How does lighting automation save energy in empty rooms?

Lighting automation saves energy by shutting lights off when rooms are unoccupied and by giving homeowners remote and scheduled control over every fixture. That eliminates the everyday problem of lights left burning in closets, basements or hallways for hours.

According to ADT, residential lighting consumed about 129 billion kilowatt hours in 2016, or about 10 percent of the total electricity used in the residential sector. ADT writes that “one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce electricity consumption is to switch to LED light bulbs,” noting that LED bulbs “use up to 80 percent less energy than other bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.” Pairing efficient bulbs with automation compounds the savings on both fronts.

What smart lighting devices should beginners start with?

Beginners can build a full automation setup from five basic device types. Motion sensors trigger lights when someone enters a room. Occupancy and vacancy sensors handle both on and off automatically or only the off step, depending on the model. Smart bulbs, smart switches and smart plugs for lamps round out the toolkit and each can be added one room at a time without rewiring.

Energy Star notes that “smart lighting can be controlled remotely or on a schedule,” adding that it “can also be controlled to tune light color for optimal circadian rhythm with daylight in the morning and soft warm light at night.” Smart switches, Energy Star says, “are also a great way to control lights remotely to save energy.”

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Which rooms should you automate first for the biggest payoff?

The best starting rooms are the ones where lights get left on the longest. That typically means the garage, laundry room, basement, closets, pantry, bathrooms, hallways, kids’ bedrooms and the home office.

These spaces share a common pattern. People walk in, flip a switch and forget to flip it back when they leave. A motion or vacancy sensor removes the human step entirely. Closets and pantries are especially easy wins because the fixtures usually run on a single switch and the room sits empty most of the day. Automating a kids’ bedroom light with a schedule also handles bedtime cues, with Energy Star pointing out that when “your kids lights are red it’s time for bed.”

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What are the benefits of smart lighting beyond saving energy?

Smart lighting delivers several benefits beyond a smaller power bill. The main ones are convenience, better home security while you are away, hands-free lighting, nighttime safety, accessibility for anyone who has trouble reaching a switch and circadian lighting schedules that shift color temperature through the day.

Energy Star describes the everyday appeal this way. “It’s nice to not have to get out of bed when you realize you forgot to turn off lights in your house at the end of a long day. It can also come in handy with your voice assistance for a no-hands way to light up a pathway or room, especially when your light switch is not in a convenient location.” Scheduled lighting while traveling can also make a home look occupied.

How a smart thermostat works

A smart thermostat connects to your home Wi-Fi and lets you control heating and cooling through an app, a voice assistant or, in some models, routines it learns on its own. The pricier models layer on motion sensors, air-quality monitors and even Bluetooth speakers. Cheaper models stick to remote adjustments, custom schedules and basic energy reports. All of them aim at the same core promise, which is using automation to stop heating or cooling rooms nobody is in.

Google Nest, the learning option

The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) costs $279.99, ships with one Nest Temperature Sensor and, true to its name, teaches itself your schedule. It works best inside a Google Home setup. Roy Furchgott, writing for Wirecutter, called it “the smartest thermostat” but noted it “doesn’t have motion or presence detection” and is therefore “less useful than Ecobee’s sensors.” It also skips a built-in smart speaker and microphone, which Furchgott said many buyers may prefer.

The cheaper Nest Thermostat (2020) runs around $130. It skips automatic learning and doesn’t support remote temperature sensors, but you still get manual schedules, Home/Away Assist and Google Home app control. Will Greenwald and John R. Delaney of PC Mag described it as “a top pick for anyone shopping for a smart thermostat on a budget,” especially “if you have a smart home built around Google Assistant.”

Ecobee, the feature-packed choice

Ecobee positions itself as the premium pick. The Smart Thermostat Premium costs $259.99 and adds a SmartSensor, an air-quality monitor and built-in Alexa and Siri support. Reviewer Jon Reed wrote for CNET that his favorite quirk was that “the Ecobee Smart thermostat Premium makes a half-decent Bluetooth speaker.”

Reed argued the value question depends on how you shop. “A smart thermostat, like any technology purchase, is not always a purely money-saving venture. It’s a lifestyle choice,” he wrote, adding that utility rebates and giveaways from local governments can slash the sticker price. He also noted buyers may want to pair a thermostat with Ecobee’s home security devices. Shoppers who don’t need the extras can step down to the Smart Thermostat Enhanced at $199.99, which keeps most smart features but drops the air-quality monitor and speaker.

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Mysa, the budget-friendly alternative

Mysa pitches itself as the value pick with a privacy angle. According to the brand’s official website, Mysa “costs $70-120 less than premium competitors while including the same core features” and describes itself as “a privacy-focused Canadian company that never sells your data to Google or Amazon.”

The Mysa Smart Thermostat for Central HVAC runs $129.00 and works with most 24V HVAC systems, including furnaces, heat pumps, central AC, boilers and radiant heating. You get app control, custom schedules and energy reports, but no advanced learning or dedicated room sensors. For homes with electric baseboard heaters, Mysa sells a dedicated $159.99 model that ties into Wi-Fi and works with Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit.

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Which smart thermostat saves you the most money

There’s no universal winner. Nest’s learning tech and Google integration fit households already invested in the Google ecosystem. Ecobee’s sensors, air-quality tracking and voice-assistant support suit buyers who want their thermostat to do more than heat and cool. Mysa’s lower price and stance against data collection appeal to shoppers who want the basics without a subscription or a data footprint. Reed’s advice applies to all three brands. Check for utility rebates before you buy, because a Cadillac-priced thermostat can end up costing Chevrolet money if you catch the right promotion.

Why do we have Daylight Saving Time? 

Daylight Saving Time was first introduced to the United States in 1918 through the Standard Time Act. The goal was to help Americans make better use of natural daylight during the summer months. Many people believe it was also created to benefit farmers, but farmers have refuted that claim, saying the time change disrupts their milking and harvesting schedules. 

Currently, Daylight Saving Time begins in the spring when we “spring forward” and lose an hour of sleep but gain an hour of sunlight, and it ends in the fall when we “fall back” and gain an hour of sleep but lose an hour of sunlight. Every state in the U.S. participates in the time change except Arizona and Hawaii. The time change causes millions of hours of lost productivity, and studies show that Daylight Saving Time can disrupt eating schedules and sleep schedules. 

A 2025 study conducted by Stanford Medicine scientists even suggested that the health of most Americans would improve without Daylight Saving Time, since the event can disrupt the circadian cycle, a 24-hour biological process that regulates body temperature, hormone levels and the sleep-wake cycle.

“We found that staying in standard time or staying in daylight saving time is definitely better than switching twice a year,” Jamie Zeitzer, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and senior author of the study, said in a statement. “When you get light in the morning, it speeds up the circadian cycle. When you get light in the evening, it slows things down. You generally need more morning light and less evening light to keep well synchronized to a 24-hour day.”

“The more light exposure you get at the wrong times, the weaker the circadian clock. All of these things that are downstream—for example, your immune system, your energy—don’t match up quite as well,” Zeitzer concluded.

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Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are working on passing a new bipartisan bill, the Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone (PROMISE) Act, which would help extend Social Security’s funding past 2032. The issue? Experts are warning that passing a bill this early could end up harming the program instead of helping it. Keep […]

When does Daylight Saving Time end in 2026? 

As it stands right now, Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 1, meaning clocks will “fall back” one hour at 2:00 a.m. As a result, the sun will set earlier, reducing evening daylight by about an hour.

What is the Sunshine Protection Act? 

Earlier this month, the House passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would give each state the option to observe permanent Daylight Saving Time, resulting in more sunlight and less darkness year-round. It would also help Americans save money on electric bills, since they could rely more on natural light and less on artificial lighting.

The bill now heads to the Senate for debate and discussion. It’s unclear how long that process will take or if they will approve it. The debate will likely be a lengthy one though, since the Senate already tried to push a similar version of the Sunshine Protection Act last year, but it failed to get approved by the House. 

“I’m kind of digging the fact that we’re going to fix it, I hope,” Representative Tim Burchett told NBC News. “See if the Senate takes it up. They probably won’t, but we’ll see.”

If the bill does pass the Senate, it will then go to President Trump’s desk, where he will either sign it into law or veto it altogether. In the past, Trump has shown his support for the bill, calling it “a very nice WIN”  in May of this year in a Truth Social post aimed at trying to convince the House and the Senate to pass it.

“I am going to work very hard to see the Sunshine Protection Act signed into law. It’s time that people can stop worrying about the ‘Clock’ not to mention all of the work and money that is spent on this ridiculous, twice yearly production,” Trump continued. “We are going with the far more popular alternative, Saving Daylight, which gives you a longer, brighter Day — And who can be against that—This is an easy one!” 

If the Senate doesn’t approve the bill, it will go back to the House, who can either set it aside or revisit it and then resubmit it to the Senate. 

“I think it’s popular. It shouldn’t be controversial. It should be bipartisan. It saves money,”  Georgia representative Rich McCormick told NBC News. 

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Will the Sunshine Protection Act affect Daylight Saving Time? 

As it stands now, the Sunshine Protection Act has passed the House of Representatives but still must be approved by the Senate and signed by President Trump before it can become law. If it is approved before November 1, 19 states (Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming) have already passed trigger laws that would allow them to immediately switch to permanent Daylight Saving Time once federal law permits it.

However, as of publication, the Senate has not yet voted on the bill, and President Trump has not signed it into law, meaning Daylight Saving Time will still end in November as scheduled.

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Searches for “vintage maximalism” jumped 260% on Pinterest’s 2025 Fall Trends report. “Eclectic maximalism” rose 215% and “eclectic apartment” surged 630%.

The numbers from the professional side tell a similar story. According to 1stDibs’ ninth annual Interior Designer Trends Survey, maximalism (39%) and eclecticism (38%) are the two most in-demand styles of 2026.

“Maximalism is having another moment, with an emphasis on special pieces and pops of really, truly personal items,” Stephanie Hunt, founder of The Flairhunter, told Forbes.

As maximalism interior design trends gain momentum, one character has come to define the movement: the eccentric aunt.

Maximalism meets the ‘eccentric aunt’ aesthetic

“The Eccentric Aunt is the family member everyone talked about on the drive home,” interior designer Piper Skillman told Homes & Gardens. “It’s comfort and adventure in the same room.”

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The eccentric aunt aesthetic isn’t maximalism for its own sake. It’s about authenticity. Every object in the room should feel like it earned its place.

“The eccentric aunt aesthetic embraces individuality, layered collections, rich color, books, antiques, textiles, original artwork and unexpected combinations that reveal the personality of the person who lives there,” designer Kelsie Lally told Martha Stewart.

Think of it as maximalist decor with a point of view. An inherited cabinet sits next to a contemporary lamp and a strange flea-market find. None of it matches and all of it belongs. The room looks collected rather than decorated because it was.

“Make the place yours. And also, who cares what other people like?” actress Nicole Byer told The Ethos. “You have to like it, you have to look at it, you have to live in it.”

That philosophy is what separates the eccentric aunt from generic maximalism home decor. It’s not about filling every surface. It’s about filling your home with things that actually mean something to you.

Start small. Display something you collect. Hang personal artwork alongside family photos and unexpected finds. Let hobbies, books, records and travel mementos become part of the décor. Use hand-me-downs and thrifted pieces to create a home that no catalog could replicate.

How to embrace maximalism without the chaos

More personality doesn’t have to mean more clutter. The key is building the look gradually and giving each piece room to breathe.

“If you’re not ready to fully jump into this aesthetic, dip your toe in by mixing up your picture frames, starting a collection of something that brings you joy or covering your sofa in mismatched throw pillows,” designer Morgan Cartier Weston told Good Housekeeping.

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A few principles to keep the look intentional:

• Choose a recurring color. Repeat one or two shades across artwork, textiles and accessories so the room has a visual thread.
• Mix old and new. Pair inherited furniture with a modern light fixture or sculptural accent.
• Vary your pattern scale. Balance a large floral with smaller checks, stripes or geometric prints.
• Give collections boundaries. Dedicate one shelf, cabinet or tabletop to a collection rather than spreading it everywhere.
• Leave breathing room. Keep part of each surface empty so the eye has somewhere to rest.
• Edit regularly. Remove anything that feels disconnected or included only to fill space.

As designer Whitney Anderson told Good Housekeeping, “Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, this is one-size-fits-YOU.”

A room can hold plenty of color and character without tipping into chaos. The trick is making sure every piece feels chosen. That’s what the eccentric aunt always understood. Her home wasn’t cluttered. It was hers.

IKEA’s new pill-shaped bouclé sofa lands at a price point that undercuts nearly every comparable piece in its own catalog, arriving as curved silhouettes and looped textures continue to reshape mainstream living rooms. The LILLESÄTER collection is the retailer’s clearest bet yet that the sculptural, cloudlike look isn’t a passing moment — but the design comes with practical caveats that will shape how, and where, shoppers actually use it.

What’s happening with IKEA’s bouclé sofa

The LILLESÄTER launched in March 2026 at $999. It features IKEA’s Axvall bouclé upholstery on a rounded pill-shaped frame with pocket springs and cold-molded foam.

“It’s certainly a firmer sofa, not one you’ll ‘sink’ into,” Livingetc interiors editor Emma Breislin said of a similar construction. “But it still comfortably supports you.”

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The LILLESÄTER collection spans six pieces. Prices range from $150 for a pouf to $1,899 for a six-seat version. Each piece shares the same soft curved silhouette. The sofa is also available in a bright green-yellow Gunnared fabric.

At $999, the three-seat LILLESÄTER is the most affordable IKEA couch wrapped in Axvall bouclé. The comparable UPPÅKRA three-seat costs $1,630 in the same fabric. The JÄTTEBO three-seat runs $1,850, with larger configurations approaching $5,000.

Why the bouclé couch trend keeps building

Three forces are pushing this trend forward.

Curved design has gone mainstream. Rounded silhouettes have spent years softening minimalist interiors. Bouclé has become the texture most associated with that shift. Ideal Home writer Sara Hesikova noted that the “curved, organic shape” is “currently one of the biggest sofa trends.”

The price barrier is dropping. Traditional bouclé in wool or mohair carries a premium. IKEA’s Axvall fabric uses at least 90% recycled polyester to deliver the looped texture at a fraction of the cost. That makes a bouclé sofa IKEA shoppers couldn’t afford before suddenly accessible.

Designers are setting limits on the look. Even as demand grows, experts caution against overuse. Interior designer Mary Patton told Good Housekeeping that bouclé works best as part of a layered mix of textures rather than covering every piece.

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Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN added that the fabric is not practical for larger pieces and is more likely to hold up on smaller items like throw pillows.

That tension between demand and durability is shaping where the trend goes next.

“When designing LILLESÄTER, I wanted to combine playfulness, elegance and comfort. Each part of the sofa series has soft, organic and friendly shapes with sweeping lines that are restful for both the eyes and the body.” — Matilda Lindstam Nilsson, Designer, IKEA (via The Nordroom)

What could be next for bouclé sofas and curved furniture

Three scenarios are worth watching.

IKEA will likely expand the LILLESÄTER line. The collection already spans six configurations in two fabrics. Given IKEA’s pattern with successful launches, additional colors and cover options could follow. The green-yellow Gunnared already signals a willingness to push beyond safe neutrals.

Bouclé may shift toward smaller accent pieces. Designers’ durability warnings suggest the market could move toward bouclé on chairs, poufs and pillows rather than full sofas. LILLESÄTER’s $399 swivel chair and $150 pouf may end up outselling the sofa itself. For shoppers on the fence, starting with an accent piece is a lower-risk way to test the texture.

Competitors will respond at similar price points. LILLESÄTER’s $999 entry puts pressure on mid-range furniture brands. Expect other retailers to introduce curved bouclé options under $1,500 within the next year.

Keep in mind that the LILLESÄTER cover is not removable. Unlike JÄTTEBO and UPPÅKRA covers, it cannot be machine-washed. The fabric is treated for spills, but the off-white version is not stain-proof. Bouclé’s looped surface can also collect debris, flatten with friction and snag on pet claws.

The clear takeaway: if you want the curved bouclé look, LILLESÄTER is the cheapest legitimate way in right now — but buy the piece that matches your household’s actual wear, not the one that photographs best.

THREE SIGNALS TO WATCH

1. Whether LILLESÄTER’s off-white Axvall three-seater stays in stock through summer, or sells through and signals a restock backlog.
2. Customer durability reviews on the LILLESÄTER product page over the next six months for real-world data on the non-removable Axvall cover.
3. IKEA’s next Axvall drop — whether the retailer expands the fabric onto more sculptural frames or pivots to a new textured upholstery entirely.

The confusion only grows once real pilling shows up. Loose fibers tangle into small balls on seat cushions and armrests, and every search leads to fabric shavers, grooming tools and conflicting advice.

If you recently bought a bouclé sofa and something about the surface does not look right, you are not alone. These are the questions that come up most.

Does bouclé fabric pill?

Yes. Bouclé is made with looped, curled yarns that create more surface area than a flat weave. That extra texture gives the fabric its signature look, but it also means more fibers can work loose with friction and daily use.

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Not everyone sees this as a flaw, but not everyone loves it either. “Not a fan of it. It looks worn, pilly,” one commenter wrote under designer Britany Simon’s Instagram post about the rise of bouclé.

Is it normal for a new bouclé sofa to start pilling?

Some initial pilling is normal. It commonly appears during the first two to six weeks on seat cushions, armrests and other high-contact areas as excess fibers work free.

Small pills confined to seating areas should decrease over time. Heavy pilling that spreads to untouched sections, continues beyond the first few months or leaves the fabric thinner may indicate a quality problem.

What is the difference between sofa pilling and loose fuzz?

They look similar but are not the same. Pilling is small, compact balls of tangled fiber knotted into the upholstery. They typically appear in high-use areas and will not brush away easily.

Loose fuzz is fine fibers, lint or pet hair resting on top of the fabric. It lifts off with a soft brush, rubber glove or vacuum. Pulled loops are something else entirely. These are individual strands tugged out by claws, jewelry or zippers and are part of the fabric’s structure.

Can you use an electric grooming shaver on a pilling sofa?

You can, but it is risky on bouclé. A grooming shaver or unguarded blade may catch the fabric’s raised loops, flatten the texture or leave thin patches. The idea gained popularity after Better Homes & Gardens featured a widely shared post about using an electric grooming shaver on upholstery.

“I do own a bouclé armchair, and can attest it’s not the easiest to clean,” Livingetc editor Hugh Metcalf said. “You also can’t be too rough with it, or else you can end up damaging the fibers and changing the texture of the area you’re spot cleaning.”

How do you safely use a fabric shaver on bouclé?

If a fabric shaver is necessary, test it underneath or behind a cushion first. Use the highest guard setting, hold the blade flat and make one light pass per section.

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Avoid seams, piping and edges. Stop immediately if the shaver catches or the surface starts looking flatter. The goal is to remove tangled fibers, not to make bouclé look smooth.

What is the best pilling remover for sofa upholstery made of bouclé?

The safest options are the gentlest ones. Start with these before considering any blade:

• Vacuum with a soft brush attachment on low suction to lift loose fibers and dust.
• Lint brush to remove surface fuzz without cutting the fabric.
• Rubber cleaning gloves to gather pet hair and lint through light friction.
• Lint roller with minimal pressure to avoid pulling at the loops.
• Fine-tooth comb to carefully separate isolated pills in a hidden area.

For dense pills that will not budge, a guarded fabric shaver or an upholstery professional is a better next step than a grooming shaver or razor.

How do you remove pilling from sofa fabric without damaging bouclé?

Start with the gentlest method and only escalate if necessary. Vacuum first, then try a lint brush or rubber glove. If isolated pills remain, test a fine-tooth comb in a hidden spot.

If the pilling is heavy or the fabric has loose loops, snags or thinning areas, skip DIY methods. Contact an upholstery professional who can assess the fabric without risking further damage.

How do you prevent pilling on sofa cushions?

You may not stop it completely, but reducing friction keeps it manageable.

Rotate and flip cushions every two to four weeks. Use smooth throws instead of rough knits that rub against the loops. Keep zippers, buckles and jewelry away from the upholstery. Trim pet nails to reduce snagging. And when spills happen, blot rather than scrub.

The best prevention starts at the point of purchase. High-quality bouclé with tight, dense loops and securely spun yarn resists pilling far better than cheaper alternatives. No fabric is completely pill-proof, but better construction means less work later.

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Live out your cowgirl dreams on the trails 

Saddle up and settle in, because this horseback riding adventure is pure magic. Picture idyllic views stretching as far as the eye can see and the sweetest animals who’ll steal your heart. 

Enjoy delicious perfectly cooked steak 

After spending the day outdoors, head to one of the resort’s many restaurants and treat yourself to the steak—it’s absolutely delicious. And if you don’t eat meat, don’t worry! They have plenty of pescatarian and vegetarian-friendly options to choose from.

Cool off at the water park 

Wanting to escape the summer heat? Take a dip in the resort’s pool. It’s cool and perfect for relaxing. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, slide down the slides. They are just the perfect mix of simple, yet scary.

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Take a mini vacation at home!  

Can’t make it to the campfire! Don’t worry! You can make delicious s’mores at home! 

Classic s’mores

• 2 graham cracker squares
• 1 large marshmallow
• 1-2 pieces milk chocolate (from a Hershey’s bar)

Break graham crackers in half to create squares. Place chocolate on one graham cracker half. Roast marshmallow over campfire or fire pit until golden brown and gooey, rotating slowly. Place hot marshmallow on top of chocolate-covered graham cracker. Top with second graham cracker and gently press down to create a sandwich. Let cool for a few seconds before enjoying. Serves 1.

Virtual Tour

To see the property in full, watch the video above! 

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The psychology of home scent and why first impressions stick

Scent bypasses the slower, more analytical parts of the brain and goes straight to the emotional core. Erika Stalder writes in The Zoe Report that “like with fragrances worn on the body, there’s a psychology to home scents in that they can stimulate all kinds of emotions and behavior. That’s because the part of the brain where emotion and emotional memory are processed, the amygdala, is activated as soon as we smell something.”

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That immediate activation, Stalder says, helps explain why scent can trigger the recall of specific memories, like the backyard blooms from a childhood home, and conjure general emotions such as a sense of freedom. It’s also why some candles are deliberately calibrated to capture specific moods.

What the science says about smell, memory and well-being

The connection between scent and how we feel isn’t just anecdotal. According to Harvard Medicine, Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist at Brown University who studies the psychological science of smell, said, “Smell can instantly trigger an emotional response along with a memory, and our emotional states have a very strong effect on our physical well-being.”

Harvard Medicine notes that in addition to citing myriad studies that link smell-induced memories to mood improvement and stress reduction, Herz points to research showing that smells evoking personal memories promote slower, deeper breathing than pleasant but more generic smells, and linking odor-evoked memories to significant reductions in markers of inflammation.

In other words, the right home scent isn’t just pleasant. It can measurably calm the body of the person standing in your foyer.

Why luxury spaces prioritize fragrance

Hotels and resorts have long understood what most homeowners are only beginning to appreciate, that scent is a branding tool. Signature fragrances are engineered to be recognizable the second a guest walks through the lobby, and they’re designed to be tied to the experience long after the trip ends.

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That deliberate use of fragrance creates a memorable brand experience. Guests don’t just remember the thread count or the view, they remember the smell. Homeowners can borrow the same strategy by choosing one or two consistent scents for their space rather than rotating through whatever candle is on sale. A consistent signature scent makes a home feel intentional and gives visitors something to associate specifically with you.

How to make a home smell welcoming without being obvious

The biggest mistake people make with home scent is going too strong. Subtle fragrance is usually more effective than overpowering fragrance, which can read as artificial or even cause headaches in sensitive guests. The goal is a background note, not a featured performance.

A few practical approaches.

• Open windows regularly. Fresh air is the foundation of a pleasant-smelling home. No candle can compete with stale air underneath it.
• Use natural scent sources. Simmer pots with citrus peels and spices, fresh herbs on the counter and essential oils in a diffuser create warmth without the chemical edge of heavy synthetic fragrances.
• Focus on entryways and living spaces. These are the rooms where first impressions form. Scenting a guest bathroom is nice, while scenting the foyer is strategic.
• Layer thoughtfully. A lightly scented candle in the living room paired with fresh flowers in the entry creates a more nuanced experience than one strong product working alone.

How to choose a signature home scent

Picking a fragrance for your home is more personal than picking one for your body, because everyone who walks in will encounter it. Think about the emotional response you want guests to have, whether calm, energized, cozy or fresh, and work backward from there. Citrus and herbal notes tend to feel bright and welcoming, while woods, vanilla and amber lean cozy and grounding. Because scent is so closely tied to memory, the fragrance you choose may eventually become the one guests associate with your home entirely.

Fragrance experts and interior stylists call this scent-scaping, and the rules behind it are simpler than the candle aisle suggests.

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How a Signature Home Scent Works

A signature scent is built in layers. Top notes are the first impression, usually citrus, herbs or light florals that register the moment someone walks in. Base notes are what lingers in the air long after, including musk, sandalwood, amber and vanilla.

The method decorators recommend has three steps. Pick one dominant scent family. Add one accent note. Then lock that combination in everywhere, from the entryway to the bathroom.

Simon Constantine, founder of ånd fragrance, told Ideal Home, “A signature home scent is probably as important as any other part of your home’s decor. Done right the right scent should leave people with a warm impression of your home, done wrong and it could be overpowering or off-putting.”

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How to Scent Each Room Without Creating Chaos

The mistake most people make is layering too many unrelated fragrances across the house. Sticking to one or two dominant scent families and matching them to a lifestyle aesthetic (minimalist, coastal, romantic or earthy) keeps a home from smelling cluttered.

The decorator approach breaks down room by room.

• Entryway. This is the first impression, so it should be the clearest statement of your signature.
• Living room. Lean warm and inviting.
• Dining room. Keep it subtle so it does not compete with food.
• Kitchen. Food-forward scents work here, like vanilla, cupcake or something heartier like tomato.
• Bathroom. Reach for something powerful or clean to mask any unpleasant odors.

Franky Rousell, founder of Jolie Studios, told Ideal Home, “‘Scent-scaping is a crucial component in interiors. You can totally transform a room from being plain and bland to something luxurious through the power of fragrance. It’s important to understand the emotion you want to draw out of a space and then find the perfect fragrance to match that.”

When in Doubt, Reach for Vanilla

If picking a personalized fragrance feels overwhelming, science has an answer that works almost universally.

Chiana Dickson wrote in Homes and Gardens, “If you are trying to pick a home fragrance that will appeal to everyone, family and guests included, then vanilla is your best bet. After research spanning multiple countries and cultures around the globe, scientists found that vanilla still came out on top, even when matched against other popular scents. It is a safe and readily available fallback.”

Vanilla doubles as a base note, meaning it lingers and pairs cleanly with citrus tops or sandalwood undertones. That makes it as functional as it is foolproof, and a smart anchor for anyone building a signature scent for the first time.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate summer dinner party or sprucing up your outdoor space or tabletop, these easy crafts deliver maximum impact with minimal effort and cost. Get ready to impress your guests with beautiful, handmade touches that celebrate the season in style!

Beautify a space with a copper-kissed vase

“Dollar stores are still my favorite place to pick up super affordable supplies—like glass vases and floral wire—for crafting,” says Striegel, design pro and founder of the blog Chic on a Shoestring.

“Simply adding garden flowers to a glass vase and wrapping it with wire makes a big impact with little effort—it’s a perfect party favor or table accent.”

To do: Fill a glass vase with water. Snip flowers; insert into vase. Wrap copper floral wire around the vase. Jot down a sweet note like “thank you for joining us!” or “welcome!” onto a DIY paper tag; slip tag onto the wire.

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Light up the evening with a simple candlescape

“An easy, wallet-friendly way to enhance ambiance at an outdoor dinner party is with candlelight,” says Striegel. “And the dollar store is a great spot to pick up candles in bulk—for less. Adding a few adornments will turn even the plainest pillars into a tabletop statement.”

To do: For each pillar candle, bend copper floral or crafting wire around the middle of the candle (you can bend the wire into shapes like a heart or even try an initial!). For extra flair, slip a bloom or two into the wire. Repeat and cluster candles together.

Tip: Striegel says using pliers in different shapes helps make curves and flatten copper wire to make interesting shapes.

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Add charm with a floral circlet

“Grapevine wreaths are a great bang for your buck at dollar stores,” says Striegel. “They are so customizable. You can easily add faux or real flowers to them and the result is a striking circlet that adds whimsy and warmth to a fence post, front door—or anywhere!”

To do: Start with a plain grapevine wreath. Then cut handfuls of flowers in shades of yellow, white and purple, as shown. Attach blooms to the wreath using snippets of floral wire; work your way around the wreath until it’s mostly covered. Fill in gaps with filler like baby’s breath or greenery. Hang from a fence post, a door or a ladder.

Tip: Mist the wreath with a water-filled spray bottle to keep blooms lively.

For more cash-savvy decor ideas and pretty inspiration, follow Kate Striegel on Instagram @chiconashoestringdecorating.

This article originally appeared in the June 1, 2026 print issue of Woman’s World magazine. 

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