In a world that can often overwhelm, the aesthetic philosophies of minimalism offer solace in the midst of clutter and noise. Minimalism champions the idea that less can be more, and that a carefully curated space can create tranquillity and a sense of well-being.
So, how can scent help you to incorporate these principles into your own living environment? In this Charles Farris blog post, we’ll explore how scented candles can play a major role in complementing the minimalist lifestyle.
What is minimalism?
As an interior design philosophy, minimalism centres around three central pillars:
- Simplicity
- Functionality
- Elimination of unnecessary elements
A minimalist home often features clean lines, a limited colour palette, and a focus on the essentials in order to create a space that promotes clarity and inner peace.
Matching scents to the minimalist aesthetic
Now that we understand minimalism, it’s time to see which scents match its design vision. The scented candle should complement a minimalist space without overwhelming it; striking this balance is an art in itself.
Subtlety is key
Your fragrance choice should gently surround your space without dominating it. Light florals can achieve this understated, clean aroma that complements minimalism.
Rose, Jasmine, and Lily of the Valley are all delicate notes that evoke a sense of calm and softness without overshadowing a simplistic design. On the other hand, fresh scents, inspired by the outdoors, can infuse your minimalist space with a breath of clean air.
Consider colour palette
Colour is fundamental to minimalist interior design. It plays a crucial role in creating a visual harmony, and these colours tend to be restrained themselves – such as whites, neutrals, and muted tones.
White may be the quintessential colour of minimalism, representing purity and serenity. For these mainly white spaces, consider scents that evoke freshness and cleanliness such as white linen or cotton. They add a subtle layer that ensures your minimalist space remains uncluttered visually and sensorily.
For neutral colour palettes, fragrances that maintain this sense of neutrality that don’t overpower are perfect.
Reflect the purpose of each room
Even within a minimalist home, each room may serve different levels of function and purpose, and scent should reflect this wherever you are at home.
Living room
Warm and inviting fragrances like vanilla, amber, or sandalwood will help the living room exude a welcoming and cosy ambiance that always ensures you and your guests feel at ease. Amber especially, with its rich, earthy notes, adds a layer of depth to your living room’s relaxing atmosphere.
Home office
In your home office, the scent should encourage and ease focus. Clean, crisp, unobtrusive scents like bergamot or citrus can stimulate mental clarity and help keep you on task. These are especially beneficial if your minimalist home office lacks distractions and visual clutter.
Kitchen
Like the living room, the kitchen is a central point of your home, where meals are prepared and loved ones gather. To match this lively, purposeful atmosphere, fresh, herbal scents like Mint or Bay can infuse your kitchen with a burst of freshness and motivation.
Bedroom
The bedroom is the sanctuary of the home, no more than in the minimalist’s home. It’s the place to retreat, rest, and rejuvenate. After a long day of work, the bedroom acts as a place of calm. Relaxing floral-scented candles can be perfect for promoting restful sleep and a peaceful atmosphere.
By aligning scent choice with the purpose of each space in your minimalist home, you enhance the functionality of each zone and complement the simplicity of minimalism.
