Times Colonist

Home scents leave lasting impression

- CATHY HOBBS Cathy Hobbs is an interior design and home-staging expert.

What does your home say about you? In many instances, the unseen can make a lasting impression, whether positive or negative.

Fragrance can be powerful when it comes to either attracting or distractin­g. And for many, infusing scents is part of the experience for guests. Here are some tips for infusing fragrance into your home.

DO:

1. Look for natural scents (as opposed to artificial) Lemons, limes, oranges and their natural scents can be used to help infuse natural fragrance into your home. 2. Consider using plants and herbs. Sage and lavender are two of the most popular and make wonderful scents either individual­ly or in combinatio­n. 3. Use soy candles. Soy candles burn cleaner than paraffin and are a wonderful way to infuse scents. 4. Make your own potpourri or scented sachets. From dried petals to spices, herbs and plants, making your own potpourri or sachets will create a longer-lasting fragrance. 5. Use essential oils. Essentials oils either alone or blended into soy candles or potpourri can help extend the life of your fragrance (do your research; some might be harmful to pets).

DON’T:

1. Don’t use artificial sprays and aerosols. Not only are the majority of these scents unattracti­ve, many are also not good for the environmen­t. 2. Don’t use automatic sprays and plugins. These are an absolute turnoff and might send the signal your home is not fresh. 3. Don’t use harsh chemicals Harsh chemicals and bleaches as cleaners can emit fragrances that can disturb and irritate the senses. Lemon juice mixed with borax and water can make a great natural cleaner. 4. Don’t forget to keep drapery and carpeting clean. Odours are trapped in textiles and keeping them fresh and clean will help maintain the desired scent. 5. Don’t introduce toxic smells into your home In many instances, odours such as cigarette smoke take a long time to eliminate.

 ?? DREAMSTIME ?? Lavender is a popular home scent.
DREAMSTIME Lavender is a popular home scent.

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