Have you ever entered a home and been instantly swept off your feet by the calming, fresh scent enveloping you? There’s something truly comforting about walking into a house that smells good. It’s inviting, soothing, and to a large extent, therapeutic. Creating a home that is pleasant to the senses is a painstaking yet rewarding process. It’s about choosing the right colors, the right furniture, the right decor, and above all, the right scent. Here’s everything you need to know to maintain a fresh-smelling home, inspired by the tips shared by Erin Napier from the HGTV series Home Towns.
Maintaining clean habits
A clean house is a fresh-smelling house. There’s no shortcut around this. From dusting furniture and vacuuming carpets to regularly changing bed sheets and throwing open the windows for some sunshine and fresh air, these simple habits go a long way in ensuring your house smells good and feels inviting. Remember, cleanliness isn’t just about appearances. It significantly impacts how comfortable you feel in your own home, and how welcome your guests do too.
Choosing the right scent
A subtle scent can enhance the overall feel of your home. You could opt for essential oils, candles, or incense sticks, depending on your preferences. Lavenders and citrus smells, for example, can lend a calming, serene touch to your home. On the other hand, baking smells can make your house feel cozy and familiar. The key is to understand your personal preferences and how different smells can change the mood of a space.
Using natural options
You don’t need to shell out big bucks for expensive room fresheners or perfumes. There’s a surprising amount of natural options at your disposal that are both effective and eco-friendly. Certain houseplants, for example, are known to purify the air and release pleasant fragrances. Likewise, you could also place a bowl of vinegar in a corner to neutralize unpleasant smells. This naturally sustainable approach is both friendly on your pocket and the environment.
Adjusting the scent to your routine
Another interesting tip is molding your home’s scent around your daily routine. For instance, Erin Napier recommends using a scent diffuser 30 minutes before bed with a relaxing oil blend, which aids in winding down for the night and setting you up for a good night’s sleep.
It’s also beneficial to integrate certain smells into specific times of day or activities — a fresh orange or citrus scent in the mornings, a comforting vanilla aroma during a rainy evening spent reading, or subtle floral undertones when hosting a midday brunch. Allowing your house to not just appear but also smell like ‘home’ for each unique scenario creates a beautifully sensory experience that’s personal and intimate.
Having a fresh-smelling home isn’t a ‘one-and-done’ process. Much like maintaining a beautiful garden or a well-curated bookshelf, it’s an ongoing journey — a labor of love that reflects your personality, your preferences, and your lifestyle. It’s about finding joy in the little things, and cultivating a space that truly feels like ‘home’ — not just for you, but for everyone who steps into it.
Emma Johnson is a passionate and insightful writer specializing in the house and garden niche, bringing over a decade of experience to her readers. At the youthful age of 34, Emma has already established herself as a leading voice in home improvement, landscaping, and interior design. Her journey began with a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia, followed by years of hands-on experience working with renowned landscaping firms across the country.
Emma’s writing career took off when she started sharing her unique ideas and eco-friendly gardening tips on her personal blog. Her ability to blend practical advice with aesthetic design quickly garnered attention, leading to her current position as a featured columnist for a prominent online news site.
Dedicated to sustainable living and innovative design, Emma’s articles offer a wealth of knowledge, from DIY home projects to the latest trends in garden technology. Her work not only enlightens homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the environment.
When she’s not writing or experimenting in her own garden, Emma enjoys mentoring young designers and participating in community beautification projects. Her contributions extend beyond her written work, embodying her commitment to making the world a more beautiful and sustainable place, one home at a time.
