A Decorator's "Scents"

One thing that I think makes a home unique is what smells you are reminded of when you're away from it. I think scent is one of the senses that is most tied to memory; I know that when I smell certain things, they remind me of different experiences that I've had or people that I've known throughout my life.  For that reason, I think the scent of your house is a very important aspect of the role that it plays in your life.  While certain elements and activities that you perform in your home can produce a natural scent (such as cookies baking in the oven, dryer sheets that perfume your laundry room, or the fresh scent of a clean kitchen), sometimes candles, diffusers, and other fragrance aids can provide a signature scent or seasonal ambience for your home.

For this reason, I'd like to share some of my favorite candles in hopes that I can inspire some of you to perfume your home with your own favorite aromas.

#1:  Paddywax Library Candles in Edgar Allan Poe scent

This musky scent has light floral undertones, making it very gender neutral.

#2:  Votivo Candles in Vanilla Bergamot Blossom scent

When I first smelled this candle, it definitely wasn't my favorite, but as I've burned it, it has definitely grown on me  It is such a light, fresh scent that fills your entire house without being too overpowering.

#3:  Voluspa Candles

This is one of my overall favorite candle brands- I have too many favorite scents to name them all!  My first of many from this brand was Pomegranate Patchouli, which is wonderful, but I also like Baltic Amber, Santiago Huckleberry, and Truffle White Cocoa.

#4:  Slatkin & Company

Again, this is a great cheap candle with such a deep and permeating scent that it fills your entire home.  If you are the kind of person who likes to buy candles for each season, this line is perfect for you.  My all time favorite is Leaves, the ideal fall scent; it smells like applesauce and cool, crisp autumn air.  The Slatkin & Company Christmas candles can't be beat-- try Winter and Holly Wreath.

#5:  For Everybody Candles

I've never seen these candles anywhere but TJ Maxx, and they don't have a lot of variety in their scent selections, but if the scent of baked goods and birthday cakes is something that you crave, check out their Vanilla Sugar Cookie and Birthday Cake candles.  If you're into natural soy candles that aren't very expensive, these might be perfect for you.  Just try to ignore the folksy labels and less-than-stellar packaging.

#6:  Aspen Bay Candles

This one is a new discovery for me, and I have to admit that I have never actually owned an Aspen Bay Candle, but it seems as if the past few times I have gone into a store and smelled something heavenly, an Aspen Bay Candle has been at work.  I believe that the Fire scent is my favorite, but stay tuned for my informed opinion.

#7:  ROOT Candles

These candles may look small, but they sure do pack a mean punch!  You can't go wrong with any ROOT candle, so make sure you try them all.

#8:  Henri Bendel candle in Tonka Bean scent

My mom and I smelled this candle in a decorator's showhome about 3 years ago and were both obsessed with its rich scent- for the next 2 years its all we would burn.  Since then this scent has been discontinued, but sometimes you can find it on eBay and, trust me, you won't have buyer's remorse.

Hopefully this post gives you a good basic knowledge of great candle companies from which to start your search for your home's signature scent.  If you don't like my suggestions, try other options from the same lines--  there is a reason that there are so many varieties!

Hope your house is filled with beautiful smells that make it feel more like a home.

God Bless,

Julie