Fresh aromas: A guide to scentscaping your home

When we think of spring, it’s easy to conjure signature scents of blooming flowers and fresh air after a warm rainfall. There’s no better time to invigorate our living space with a sense of newness, refreshing the fragrance backdrop within our home.

We ask fragrance designer Alison Banton, of Greystones-based Brooke & Shoals Fragrances, how we can do just that with her latest collection, Mediterranean Citrus & Coastal Wild Flowers, as well as her inspiration behind it.

“When designing new fragrances, there is a creative element, of course, but this has to be combined with practical elements as well, like time of year and functionality. Spring is a wonderful season to create for, as it’s such a hopeful time of the year; and I love to represent this promise of better times ahead with the scent notes that I choose.

“In creating our latest spring blend, I was trying to imagine an olfactory backdrop, to evoke the feeling that the summer is not far away and will bring the promise of sunny days, time outdoors and holidays. The result is our new scent, Mediterranean Citrus & Coastal Wild Flowers.

“The essence of this fragrance has zesty notes of ripe citrus fruits – luscious lemons, tangy oranges, and juicy grapefruits – that infuse the air with a burst of energy and vitality, instantly uplifting the mood and brightening the atmosphere.”

“Complementing these vibrant accents, are the whispers of floral notes – from soft petals of orange blossom to aromatic sprigs of lavender and sweetness of wild rose,  all carried on a sea breeze. Together, they create a tapestry of scents that exude freshness, elegance, and charm. This blend is perfect for a living room candle or reed diffuser.”

Alison explains that a living room scent needs to be subtle and long-lasting. Delicate florals, gentle woody blends or fresh coastal blends work well. Whereas, in the kitchen, a stronger blend with an herbal or citrus angle won’t overpower the smell of delicious food, but will also help clear the air of post-cooking aromas.

As we bid farewell to the winter chill and embrace the arrival of spring, let the scent of Mediterranean Citrus & Coastal Wildflowers from the Brooke & Shoals Fragrance Collection be your olfactory companion. Their award-winning candles or diffusers will breathe new life into your surroundings.

Brooke & Shoals Fragrance products can be found nationwide, in independent gift stores and lifestyle stores. Visit Brooke & Shoals Fragrances in their boutique in Greystones, Co Wicklow or online at brookeandshoals.ie.