Scent is an often overlooked aspect of interior design & space creation. Yet as nearly anyone who has entered a space can attest, it’s an integral part of the initial key impression. Indeed, if a space contains an unpleasant odor or scent, it may be such a deterrent that one may never revisit it again! Beyond this, though, there are the more fascinating aspects of various scents and aromas. And while it may seem trivial, there are subtle distinctions in the English language between the various nouns — scent, aroma, smell and odor.
While these terms may be used interchangeably, the word aroma is more closely associated with foods, specifically items such as coffee. The term scent is something one might associate with a pleasant smelling perfume. Contrast this to odor (a somewhat more ambiguous term) but more typically used to relate something negative, such as a “foul odor.” And of course the word smell, the physical act of smelling something or an actual smell of something specific. Whatever the case, smell is an essential sense whether we consciously recognize it or not. This serves as the basis for fields such as aromatherapy — the practice of using natural oils to help relieve stress, anxiety and depression as well as create an overall sense of well-being. The aromas you choose to use in your surrounding environment can have an effect on your overall perception of the space. The way the air flow moves throughout your home or office may not be immediately perceptible until one goes outside. Suddenly there is a sense of relief and freedom. Why not bring that to your indoor environment? There are several ways to accomplish this; indeed, there are professionals who specialize in aroma interior design. One such organization is The New York Institute of Aromatic Studies (for more information, please visit their website at https://aromaticstudies.com). There’s also the National School for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) which offers several educational programs and a list of approved schools. Alternatively, you can independently research more on the topic and attend lectures. In any case, simply being aware of the importance of aroma and indoor air quality is highly important and a topic one should keep in mind wherever you live.