DIY - SCENTING YOUR HOME

above Use your favourite scents in a misting bottle, mixed with a little water, to freshen up the air around the house.

A pleasant smell is usually the first thing you notice when you enter a room, and it can strongly affect your mood. Use aromas not only to feel good but also to purify the air.

spritzer To freshen up a stale atmosphere, blend 10 drops of essential oils, such as rose, with 105ml/7 tbsp water and mix well, then add to a misting bottle. Spray into the air as needed.

potpourri The natural fragrance of potpourri is perfect for subtle, long-term room scenting. Use a mixture of dried leaves, twigs, petals, buds, dried fruit and nuts. Add a few drops of essential oil and use a fixative (powdered orris root is the best) to preserve the scent.

pomanders These perfumed balls were at one time carried as protection against infection. Today, citrus pomanders are used mainly as festive decorations, but they are also effective in warding off insects. Stud oranges, lemons or kumquats with cloves and toss in ground cinnamon and orris root. Leave to dry out for a few weeks then hang.

firesticks Dried herbs, roots, seeds and plant constituents will perfume a room if put on an open fire when the flames is low. Try pine cones, lavender bundles, or sage.

scented linen For old-fashioned luxury, scent linen with the delicate fragrance of flowers and plants. Make tiny cushions and fill with dried lavender heads, or sprinkle oils of lemon grass, cedarwood and rosewood on to drawer liners.

vaporizers These come in many forms, but essentially consist of a shallow bowl standing over a small chamber containing a night-light. Fill the bowl with warm water, add 2-3 drops of essential oil and light the night-light. As the water is heated the oil vaporizes its perfume.