How to Make Your Home Smell Expensive Without Overpowering It
Walk into any high-end boutique, five-star hotel, or well-designed home, and you’ll notice something instantly: the air is subtly, yet unmistakably, scented.
It’s like how for me the fashion industry smells of Byredo’s Mohave Ghost. I don’t think this scent had even been created at the time when I was styling, but when I spray it, it reminds me of the fashion showrooms I used to visit to pull clothes for a photo shoot.
It’s never overpowering, just an invisible layer of refinement that sets the tone for the space.
The right scent can transform your space into a sanctuary of sophistication, but there’s a fine line between a home that smells rich and one that’s overwhelming.
I remember when I first fell in love with home fragrances, when I was on a ‘more is more’ type of vibe, burning multiple candles at once, believing I was really doing something unique…
Instead of a seamless, luxurious scent in my room, I ended up with a massive headache. I quickly realised I needed to change my approach, and quickly found out that less is indeed more.
After years of trial and error (and a few fragrance disasters), I’ve found a method that ensures my home always smells subtly luxurious.
Here’s how to do it—without overdoing it.
Start with a Fresh, Clean Base
A luxurious scent starts with a clean space. No amount of perfume or candles can mask the smell of dust, stale air, yesterday’s dinner, or forgotten laundry.
Before we get into fragrance, focus on eliminating any unpleasant odours so your chosen scent isn’t competing with anything unwanted.
Deep clean soft furnishings – Upholstery, rugs, curtains, and bedding absorb odours, so wash them regularly.
Tackle hidden odour traps – Garbage disposals, fridge interiors, shoe racks, and pet areas can all hold onto smells.
Wipe them down often, sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming or leave a bowl of water and lemons in the fridge overnight to absorb any lingering odours.
Keep air circulation in check – I’m known for keeping my windows open because I hate feeling stuffy, but it also brings a freshness to the home.
Open windows daily, even for just 10 minutes, to bring in fresh air and prevent a stale atmosphere. We can’t create a luxurious home if it smells musty!
Once your space is a blank canvas, adding fragrance becomes effortless.
Choose a Signature Home Scent
Expensive-smelling homes have one thing in common: they don’t smell like a chaotic mix of different fragrances.
They have a signature scent, something that lingers softly and becomes a part of the home’s identity.
Warm, woody scents – Think sandalwood, oud, cedarwood, and vetiver. These notes feel rich, timeless, and effortlessly sophisticated.
Soft florals with depth – Instead of overpowering florals, opt for elegant blends like white tea and jasmine, rose and musk, or peony and suede.
Fresh, airy scents – If you prefer a cleaner scent, go for linen, bergamot, or green tea to achieve that crisp ‘hotel lobby’ feel.
Use High-Quality Candles (But Don’t Overdo It)
As much as candles add a beautiful scent to your home, they also add to the aesthetic, acting as statement pieces on coffee tables, nightstands, and vanities.
But the key is to use them sparingly. One or two well-placed candles are more than enough.
Go for natural waxes – Beeswax and soy candles burn cleaner and last longer than paraffin.
Stick to one scent per room – Mixing multiple strong fragrances can feel overwhelming. Instead, place candles with complementary notes in different areas.
Use candles strategically – Light them in the evening for a warm, inviting ambience rather than overpowering your home all day.
My personal favourite? At the moment I’m currently burning this beauty before bedtime.
Diffuse Essential Oils for a Gentle, Long-Lasting Aroma
Essential oil diffusers are perfect for those who want a luxurious scent without the artificial undertones of some commercial air fresheners.
Unlike candles, they provide a continuous, soft fragrance that doesn’t overwhelm the senses.
Choose high-quality oils – Cheaper oils can smell harsh or too synthetic. Look for pure essential oils with complex, well-balanced notes.
Use subtle blends – Lavender and vanilla for relaxation, bergamot and sandalwood for a chic, fresh scent, or fig and amber for a warm, inviting feel.
Adjust intensity – Start with a few drops and build up if needed. You want the scent to be a whisper, not a shout.
I keep a diffuser in my bathroom to create a spa-like atmosphere.
Scent Your Linens & Furniture
Try and get more detailed by adding a scent to fabrics and furniture.
Linen sprays – A light mist of linen spray on your sheets, curtains, and throw pillows keeps everything subtly perfumed.
Scented drawer liners or sachets – Placing scented sachets in drawers or closets makes your clothes smell fresh and luxurious.
Furniture polish with essential oils – Wood furniture holds onto fragrance well. I like using a polish infused with cedarwood or orange blossom for a natural touch of scent.
There’s nothing better than slipping into bed with freshly sprayed vanilla and cashmere-scented sheets. It’s such a small luxury, but it makes all the difference. I use the Phlur Vanilla Skin Body Mist, which is nice and not too heavy.
Signature Room Sprays & Perfumed Candles for Special Occasions
While everyday scenting should be subtle, try using a signature room spray or a special perfumed candle for special occasions, like when you have guests over.
Luxury hotel-inspired room sprays – A few spritzes of a high-end room spray before guests arrive instantly elevates the space.
Perfumed candles for entertaining – When hosting, you could burn a more noticeable scent, like a fig and blackcurrant candle, just for the occasion.
Fresh flowers for a natural fragrance – Peonies and lilies naturally perfume a room without any artificial fragrance.
This is where I allow myself to be a little extra, because sometimes, a touch of drama is what makes luxury feel special.
Finally…
Creating a home that smells expensive is about refinement, not intensity. It’s about layering scents in a way that feels natural, fresh, and inviting.
The goal is to make people walk into your home and think, This place smells amazing, without being able to pinpoint exactly why.
Your scent is a part of you, your aesthetic, and your home’s identity. Find a fragrance that matches who you are, and let it become part of your everyday luxury.
What’s your go-to home scent? Let me know in the comments
Want to learn how to curate a luxurious home?
Transform your space into a sanctuary of sophistication, no matter your budget.
