You know that feeling when you walk into a luxury hotel and everything just feels right? The plush textures, the soft lighting… and that scent. It’s subtle, elevated, and instantly calming. Many hotels have a signature fragrance that lingers in your memory long after checkout—and I’ve been on a mission to recreate that same experience in my own home.
Whether it’s through diffusers, candles, fresh flowers, or even a stovetop simmer, scent plays a major role in how a space feels. It’s one of the quickest ways to elevate your home and create a lasting impression—on your guests or potential buyers if you’re getting ready to sell.
Hotel Vibes at Home
I’ve picked up way too many candles and room sprays (no regrets), but one of my favorite tools for everyday luxury is the Pura Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser. You can schedule scents, switch them out seasonally, and the app makes it ridiculously easy to customize.
I rotate mine depending on the time of year—think citrus and sea salt in the summer, or soft florals in the spring.
Favorite Spring + Summer Pura Scents
Looking to give your home a seasonal refresh? These are my current warm-weather go-tos for the Pura diffuser:
- Capri Blue Volcano – Tropical, citrusy, and a total mood-booster
- Homesick Hawaii – Beachy, breezy, and full of island vibes
- Apotheke Canvas – Clean, airy, and perfect for minimalist spaces
- Brooklyn Candle Co. Santorini – A soft mix of fig, Mediterranean breeze, and sunshine
- NEST Bamboo – Fresh and green with notes of white florals
- Pura White Tea No. 1– Crisp, soothing, and spa-like—perfect for an elegant, serene vibe
Favorite Candles That Actually Work
If you’re more of a candle lover, here are a few that have made it into my regular rotation:
- Capri Blue Volcano – the iconic scent you probably know from Anthropologie
- Nest New York Grapefruit – fresh, clean, and perfect for kitchens or entryways
- Diptyque Baies – a splurge, but worth every burn
Fresh Florals + Greenery
Nothing beats the real thing. I love styling seasonal flowers in key areas of the home—entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Even a small bud vase on a nightstand or bookshelf can bring life (and scent!) into the space.
Try garden roses, lilacs, or eucalyptus for a naturally aromatic effect. Bonus: eucalyptus in a steamy shower = spa vibes.
Simmer Pot Magic
Those stovetop simmer pots you see on Pinterest? They’re the real deal. Here’s one of my go-to combos:
Spring/Summer Simmer Pot Recipe
- 1 lemon, sliced
- A handful of fresh rosemary
- A splash of vanilla extract
- Optional: a few lavender sprigs or orange slices
Add to a small pot of water and let it simmer on low. Your house will smell like a sun-drenched herb garden.
When Selling a Home, Smell Matters
When staging homes, I always remind clients: avoid cooking anything with lingering or overpowering smells the day or even the night before a showing.
That means skipping bacon, fish, garlic-heavy dishes, or anything fried. As delicious as those meals may be, the scents can cling to upholstery, curtains, and vents—and that’s not the first impression you want to give potential buyers.
Instead, aim for a fresh, clean scent using a light candle, diffuser, or linen spray. You want your home to feel inviting, neutral, and calm—like it’s already been loved, but ready for someone new to love it next.
Final Thoughts
Scent is the unsung hero of interior design. It sets the mood, triggers memory, and creates a sense of comfort and intentionality. Whether you’re decorating, entertaining, or prepping a home for sale, don’t overlook it.
Want to shop my favorite scents? Shop Here
