Growing up, my mum (who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things beauty) always had a host of fragrances sweeping the house, from the Miller Harris L'Air de Rien perfume atop her bedroom dresser and Diptyque's Mimosa candle burning in the living room, to The White Company's Lime and Bay Home Spray behind the loo in the bathroom. Scent evokes memory, can quickly transport us somewhere else entirely and, whenever I encounter these smells, I'm immediately home.
While the house I grew up in smells fantastic, the many house shares I've lived in over the past seven years have mainly smelled of bin juice, clothes that have been left in the washing machine for too long, and booze. Ah, overpriced rent for overcrowded spaces, how I love thee. In an attempt to be a bit more grown-up (I've just turned 25 and have realised some habits aren't cute anymore), I've been looking for home fragrances. Scents that, when you have people over for drinks, will elicit comments like, "It smells so lovely in here!" Scents that turn your bathroom from damp, humid hellhole, to all-round pleasant pitstop.
Perhaps you're looking to turn the 'grown-up' up a notch in your rented place, or maybe you're just looking for your next perfume fix. Either way, here are the best home fragrances we've found to turn your digs into a place you'll actually be proud to show off.
Aesop recently introduced three room sprays into its permanent range, which means we'll be buying this floral and smoky fragrance on repeat. Named after a Greek port town, Istros has notes of pink pepper, lavender and mimosa, as well as cedar and sandalwood.
The brand also collaborated with musician Jesse Paris Smith, who released three tracks to complement and enhance the scents – perfect for curating a certain vibe, whether at home or in the office.
Aesop Istros Aromatique Room Spray, £37, available at Aesop
This diffuser from Kai smells like Hawaii thanks to the notes of gardenia, jasmine, lily and tuberose. A sunny addition to your flat, this one is for those who lean towards floral rather than woody scents.
Kai Reed Diffuser, £65, available at Cult Beauty
If you can get past the name of this mist diffuser, this is a great living room staple. Filling the space with Esteban's essential oils, it's ideal for those who forget to blow out candles and let sprays collect dust in the corner of the room.
Esteban Urban Chic Perfume Mist Diffuser, £74, available at Selfridges
No home fragrance shop would be complete without a turn from Diptyque, whose candles we burn on rotation before using the glass to hold everything from cotton buds to makeup brushes. This room spray is ideal for those enchanted by covens and the cosmos; its smoky warmth and notes of lapsang tea are a bewitching treat.
Diptyque Feu de Bois Room Spray, £44, available at Space NK
This is our go-to for the end of a stressful or busy day. The super-therapeutic scent of rose, frankincense water, basil, and lemon oil transports us away from our messy flat and straight to a spa break. The formula is also charged with crystal essences so if you're into strengthening your aura, this is great. Spritz around the room and on your pillow just before bed.
Therapie Restore Aura Spray, £32, available at Cult Beauty
These sweet little incense cones were harvested from the Margate coastline and have a distinctly clove-like scent. Burn in the garden (if you're lucky enough to have one – a balcony/ window ledge works too!) on hot summer evenings.
Haeckels Bog Myrtle Incense, £16, available at Selfridges
Not only will this sit pretty on your bedroom shelf but the lavender, jasmine and rosewood essential oils will make your pad smell incredible. Neom's diffusers come in different scents depending on the ambience you're after, from 'complete bliss' to 'feel refreshed'. We like this because it makes a crappy shared flat smell better than it looks.
Neom Luxury Organics Real Luxury Reed Diffuser, £38, available at Selfridges
We're slightly wary of room sprays as they often disappear into the air within 10 minutes. Jurlique's mist, however, packs a punch, leaving you to catch the blend of scents all evening. With orange, bergamot, lemon and lavender, this may sound relaxing, but we actually use it as a wake-me-up in the morning while getting ready.
Jurlique Revitalising Blend Aromatherapy Mist, £17, available at Space NK
Another one that'll be the pride of your shelf, this is divine. Made by premium Italian perfumer Dr. Vranjes, iris, amber, sandalwood, vanilla, nutmeg and cardamom make this super-rich. A really nice gift, or a payday treat.
The Conran Shop Dr. Vranjes Ambra Diffuser, £75, available at Selfridges
While full-size Miller Harris perfumes shouldn't be wasted on spritzing in the air, the brand's minis are affordable and the perfect size to pop behind the toilet for bathroom refreshes.
Miller Harris Tea Tonique, £24, available at Miller Harris
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