entire home. While all incense has a somewhat spiritual smell to it, this one is particularly strong and can be used for clearing energy in the space. It feels like being in the foothills of some all-natural California town, and I love it.

Papier D’Armenie: These are beautiful, affordable burning papers I ordered off Amazon ($10). They smell a little “grandma’s home” in the package, but burn in a really lovely way, so don’t knock them! We have “Traditional” and “Rose”.

Ponsont: Slightly more expensive, but an altogether lovely option for burning papers. I love all of their fragrances, but especially Rosa Rossa ($24).

Astier De Villatte: Bougie and beautiful, that’s what I’ll say. If you need a great gift, this is your fighter. I love Opéra (€50) and Porte des Lilas (€50) for something more floral.

Copal: A few years ago, Sam and I stayed at Be Tulum, and they would burn this ceremonially throughout the day, mostly to keep the mosquitos at bay. But I learned to love the smell and now purchase the resin ($5) to burn occasionally at home.

Morning Star: If you need a lovely budget-friendly option, this is the one. I love the green tea scent ($15).

Palo Santo ($20): One of my favorite smells of all time. I use this more ceremonially to clear energy around my body. As always, be sure you’re conscious of sustainable harvesting practices with both this and white sage.

White Sage ($12): Similar to Palo Santo, I’ll use this to clear the energy in my home. I’ve grown to love the scent, although my husband does not. If you’re sensitive, I also received a great spray version from one of my close girlfriends.

Room & Linen Sprays
Perfume Guns by Frederic Malle ($215): These are pricey, but so worth it. One of my favorite fragrances for my home is Jurassic Flower, but I think it may be discontinued!

Dans Mon Lit by Frederic Malle ($155): This is the lightest and lovliest linen spray.

Figuier Room Spray ($80): Diptyque has beautiful room sprays that make great gifts. The most popular is Baies, but I love Figuier for a super fresh option.

Candles
Because candles are so personal, I’ll list some of my favorite brands. Explore the lines and find which flavors you like best.

Le Labo: Figue 15 ($87), Santal 26 ($87)

Salt + Stone: Saffron & Cedar ($49 and smells just like Baccarat Rouge 540), Santal & Vetiver ($49)

Diptyque: Feu De Bois ($74), Baies ($74)

Element Brooklyn Refills (for old Diptyque and Cire Trudon votives; I spoke more about this here): Specifically, In Full Bloom ($18) and Tea in the Sahara ($17)

Cire Trudon: Abd Al Kader ($125), Reggio ($135)

Maison Louis Marie: No.4 Bois de Balincourt ($38) and No. 13 Nouvelle Vague ($38)

Boy Smells: Hinoki Fantôme ($38), Slow Burn ($56), I also love all their seasonal fragrances and ask for one of their magnum candles every Christmas

Frederic Malle: Saint des Saints ($110)

Flamingo Estate: Roma Heirloom Tomato ($60)

Ranger Station: 1992 ($45), Premonition Goods The Signature Candle ($42)

Hand Wash
Aesop Resurrection ($45) & Reverence ($43): These are so popular for a reason. They look beautiful in your bathroom and are an equally beautiful experience.

Byredo Vetyver, Rose, + Suede ($70): I love the Byredo wash + lotion duos. Vetiver and Rose are my favorite, but Suede is also lovely.

What fragrances are currently filling your home? xx, T.