SHIRO MUCHIRI
The versatile artist who knows just how to pick your perfect home scents
Last year Kenyan-born, Italian-trained interior architect Shiro Muchiri opened Soshiro, a new experiential art, craft and design gallery based in a five-storey townhouse in Marylebone. Working closely with specialist artists and craftspeople to develop collectable furniture and accessories that have the power to communicate culture, her just-launched unisex home fragrance Desert Colours Viridescent is a rich exploration of her roots – the fragrance evokes the wild spirit, high skies, and incredible natural scenery of Kenya.
How does scent change the feel of a home?
Scent is something that registers quite graphically in my mind.
It is an important reference point. I recall life experiences with scent being a huge part of my stored memories. A magical scent experience I would like to share is that of washing your face or body with wood fire-heated water – especially when out in the wild. I find it incredibly soothing. That same evocative mood can be recreated in the home by picking the right scent.
What do you think are the right scents right now?
When using scent around the home, it is important that it reflects the type of home environment. For example, if you live in a country house, you might want to explore earthy notes that accentuate existing smells of natural materials like wood, linen or clay. If you live in a contemporary apartment located in a bustling urban environment, then you might want to explore more relaxing and restorative scents with ingredients such as patchouli, fig and mint, all of which are known to help in calming the body rhythm.
What fragrances would you suggest for Christmas?
To create a festive feel, combine delicate room fragrances – light florals or citrus notes – with herbal scented candles, which would in turn complement the heart-warming smells of elaborate dishes and bakes that fill our homes during Christmastime.
Which ingredients should we choose to create an uplifting home?
I use frankincense, which was traditionally burnt in homes to bring about good health. It is proven to soothe the respiratory tract, slowing our breathing and evoking a sense of calm. Then patchouli, which I mentioned above and really love, is often used to ease tiredness, invigorate the body and alleviate muscle soreness.