Tag: home scent

Snuggle-up Your Home with These Scents

Candles create a kind of cosy alchemy. One match struck, one wick catching light, and suddenly the room feels different: softer round the edges, calmer, as though time itself has decided to pad about in thick socks and speak in a whisper. In winter especially, a scented candle can tilt the entire mood of a day, transforming grey drizzle into something akin to a storybook scene, an invitation to curl up, take a breath, and let the fragrance do its quiet work.

And goodness, do these particular candles know how to work their magic. What’s particularly lovely about them as a little winter wardrobe is how distinct each one feels: some are forest-y, green and brisk, some rich with resins and history, others all sugared spice and festive mischief. Truly something for all tastes, here.

Winter can be long, and the light can feel in short supply, but a scented candle is a small, potent rebellion, a way of saying that this moment, right here, is worthy of atmosphere. Strike a match, watch the wick catch and notice how the room, and perhaps your shoulders, your breathing, even your thoughts, begin to soften. With candles like these, the home veritably glows with its own fragrant kind of happiness…

 

 

 

Goutal Une Forêt d’Or is the moment you step in from a frost – laced forest walk and bring armfuls of greenery and citrus into the house. Notes of snow – dusted pine branches mingle with mandarin and orange rind, so you get both that deep, needle green coolness and a bright, almost sparkling festive glow. It is wonderfully nostalgic without being cloying, more freshly brought in Christmas tree and a bowl of clementines on the sideboard than anything syrupy, and it seems to clear the mental cobwebs while still feeling utterly cosy.

Currently £41.30 for 185g lookfantastic.com

 

 

 

 

Granado Apotecário, by contrast, turns your home into a richly polished old – world apothecary, all gleaming wood, mysterious bottles and the delicious sense that remedies and secrets are being brewed just out of sight. Its blend of spices, woods, leather and resins feels complex and enveloping, wrapping the room in a quietly sophisticated haze. Light it on the sort of day when the to – do list is overwhelming and watch as the space takes on a slower, more contemplative rhythm; suddenly, making a cup of tea becomes an almost ceremonial act.

£45 for 250g granado.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruth Mastenbroek Ancient Frankincense is the candle for those who crave a sense of ritual in the depths of winter. Pink pepper, elemi and a lavish heart of frankincense, myrrh and labdanum are grounded by pine resin, cypress and patchouli, creating an incense-rich, ambered glow that feels both mystical and reassuringly human. It nods to Medieval resins and time-honoured oils yet slips seamlessly into modern homes, casting its light over fairy lights and laptops alike, perfect when you want the quiet drama of a midnight mass without leaving your sofa.

£45 for 220g ruthmastenbroek.com

 

 

 

 

 

If cabin fever is creeping in, Malin + Goetz Dark Rum is the olfactory equivalent of booking last-minute flights to somewhere altogether warmer, without the airport queues. Inspired by traditional bay rum colognes, it weaves bergamot and plum through notes of rum, leather and vanilla, cushioned in a base of patchouli, amber and creamy milk. There is something irresistibly cocooning about the way it fills a room, like dim bar light on polished wood, laughter rising over clinking glasses, tropical air carried inside on someone’s coat. Light it on dark afternoons and the walls feel closer in the best way, as if your living room has turned into a private members’ club.

£58 for 255g malinandgoetz.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Soki London Gingerbread practically skips into the room, trailing crumbs of festive cheer behind it. Soki London’s hand-poured soy candles are made using ethically sourced, non-genetically modified soy wax. And her Gingerbread is exactly the scent you are hoping to come home to for at this time of year: warm, oven-fresh spice, sugared edges and that baked, bread-y hug that makes you suddenly want to put on novelty pyjamas and watch something on a dedicated Christmas channel. It’s pure comfort, but with enough grown-up polish that your home smells like a winter wonderland. Delish!

£23 for 210g shop.sokilondon.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

A Scented Summer Journey with La Montaña

Sunlight dapples through open windows, the air shimmering with the promise of summer. There’s a sense that the world is perfumed with possibility, and that every gentle breeze carries whispers of holidays yet to come, and gardens in full, fragrant bloom.

 

Yet, so often, still, for some reason scented candles are tucked away with the jumpers and heavy throws, reserved for the colder months when their flickering glow feels like a small rebellion against the dark. But as candles are no longer needed for light or warmth, we feel a perfumed pact must be made: to embrace the olfactory joy of fragranced flames, even as the days stretch long and golden.

Because home fragrance can become a portal, a means of summoning the essence of summer indoors. The right candle can conjure blossom-filled breezes, evoke the languor of balmy afternoons, transport one to far-flung destinations, or unlock blissful scent memories that linger long after the sun has set.

 

 

La Montaña

 

 

We’ve long loved La Montaña candles at The Perfume Society (and especially for their marvellous selection of unique summer home scent options). Created as a celebration of Mediterranean life, inspired by the founders’ move to a remote Spanish mountain village; each candle is hand-poured in the UK by artisan candlemakers and crafted from a sustainable blend of organic soy, rapeseed, and beeswax, free from palm oil, sulphur, and parabens, if such details concern you.

We feel what really sets them apart is their ability to evoke vivid memories and atmospheres – every fragrance beautifully designed to transport you to a specific moment or place, from sun-warmed herb gardens at dawn to balmy, jasmine-filled nights. With a high percentage of natural and essential oils, these candles not only fill a room with authentic, layered scents but also offer a clean, long-lasting burn. Their collectable labels, reminiscent of nostalgic 1930s travel posters, add a touch of artistry to any space, making each candle both a sensory and visual delight!

Let’s light the fragrance flames of your desire and set the scene to explore the perfumed possibilities…

 

 

 

La Montaña’s First Light Candle captures the hush of dawn in a Spanish mountain village, where wild mountain herbs, fennel, rosemary and the dewy freshness of pine needles awaken the senses. There is a gentle clarity here, a sense of new beginnings and the cool promise of the day ahead.

 

 

 

Candle Fig Grove La Montana

For those who yearn for sun – drenched orchards, the La Montaña Fig Grove Candle (£39) offers a green-tinged escape. The scent is lush with the creamy sweetness of ripe figs, underscored by the freshness of their leaves and a whisper of milky sap. It is a fragrance that feels both grounding and uplifting, as though reclining beneath broad, leafy branches, sunlight gently filtering through.

 

 

 

La Montaña Siesta Candle lulls the spirit with its tranquil blend of lavender, juniper, and thyme, softened by a breeze of orange blossom. This is the scent of a lazy afternoon, the world hushed and drowsy, cicadas singing in the distance. It invites a gentle surrender to stillness, a reminder that summer’s greatest luxury is time itself.

 

 

 

La Montana Cloudburst candle

When the sky threatens rain, the La Montaña Cloud Burst Candle brings the exhilarating freshness of a summer storm indoors. Notes of bergamot, galbanum, and lavender mingle with the mineral clarity of petrichor and the green snap of cut grass. Each inhale is like stepping into the garden after rainfall, the air charged and sparkling, leaves glistening with droplets.

 

 

 

Candle Galán de Noche La Montaña

Finally on our scented summer day evoked though candles, as dusk falls, the La Montaña Galán de Noche Candle unfurls its heady bouquet. Inspired by the night – blooming jasmine that scents Mediterranean evenings, this fragrance is rich with narcotic white petals, a touch of orange flower, and the subtle warmth of ylang ylang. It is hip-swaying-ly sultry and hypnotic, a scent that lingers in the memory like a half-remembered dream.

All La Montaña candles can be found in single-wick (£39) AND three-wick sizes (£100) (for serious home scent wow-factor!) in our shop

Summer’s story can be written in home scents, each candle a chapter waiting to be lit. Let the perfumed glow of these fragrances fill the home, transforming even the simplest moment into something extraordinary. For the true joy of summer is not only found outside, but in the scented sanctuary created within…

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

The Art of Cosy: Transform Your Space with Festive Fragrances

As the festive season approaches and we prepare to welcome in the new year, there’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of a cosy, fragrant home to lift our spirits and create a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends.

The power of scent to evoke memories, comfort, and joy is particularly potent during this time of year, and many of us turn to fragrant candles and diffusers to infuse our living spaces with delightful aromas. But which are best, where should you place them, and how can you make them last longer? Read on for a fuss-free fragrant guide…

 

 

Candles vs Diffusers:

Scented candles have long been a favourite for creating a cosy ambiance, especially for those of us who don’t have the luxury of a real log fire. The soft, flickering light combined with a carefully chosen fragrance can transform any room into a snug haven. There’s something inherently comforting about the warm glow of candlelight, and when paired with seasonal scents like woods, cinnamon, forest-y notes like pine, or warming, creamy ingredients like vanilla, it can instantly transport us to a world of festive cheer.

While candles remain a popular choice, scented diffusers have been gaining significant traction in recent years. Their appeal lies in their convenience and longevity. Many modern diffusers are refillable, making them a more sustainable option for the environmentally conscious. The beauty of diffusers is that you can simply place them in your desired location and let them work their magic, continuously releasing fragrance without the need for constant attention or the worry of an open flame.

 

 

Perfect Placement:

To get the most out of your home fragrancing, consider strategic placement of your candles and diffusers: For maximum impact, place them in areas with good air circulation – near doorways or in the centre of a room often works well. However, avoid placing them directly in the path of air conditioning or heating vents, as this can disperse the scent too quickly or unevenly.

In the living room, consider placing a candle or diffuser on a coffee table or mantelpiece, where it can become a focal point and spread its aroma throughout the space. For a subtle yet effective approach in the bedroom, a diffuser on a bedside table can create a relaxing atmosphere conducive to sleep.

The kitchen is another excellent location for home fragrancing, especially during the festive season. A well-placed candle or diffuser can help neutralise cooking odours and infuse the space with inviting scents that complement your culinary creations.

 

 

 

Make Them Last Longer:

To get the best from your candles, always trim the wick to about 6mm before lighting. This ensures a clean, even burn and helps prevent smoking. Allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container on the first burn to prevent tunnelling and ensure you get the most out of your candle.

For reed diffusers, flip the reeds every few days to refresh the scent. If you find the fragrance too strong, simply remove a few reeds to reduce its intensity. Conversely, add more reeds if you want a stronger scent throw.

 

 

Layering Home Scents:

Don’t be afraid to layer scents throughout your home. You might choose a fresh, crisp fragrance for the entrance hall, a warm, spicy scent for the living areas, and a soothing lavender or vanilla for the bedroom. This creates a journey of scents as you move through your home, each one evoking a different mood or memory.

Remember, the goal is to create an inviting atmosphere that reflects your personal style and enhances your home’s comfort. Whether you prefer the traditional charm of candles or the modern convenience of diffusers, the right fragrance can transform your living space into a cosy retreat perfect for enjoying the festive season and welcoming the new year.

We’ve so many home scents we love to use at this time of year, but here’s our fragrant festive selection for a cosy home right now…

 

 

La Montaña Three Kings Candle £39 for 220g

‘Everyone in the village looks forward to the Three Kings holiday and its unique fragrances – a highlight of the winter months. We love to walk down into the village, through the woods, with their gorgeous fragrance of trampled pine needles (which smell to us like a field full of fresh Christmas trees). Then, we get to the heart of the village, where the church doors are wide open and the air is suffused with incense, as well as the warm scent of traditional, homemade turrón (almond nougat) being sold from stalls. It’s usually cold (even in Spain), so there’s much milling about with the promise of a brightening tot of brandy. What a winter treat!’

 

Cochine Juniper & Ginger Diffuser £60 for 150ml

‘This luxurious diffuser combines the crisp scent of juniper with the sweet spiciness of ginger. Reminiscent of lush, green woods and exotic, evergreen mountains this uplifting scent has hints of clove, bergamot and patchouli blended with the freshness of eucalyptus. Containing the finest essential oils, Cochine reed diffusers will visually and aromatically give your room a unique and subtle elegance.’

 

La Montaña Winter Oranges (3 wick) Candle £100 for 650g

‘A warm, spicy, zesty blend of Valencia orange, cinnamon, red apple, and clove. This is our interpretation of the fragrance of the Valencian orange harvest that takes place throughout winter, with added hints of nostalgia from the English Christmases of our childhoods. This is one to come home to after a crisp, crunchy, winter walk – cheering, cosy and comforting. A perennial winter favourite.’

 

 

Cochine Tuberose Absolute & Sandalwood Diffuser £60 for 150ml

For those seeking an alternative to traditional winter scents, this is still cosy but stunningly opulent, too! ‘Exclusively created with master perfumer, Maurice Roucel, this is the scent of exotic and unforgettable nights. Feminine, alluring and intriguing tuberose notes combine with rich leather and sandalwood in this intoxicating, utterly addictive fragrance.’

 

La Montaña Mistela Candle £39 for 220g

‘Mistela is a Valencian dessert wine usually served at family celebrations, or when lingering after a good meal; it’s a festive blend of raisins and exotic spices often served with a curl of orange peel, or even a coffee bean… The fragrance is distinctive and original yet at the same time warm and familiar. And utterly more-ish.’

Cochine Vanille & Tabac Noir Candle £45 for 230g

‘This rich, sultry candle balances notes of vanilla bean and warm hints of patchouli with soft, sensual tones of tobacco flower. Extracts of cardamom, nutmeg and basil lend a delicate spiciness.’

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Bring Spring In! How Stories No.1 Candle Trio & Body Collection celebrates the original scent (& the season)…

Now that spring has truly sprung, and the weather feels that much more hopeful [looks out window to check…] we’re welcoming this change of season with the fragrances we chose to wear – but don’t forget to bring spring indoors, too, with our guide to scent-scaping your home via this scent-sational Stories No.1 Candle Trio to match the lighter, brighter mood…

‘The story of a fragrance wrapped itself around me like a cocoon. It came from nowhere; a divine aroma laced with sharp citrus and the warmth of something woody. It was this aroma I sought to create in my first perfume. STORIES No.01 tells the story of renewed hope and joy, sorrow transformed into beauty, darkness yielding to light.’

– So says Founder and Creative Director of Stories Parfums, Tonya Kidd-Begg.

 

 

 

 

She continues: ‘Uplifting citrus notes of Bergamot, Grapefruit & Orange Blossom, reassuring warmth of cedar wood, a delicate touch of Jasmine, Heliotrope and Fig. The mystery of this fragrance is revealed in its blend of Amber, vibrant Sandalwood and hint of Vetiver. Described as ‘a window to the past’, Amber is known to add warmth and depth, yet when blended with sandalwood and vetiver, results in a vibrant celebration of light.’

 

Stories No.1 £75 for 30ml eau de parfum

 

In the limited edition, sustainably made, scented candle trio inspired by the original fragrance, the individual top, heart and base notes of STORIES Nº.01 Eau de Parfum have been so-cleverly separated for you to enjoy across the three candles. This means you can choose to highlight just one section, a couple, or all three in the same place all at once. Or, consider our favourite way to enjoy them – placing the candles between differing areas of your room (or even splitting them between differing areas of your space) to waft the nuanced aspects of the scent.

STORIES Nº.01 Bougie Parfumée Scented Candle Trio

The candles come in a boxed set of three 70g candles, and though they’re inspired by the perfume, they are deliberately not identical – some creative tweaks have been employed to delight your nose and experience a fresh aspect of the scent each time you pass by.

 

To further indulge in the dewy deliciousness of the fragrance, we recommend using the wonderful Hand & Body Wash, or beautifully silky Hand & Body Lotion for an extra olfactory treat for spring every single time you wash your hands or have a shower. What a perfect way to begin your spring scent ritual.

 

Stories Parfums No.1 hand and body lotion

 

Did you know that if you are constantly surrounded by the same smell your nose can ‘switch off’, meaning you simply don’t smell it as strongly anymore? That’s why it’s so important to switch up your home scents just as you do the perfumes you wear with the seasons – otherwise you’re simply not enjoying them to their full extent. So yes, we adore this way of bringing freshness and celebrating the sense of newness into your home, and the ingenious fractioning of the fragrance across the trio of candles – or layering your seasonal scent choices with the accompanying body products – also means your nose never gets tired of the scent. Brilliant!

Written by Suzy Nightingale