The Curious Power of Scent
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Why are we so drawn to scent?
What is it about scent that either draws us in or sends us running in the opposite direction? Have you ever wondered?
A quick sniff of the scrap bucket has me making a beeline for the compost bin, while the fragrance of an old-fashioned rose, its petals wide open inviting a curious nose, fills me with nostalgia and happiness.
It's extraordinary that something as simple as a scent can transport us back to another place or another time in an instant. A childhood garden, a favourite holiday, someone's kitchen, or even a person we haven't seen for years.
With the imminent launch of my candle range, designed to complement my scented wax wardrobe tablets, I've found myself thinking about this quite a lot. What is it about fragrance that makes us want to fill our homes with it?
Let's investigate a little further.
A quick biology lesson
When a smell triggers a memory, it's because our sense of smell takes a shortcut. Instead of stopping first at the thalamus (our brain's control centre), scent travels directly to the amygdala, which processes emotion, and the hippocampus, where memories are formed.
Because of this, scent-evoked memories tend to feel much more vivid than those triggered by something we see or hear. Scientists even have a name for it: the Proust Effect.
Our brains also process unpleasant smells more quickly than pleasant ones. It's an evolutionary survival mechanism, helping us recognise spoiled food, smoke or danger before we've even had time to think about it.
But what about the smells we love?
They're part of our survival story too.
Pleasant aromas trigger the release of dopamine, one of our brain's feel-good chemicals. It's our body's way of encouraging us to seek out experiences that bring comfort, pleasure and wellbeing. Rather like scrolling on our phones... only much better for us.
Think about the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Can you almost taste it already? And now you're probably wondering whether you should have a croissant with it.
There's far more to it than that, of course, but we'll leave the science there for now.
Creating a home that feels like home
Bringing beautiful fragrance into our homes helps create a feeling of sanctuary.
Perhaps you want to brighten a room with fresh citrus, be transported back to a favourite coastal holiday, curl up by the fire with warm musky notes, or feel as though you're wandering through a flower-filled garden.
Scent quietly changes the atmosphere around us.
The seasons influence our preferences too. Fresh botanicals in spring, salty coastal scents in summer, rich earthy fragrances in autumn, and warm spices throughout winter. I love changing the scents in my home as the year unfolds.
Meadow of spring flowers path to the beach Autumn Trees cosy winter chair
Are you someone who likes to scent stack, using the same fragrance throughout the house? Or do you enjoy giving each room its own personality? Perhaps your home is a delightful mixture of everyone's favourites.
The memories we collect
One of my favourite things to do when travelling is buy a candle as a souvenir.
Unlike a trinket that sits on a shelf, a fragrance has the remarkable ability to transport you straight back to that place.
French Pear always reminds me of a trip to the Southern Highlands of New South Wales when we first moved to Australia. Every time I burn it in the cooler months, those memories gently return.
Fig & Cassis reminds me of wandering through antique shops in Bowral, another winter favourite. During summer I reach for Sea Salt & Driftwood or Coconut & Lime. Even though I already live by the coast, I never seem to tire of those fresh, beachy scents.
And perhaps that's why these fragrances have found their way into my range of scented wax tablets and candles.
Fig and Cassis candle French Pear Scented Wardrobe Tablet Black Raspberry candle
I hope they might become part of your story too.
Perhaps this little journey exploring the power of scent has given you something to think about.
Maybe you'll discover a new favourite fragrance, begin a simple evening ritual, or find a scent that makes your home feel just that little bit more like home.
If you'd like to explore the Waionehu collection of scented wax tablets and our beautiful new candles, I'd love to welcome you. Discover Scented Wax Tablets here and Candles here
Until next time, yours in fragrance,
Sharlene
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