How Does Your Home Feel Today?
Pause for a moment. Feel the light spilling in, the air brushing past. What's your home whispering today—rest, spark, warmth, or a quiet ache for something more?
Your home is not just rooms stitched together. It's alive—breathing with you, bending to your moods.
That's why we go beyond traditional labels—kitchen, bedroom, office—and tune into the Six Functional Aspects. A bedroom might hold Rest, Productivity, Intimacy, and Storage. A corner might offer Restoration, Stimulation, and Intimacy—all at once, or shifting moment to moment. The blend is entirely yours. Your corner might feel like 60% Intimacy, 30% Restoration, 10% Stimulation. Someone else's might be 70% Productivity, 20% Storage, 10% Kinship. There's no right mix—only what's true for you.
The Six Functional Aspects—Storage, for grounding and anchoring; Restoration, for ease and renewal; Kinship, for connection and belonging; Intimacy, for softness and solitude; Productivity, for flow and intention; Stimulation, for spark and aliveness—are threads of need woven into every space. Scent is one of the simplest tools for shaping which aspect a space holds. Your home moves between these aspects—sometimes slowly, sometimes in a single breath.
Explore each aspect below:
The Art of Holding and Preserving
Storage is more than just organization—it is the quiet keeper of our history. Beyond maintaining order, it offers a sense of security and emotional grounding. The way we store our belongings shapes the energy of our home, ensuring that it remains not just functional, but deeply personal.
Through thoughtful curation, we preserve not just objects, but the memories, emotions, and identities attached to them. Storage is where the past and present converge, helping us navigate what we hold onto and what we let go of.
How Storage Shapes Our Home
Provides Psychological Safety & Control
Aligned with Maslow's Physiological & Safety Needs, storage offers stability and peace. A well-organized space reduces stress and enhances clarity.
Supports Emotional Well-Being
The way we store items influences how we feel - whether it fosters serenity, nostalgia, or satisfaction.
Encourages Mindful Curation
Thoughtful storage balances functionality with personal history, helping us keep what is meaningful while letting go of what no longer serves us.
Reflection - Take a moment to Notice
Does your home feel like it holds the right balance between stored memories and open space, or does it lean too far in one direction?
Do the objects around you reflect what you truly value, or are some of them echoes of who you used to be?
Are there items you keep out of obligation rather than genuine connection?
Practical Guidance - Curating What you keep
The "Joy Test"
Hold an item and ask: Does this bring me comfort, joy, or a sense of belonging? If not, consider letting it go.
Rotate & Refresh
Keep seasonal or sentimental items in dedicated spaces. Rotate what you display to keep your home feeling fresh.
Create Emotional Categories
Separate items into: Essential / Sentimental / Functional / Unnecessary to make mindful storage decisions.
Using Scent to Cultivate Storage
When your home needs grounding—when life feels scattered or you're craving a sense of being held—scent can anchor you back into your space.
OILS THAT SUPPORT STORAGE:
- Cedarwood — Grounding and ancient, cedarwood creates a sense of stability and rootedness. It's the scent of old forests and steady presence.
- Vetiver — Deeply earthy and anchoring, vetiver pulls you into your body and into the moment. It's grounding without being heavy.
- Patchouli — Rich and soil-like, patchouli offers a sense of being held close to the earth. It steadies restless energy.
- Frankincense — Centering and sacred, frankincense creates a quiet, contemplative space. It's grounding through stillness.
- Sandalwood — Warm and woody, sandalwood offers gentle, grounding support. It's quietly strong without demanding attention.
HOW TO USE SCENT FOR STORAGE:
- Diffuse cedarwood or vetiver in a corner where you want to feel held—perhaps near your favorite chair, or in a reading nook.
- Place a few drops of frankincense on a cotton ball and tuck it into a drawer, closet, or storage box. Let the scent infuse the space where you keep meaningful objects.
- Carry a personal inhaler with sandalwood for grounding on the go. When life feels chaotic, breathe deeply and feel yourself return.
- Create a grounding ritual: Before bed, diffuse patchouli and spend a few moments sitting in your space, letting the scent anchor your evening.
SCENT PAIRINGS:
The Way We Store Our Past Makes Space For Our Future
A Space to Rejunvenate and Renew
A truly restorative home holds us gently—it is a refuge from the world, a place where we can retreat, recharge, and return to ourselves. Beyond relaxation, Restoration allows a home to evolve with us, adapting to our changing needs while offering a steady foundation of comfort and renewal.
A well-designed restorative space does more than invite rest—it replenishes energy, restores clarity, and nurtures well-being. Whether it's a quiet reading corner, a bedroom designed for deep sleep, or a space for meditation, Restoration ensures your home supports your mind, body, and emotions in their renewal.
How Restoration Shapes Our Home
Creates a Sense of Security & Stability
Aligned with Maslow's Physiological & Safety Needs, a restorative home promotes comfort, emotional grounding, and a sense of protection.
Supports Mental & Physical Decompression
A restorative space reduces stress, enhances relaxation, and improves sleep quality—allowing the body and mind to reset.
Encourages Emotional & Spiritual Renewal
A restorative home fosters contentment, optimism, and emotional balance, helping you release tension and restore inner harmony.
Reflection — Take a moment to notice
Where in your home do you go to recharge and reset — or is there nowhere that feels truly restorative yet?
Does your space allow for deep rest, or are you craving more softness, more ease?
Are there clutter, distractions, or energy drains that interfere with your ability to feel restored?
Practical Guidance - Creating Space for Rest
Declutter for Calm
A restorative space is clear and uncluttered. Keep only soothing, meaningful objects in areas dedicated to rest.
Optimize for Deep Rest
Use soft lighting, natural textures, and calming colors to encourage relaxation. Consider breathable fabrics, blackout curtains, and aromatherapy for better sleep.
Engage the Senses
Sound, scent, and texture play a role in restoration. Try white noise, soft music, essential oils, and cozy materials to create a multi-sensory sanctuary.
Balance Light & Darkness
Ensure your restorative spaces get natural daylight during the day and soft, warm lighting at night to support your body's natural rhythms.
Using Scent to Cultivate Restoration
When your body and mind need to soften—when tension has built up and you're craving ease—scent can help you release what you're holding and slip into rest.
OILS THAT SUPPORT RESTORATION:
- Lavender — Calming and gentle, lavender eases tension and invites the nervous system to settle. It's the scent of unwinding.
- Roman Chamomile — Soft and soothing, chamomile quiets restless thoughts and creates space for deep rest. It's comfort in a breath.
- Ylang Ylang — Sweet and sedating, ylang ylang slows the heart and softens the edges of a long day. It's exhale made scent.
- Sandalwood — Warm and grounding, sandalwood offers gentle restoration through stillness. It's rest without heaviness.
- Clary Sage — Deeply relaxing and clarifying, clary sage releases tension you didn't know you were carrying. It's the scent of letting go.
HOW TO USE SCENT FOR RESTORATION:
- Diffuse lavender or Roman chamomile in your bedroom 30 minutes before sleep to signal to your body that it's time to rest.
- Add a few drops of ylang ylang to a warm bath and let the scent wrap around you as you soak away the day's tension.
- Apply sandalwood or clary sage to pulse points (wrists, neck, behind ears) when you need to pause and reset during the day.
- Place a cotton ball with lavender under your pillow for gentle, sustained scent through the night.
- Before bed, diffuse clary sage while you sit quietly with a book or tea, letting the scent ease you into evening.
SCENT PAIRINGS:
A Space to Rejunvenate and Renew
The Space of Connection & Belonging
A home is more than walls and objects—it's the relationships we cultivate within it. Kinship is the invisible thread that ties us to one another, shaping a space filled with warmth, acceptance, and understanding. It is in the shared moments—laughter over a meal, quiet conversations at the end of the day, the simple presence of loved ones—that a home truly comes alive.
A home designed for kinship nurtures connection, supports shared experiences, and strengthens emotional bonds. Whether it's an open kitchen that invites conversation, a cozy living space that fosters togetherness, or a dining area that becomes the heart of family life, Kinship ensures that your home feels like a place of true belonging.
How Kinship Shapes Our Home
Fulfills the Deep Human Need for Belonging
Rooted in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Kinship satisfies our need for connection, emotional security, and acceptance.
Strengthens Bonds & Trust
A home that encourages Kinship reinforces love, mutual support, and togetherness, creating an environment where relationships thrive.
Creates a Space for Meaningful Conversations
Whether through intentional design choices or daily rituals, a kinship-focused home fosters openness, communication, and emotional resilience.
Reflection — Take a moment to notice
How does your home support connection and shared experiences — or does it feel like it's harder to gather than you'd like?
Are there spaces that naturally encourage bonding and togetherness, or are you craving a place that feels more welcoming?
What small shifts could invite deeper connection — a table cleared for meals, a corner made cozy for conversation?
Practical Guidance - Creating Spaces for Connection
Create Spaces for Gathering
A welcoming kitchen, a communal dining table, or a cozy seating arrangement naturally invites interaction and conversation.
Encourage Unplugged Moments
Set up a tech-free zone where family and friends can engage in face-to-face interactions without distractions.
Use Design to Foster Warmth
Choose soft lighting, comfortable seating, and natural materials to create a space that feels inviting and connected.
Honor Personal & Shared Spaces
While togetherness is key, balance it with areas for solitude, so that everyone has space to recharge.
Using Scent to Cultivate Kinship
When you want your home to feel like it's holding everyone—when you're gathering loved ones or craving that sense of warmth and welcome—scent can make a space feel like it's opening its arms.
OILS THAT SUPPORT KINSHIP:
- Sweet Orange — Bright and uplifting, sweet orange brings joy and lightness into shared spaces. It's the scent of laughter and ease.
- Bergamot — Warm and cheerful, bergamot lifts spirits and encourages open-heartedness. It's connection without effort.
- Geranium — Balancing and harmonizing, geranium softens edges and fosters emotional equilibrium in group settings. It's togetherness made gentle.
- Cardamom — Spicy and inviting, cardamom creates a sense of warmth and hospitality. It's the scent of a table set for many.
- Vanilla (Absolute) — Sweet and comforting, vanilla evokes nostalgia and home. It's memory and warmth wrapped into one.
HOW TO USE SCENT FOR KINSHIP:
- Diffuse sweet orange or bergamot in the kitchen or dining area before guests arrive to create an atmosphere of warmth and welcome.
- Place a few drops of cardamom on a cotton ball and tuck it near your entryway so the scent greets people as they enter.
- Diffuse geranium during family gatherings or meals to encourage balanced, easy conversation.
- Add vanilla to a diffuser in shared living spaces to evoke comfort and nostalgia—especially during holidays or celebrations.
- Before a gathering, diffuse bergamot while you're preparing the space, letting the scent set the tone for connection.
SCENT PAIRINGS:
The Space of Connection & Belonging
A Space for Emotional Honesty & Trust
Where do you feel safest expressing your truest self? A home should be a place where we feel seen, understood, and safe—where we can be vulnerable without fear, and where love, trust, and deep connection can flourish.
Intimacy is not just about romantic relationships; it's about creating an environment where emotions can be expressed openly, and where we are embraced for who we truly are. Whether it's a quiet, private retreat for self-reflection, a cozy bedroom that fosters connection, or a safe space for heart-to-heart conversations, a home designed for Intimacy creates room for deeper emotional bonds and authenticity.
How Intimacy Shapes Our Home
Supports Emotional Security & Connection
Rooted in Maslow's Love & Belonging Needs, intimacy in a home fosters deep emotional connections and psychological safety.
Encourages Trust & Emotional Openness
A home designed with intimacy in mind creates warmth, understanding, and a safe space for self-expression, allowing relationships to deepen.
Creates a Sanctuary for Vulnerability & Acceptance
When a home makes space for authenticity and deep conversations, it becomes a place where people feel emotionally supported without fear of judgment.
Reflection — Take a moment to notice
Is there a space in your home where you feel completely at ease—where you can let your guard down?
How does your home encourage emotional connection and openness—or does vulnerability feel harder to access than you'd like?
Do you have a private retreat for reflection and emotional reset, or are you craving a space that feels more yours?
Practical Guidance - Creating Space for Vulnerability and Connection
Design for Comfort & Softness
Use plush seating, warm lighting, and gentle textures to create a space that feels inviting and nurturing.
Encourage Deep Conversations
Set up a dedicated space for meaningful talks—perhaps a cozy nook, an intimate dining setting, or a fire-lit lounge.
Use Natural & Personal Elements
Incorporate personal mementos, handwritten notes, soft fabrics, and familiar scents to create a sense of emotional grounding.
Prioritize Privacy & Quiet Retreats
Ensure your home includes small, tranquil spaces where you or your loved ones can unplug, reflect, and recharge emotionally.
Practical Guidance - Creating Space for Vulnerability and Connection
When you need to soften into vulnerability—when you're craving closeness, emotional honesty, or a space that feels safe enough to be fully yourself—scent can help create that sense of gentle holding.
OILS THAT SUPPORT INTIMACY:
- Rose Otto — Tender and heart-opening, rose invites vulnerability and emotional softness. It's the scent of being truly seen.
- Jasmine (absolute) — Sensual and deeply comforting, jasmine encourages openness and trust. It's intimacy without guardedness.
- Neroli — Delicate and soothing, neroli calms anxious hearts and creates space for emotional honesty. It's safety made scent.
- Ylang Ylang — Sweet and grounding, ylang ylang fosters connection and presence. It's the scent of slowing down together.
- Sandalwood — Warm and enveloping, sandalwood creates a quiet, sacred space for closeness. It's intimacy through stillness.
HOW TO USE SCENT FOR INTIMACY:
- Diffuse rose or jasmine in a bedroom or private space to create an atmosphere of emotional safety and openness.
- Apply neroli or ylang ylang to pulse points before a meaningful conversation—let the scent remind you to soften and stay present.
- Place a few drops of sandalwood on a cotton ball and keep it in a drawer or bedside table, releasing gentle scent in your most private spaces.
- Diffuse ylang ylang during quiet evenings at home when you want to feel emotionally connected without needing words.
- Before a heart-to-heart conversation, diffuse rose to create a sense of tenderness and acceptance in the room.
SCENT PAIRINGS:
Intimacy Flourishes Where We Feel Safe to Be Ourselves
The Space of Growth & Purpose
A home should be more than a place to rest—it should also energize and empower. Productivity is about more than just getting things done; it's about feeling engaged, inspired, and capable of meaningful growth.
A home that nurtures Productivity fuels a sense of purpose, confidence, and self-belief, encouraging us to tackle new challenges and pursue our aspirations. Whether it's a workspace that fuels creativity, a well-organized area that enhances focus, or a space designed for learning and innovation, productivity ensures that your environment supports momentum rather than draining energy.
How Productivity Shapes Our Home
Supports Focus & Motivation
Aligned with Maslow's Esteem & Self-Actualization Needs, a productivity-enhancing home fosters self-confidence and a sense of achievement.
Encourages Engagement & Personal Growth
A well-designed environment inspires innovation, problem-solving, and progress, making work and learning feel more fulfilling.
Creates a Space for Clarity & Efficiency
A home optimized for Productivity reduces distractions, enhances organization, and provides the structure needed to thrive.
Reflection — Take a moment to notice
Does your home inspire focus and creativity, or does it feel like it's working against you?
What would a space that truly supports your growth and momentum feel like—and what's one small shift that could move you closer?
Are there distractions or energy drains that pull you out of flow more often than you'd like?
Practical Guidance - Creating Space for Focus and Growth
Designate a Work/Focus Zone
Create a dedicated space for work, learning, or creative pursuits that is free from distractions.
Incorporate Movement & Flow
Arrange furniture to encourage movement and flexibility, ensuring the space adapts to different tasks.
Declutter for Mental Clarity
Keep workspaces minimal and well-organized to maintain focus and reduce stress.
Leverage Sound & Ambiance
Use music, white noise, or silence based on the type of focus you need—some tasks require calm, others thrive on stimulation.
Using Scent to Cultivate Productivity
When you need to sharpen your focus—when your mind feels scattered or you're craving momentum and clarity—scent can help you shift into a state of engaged, energized presence.
OILS THAT SUPPORT PRODUCTIVITY:
- Rosemary — Clarifying and sharpening, rosemary enhances mental focus and memory. It's the scent of clear thinking.
- Peppermint — Invigorating and awakening, peppermint cuts through mental fog and boosts alertness. It's energy in a breath.
- Lemon — Bright and uplifting, lemon stimulates mental clarity and cuts through sluggishness. It's the scent of fresh starts.
- Eucalyptus — Opening and clarifying, eucalyptus clears mental space and supports focused breathing. It's clarity made air.
- Basil — Stimulating and strengthening, basil enhances concentration and mental stamina. It's the scent of sustained focus.
HOW TO USE SCENT FOR PRODUCTIVITY:
- Diffuse rosemary or peppermint in your workspace at the start of your day to signal to your brain that it's time to focus.
- Apply lemon or eucalyptus to a tissue and keep it nearby while working—breathe deeply when you feel your attention wandering.
- Use a personal inhaler with basil during long work sessions or study periods to maintain mental stamina.
- Diffuse peppermint during afternoon slumps to cut through fatigue and re-energize your focus.
- Before starting a creative or problem-solving task, diffuse rosemary to enhance mental clarity and recall.
SCENT PAIRINGS:
Productivity Thrives in a Space Designed for Growth
The Space of Imagination & Exploration
A home that awakens curiosity and creativity fosters self-expansion. Stimulation is what turns a house into a living, evolving landscape—one that invites us to explore, dream, and push beyond the familiar.
Whether through art, music, learning, adventure, or unexpected design elements, a stimulating home ignites the senses and sparks imagination. It creates opportunities for discovery, play, and personal growth, making space for bold ideas, new perspectives, and boundless inspiration.
How Stimulation Shapes Our Home
Encourages Personal Growth & Self-Actualization
Rooted in Maslow's Self-Actualization Needs, a stimulating home expands our minds and opens doors to continuous learning and
self-expression.
Fosters a Sense of Wonder & Exploration
By creating a space that invites curiosity, adventure, and experimentation, we cultivate new perspectives, fresh ideas, and an appreciation for the unexpected.
Creates an Environment That Fuels Innovation & Play
Whether through art, intellectual curiosity, or hands-on creativity, a stimulating home inspires movement, engagement, and an openness to discovery.
Reflection — Take a moment to notice
Does your home invite new ideas and creative exploration, or does it feel like the same space, day after day?
What would more stimulation feel like in your environment—more color, more surprise, more permission to play?
Are there spaces that encourage curiosity and discovery, or are you craving something unexpected?
Practical Guidance - Creating Space for Curiosity and Discovery
Incorporate Art & Creativity
Display art, books, musical instruments, or creative tools that invite inspiration and self-expression.
Introduce Playful & Unexpected Elements
Add contrasting textures, colors, or objects that spark curiosity, such as interactive furniture, statement decor, or unconventional design choices.
Design for Lifelong Learning
Create reading nooks, learning zones, or workspaces that encourage exploration and intellectual engagement.
Encourage New Experiences at Home
Rotate decor, experiment with different sensory elements (lighting, music, scents), or rearrange furniture to create a fresh perspective.
Using Scent to Cultivate Stimulation
When you're craving spark—when your mind needs something unexpected, or when you want your space to feel alive with possibility—scent can awaken curiosity and invite new ways of seeing.
OILS THAT SUPPORT STIMULATION:
- Grapefruit — Bright and energizing, grapefruit lifts mood and sparks optimism. It's the scent of new beginnings.
- Black Pepper — Spicy and invigorating, black pepper stimulates the mind and awakens the senses. It's curiosity made scent.
- Ginger — Warming and activating, ginger ignites creative energy and mental agility. It's the scent of movement and possibility.
- Lime — Sharp and refreshing, lime cuts through stagnation and invites fresh perspective. It's clarity with a spark.
- Spearmint — Cooling and enlivening, spearmint stimulates mental alertness while keeping energy light. It's playfulness and focus in one breath.
HOW TO USE SCENT FOR STIMULATION:
- Diffuse grapefruit or lime in creative workspaces or studios to invite fresh ideas and lighthearted exploration.
- Apply black pepper or ginger to pulse points before brainstorming sessions or when you're feeling stuck—let the scent wake up your thinking.
- Use a personal inhaler with spearmint when you want mental alertness without heaviness—perfect for playful learning or experimenting.
- Diffuse ginger in spaces where you're trying something new—cooking, painting, writing—to encourage boldness and curiosity.
- Rotate scents regularly in your home (try grapefruit one week, lime the next) to keep your environment feeling dynamic and surprising.
SCENT PAIRINGS:
A Stimulating Home Invites Curiosity, Play, and the Unexpected