Lavender & juniper

WHAT THE SCENT EVOKES: A sense of calm. According to Dr. Alan Hirsch of Chicago’s Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, lavender literally changes the way we feel by “increasing the alpha waves in the back of the head, which is associated with being in a more relaxed state.”

HOW TO USE IT: The combination of lavender with the piquancy of juniper made Seldon think of soft French blue, white and natural, woody tones in a kitchen. “We thought about the fact that 85 per cent of Canadians have neutral kitchens,” she says. “A really easy way to inject colour is with a new set of dishes, like a pretty French blue. The greenery and the sprig of purple lavender really pops out.” Dashes of colour can also be introduced with crisp grey-blue or lavender tea towels, table linens or a decorative table-topper, as well.