The insider: How to make your home smell nice
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Diptyque candles smell divine. So do Jo Malone's. These are the staples of the home scent arena. But, at £38 a pop, they are perhaps not the most realistic daily option. So what else can you do?
Hit the hot spot
The base for every sweet-smelling home is fresh air and cleanliness and you can't beat polished furniture. But an all-time top tip comes via a documentary about cleaners tricking clients into thinking they'd been busy by spraying Mr Sheen behind the radiators in winter. Genius.
Wax on...
I have fond memories of my father buffing 1970s pine floors with Johnson's floor wax (above). The heavenly, comforting, smell would last for days.
Floral tribute
Flowers do the trick – but they have to be the right ones. Mairead Curtin of celebrity-loved florist Rebel Rebel, adores Scilly Isles scented narcissi. But "plain daffodils have a lovely fragrance, too", she adds. "Try also mimosa, genista, lilac, scented roses."
So fresh and so clean
Dilute fabric softener in a water-spray bottle for proper eau-de-fresh laundry. On that tip, while air fresheners are generally vile, I was shocked to fall for Glade's Clean Linen after discovering it made a friend's bathroom so seductive.
Man up
I had to be forcibly removed from a True Grace "library" candle last year – all beeswax and peppery leather-bound books. Most masculine. The room-diffuser version is pricey, but lasts for ages.
Burning love
Tried all this but still can't kick the candle habit? Classy cheapies include Muji's glass candles (£10.95) and St Eval's lovely Victorian Herb range (£8.95). Burn generously. kate burt
Find Kate's blog on affordable interiors at yourhomeislovely.blogspot.com
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments