When someone walks into my apartment, the best compliment I can get is "It smells so good in here." Scent is my not-so-secret indulgence. Sure, candles and diffusers do their part, but the real magic comes from the little things: the luxe detergent that lingers on my sheets, the dish soap that smells like tomatoes instead of plain old "fresh," and the all-purpose spray that is scented like bergamot rather than bleach.
I think of home fragrance as a layering process—every room has its own scent profile: the kitchen gets something herbal and green, the bathroom smells spa-like, and my laundry always carries a floral undertone that channels a stay at a Ritz-Carlton.
As someone who tests products for a living, I've found that the best-smelling homes aren't about one standout candle; instead, just like perfumes, the key is to layer the scents. It's all about how everything works together. Ahead, the five scent staples that make my apartment smell cozy and expensive.
A Blooming Kitchen
After cooking, I need something that erases all traces of garlic or heady foods. I keep fresh, herbal candles and sprays in constant rotation. That makes the space feel instantly clean, even if the sink's still full.
The stunning vessel and the bright, green aroma immediately transport me to a luscious garden. It smells as beautiful as it looks.
Whenever I cook a batch of meat or the notorious brussels sprouts scent begins to linger, La Droguerie from Diptyque is immediately lit, and all odors are quickly eliminated.
The Bathroom Spa
My bathroom might be too small to officially call it a bathroom, but one thing's for sure: it smells like a five-star wellness spa. I rely on gentle, odor-neutralizing scents to keep things as fresh as possible. I always keep a spray and reed diffuser above the toilet, along with a pretty candle for the aesthetic.
Violet Grey and D.S. & Durga collaborated on this stunning and glamorous scent that is just begging to be placed on your bathroom vanity.
Even though this spray is intended for all-purposes, I find that it works wonderfully in my bathroom. I've made it a toilet spray that doesn't scream "toilet spray."
The Diffuser That Does It All
Diffusers are the unsung heroes of home fragrance. They linger quietly in the background, and honestly, if you keep one running all the time, you'll likely become so used to the scent that you forget it's even there. That said, anyone who enters your space won't. While a reed diffuser is always lovely, lately, my favorites are the electronic ones—they're more powerful and can often be controlled via your phone.
I will always remain loyal to Pura; with its clean formulas and incredible scents, it's an easy choice to keep running in your home all the time.
If you really want to ball out, consider our MC Fragrance Award winner, the Parfums de Marly Home Diffuser. Not only does it smell incredible, but it also doubles as decor.
Laundry, Upgraded
Nothing makes a room feel more luxurious faster than a good laundry scent. Don't underestimate the power of washing your linens with an incredible fragrance; it lingers on your sheets and clothing, lightly adding another layer of yumminess to your home. Plus, it's such a treat climbing into bed.
Laundress remains one of my favorite laundry brands because it truly exudes luxury. The rose scent is my favorite—it reminds me of a Paris hotel whenever I get a whiff of my sheets at night.
Those with sensitive skin would likely never consider an overly scented laundry detergent. That said, BDK Parfums delivers: it's dermatologist-tested, alcohol-free, and safe for easily irritated skin.
The Clean Sweep
I may not like it, but I have to do it, so when I'm cleaning, it should at least smell good. Call me extra, but I use all-purpose sprays that smell like perfume. It turns wiping down the countertops into something vaguely enjoyable.
I never thought I'd enjoy cleaning—that was until I used Homecourt's products. After my Sunday resets, my home smells like I just did a full-blown spring cleaning.
I use Flamingo Estate's tomato-scented cleaner all over my kitchen. It truly is the freshest scent that livens up the space.
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