Choosing summer scents for a natural home is one of my favourite ways to define the change of seasons. As a biophilic interior designer, and the daughter of an aromatherapist, I’ve always been aware not only of how a home looks and feels, but also of its aroma. For me, scent is another layer of atmosphere. It can subtly influence the mood of a room and complete the sensory experience of a space.

Given that nature plays such an important role in my interiors, it probably comes as no surprise that I also gravitate towards plant based aromas.

Summer is the perfect time to choose lighter blends that feel fresh and uplifting, particularly those with citrus notes. In the evenings, I also enjoy softer, more relaxing combinations. There are countless essential oil blends to explore, but these are two that my mum and I have found ourselves returning to often.

Why limit these scents to the garden or evening walks when you can invite them into your home?

When creating a blend, it’s helpful to think in terms of top, middle and base notes, just as you would with a perfume. Here are two simple blends I enjoy using during the warmer months.

Fresh

Top notes

3 drops Grapefruit

2 drops Lemon

Middle notes

2 drops Petitgrain

1 drop Neroli

Base note

1 drop Frankincense

Fresh, clean and gently citrusy, this blend works beautifully in kitchens and open – plan living spaces.

Chilled

Top note

3 drops Bergamot FCF

Middle note

2 drops Lavender

Base note

2 drops Cedarwood Atlas

Soft, calming and understated, with a gentle woody, earthiness that creates a relaxed background atmosphere.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy essential oils at home. Because I have two rescue *dogs, I tend to use my Briiv 2 Pro Air Filter. It not only helps clean the air of pet dander, but also has a fragrance diffusion function, so I simply add a few drops of essential oil and let it gently scent the room.

During the summer months, I also love pairing these blends with open windows and fresh air. Together they create an atmosphere that feels calm and connected to the season.

I’ll be sharing more of my favourite blends as the seasons change.

A special thank you to my daughter, Mae, who is currently studying at Kingston School of Art, for creating the beautiful botanical illustrations of the fruit and herbs featured in this post.

If you’d like to follow more of my nature led interior design ideas, you can find me on Instagram or join my mailing list on the website. You can also find my design services too here.

The Briiv 2 Pro Filter was received for a previous collaborative post.

*Safety Note

Essential oils should always be used with care. If you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or are using essential oils around children or pets, seek appropriate professional advice before use. Always diffuse oils in a well-ventilated space and ensure pets can leave the room freely if they wish. Individual animals may react differently to essential oils, so always research the suitability of each oil before use.