Two of our favourite things at James & Co are scent and interior design - pair the two together and we’re in our happy place! The excitement and anticipation of the festive season also brings a shift in how we experience our homes. Rooms feel richer, gatherings last longer, and the details we often overlook suddenly shape the atmosphere - the soft fall of lamplight, the textures layered across a sofa, the fragrance that greets guests at the door. In this guide, we explore six thoughtful, slightly unexpected ways to pair décor and fragrance throughout the holidays.
1. Begin with Mood
Rather than starting with elaborate ornaments or colour schemes, carefully consider the mood you want to create. Perhaps you lean towards a nostalgic, fireside feeling - something that reminds you of cosy Christmas memories from your childhood. Maybe you love a more modern winter palette of silver, green and soft whites. Once you know the mood, both décor and fragrance naturally fall into place:
• A cosy, traditional scheme pairs well with warm, spiced fragrances.
• A cool, minimal palette suits fresher, airy notes.
• Golden, mellow tones feel at home alongside subtle vanillas or gentle woody hints.
This is a great way to kickstart your creativity, helping you to design a scheme that feels cohesive and personal without being overdone.
2. Layer Scents like Textures
Interior designers often talk about layering materials - wool with linen, ceramic against wood, glass beside greenery - because these contrasts add depth and personality. Fragrance works in a similar way. Room sprays offer an instant lift, ideal for refreshing a space before guests arrive. Our No. 7 Vanilla Room Spray does this beautifully - offering a comforting and welcoming scent. Potpourri gives a softer, longer-lasting backdrop while also acting as a decorative accent, and candles add warmth and dimension. Remember that less is more, and it’s important to find fragrance families that subtly complement one another rather than compete.
3. Work with Natural Light
Winter light has a character all of its own. Soft, low and golden by afternoon, and cool and muted in the early morning, it can shift the way a fragrance is perceived. Cool daylight brings a fresh clarity that suits crisp, clean notes or anything slightly herbal. As the day darkens, you may like to switch to fragrances that feel warmer, and more comforting such as vanillas or subtle woody notes. You can time your scent choices to complement the natural changes in atmosphere, almost the same way you might adjust your lighting throughout the afternoon and evening.
4. Pair Foliage and Festive Scents
Seasonal greenery is one of the quickest ways to bring the outdoors in, offering texture and interest, and naturally influencing the kinds of scents that work alongside it. These combinations work especially well:
• Eucalyptus garlands match beautifully with cooler, cleaner fragrances. Their silvery leaves echo crisp, fresh notes.
• Pine, fir and winter foliage suit warm, spiced accents and subtle woody blends.
• Minimal Scandinavian-style greenery - single stems in simple vases, sprigs of spruce on shelves - work well with soft, simple fragrances that don’t compete visually or aromatically.
5. Think Vertically, Not Just Horizontally
Most of our home fragrance displays happen around eye-level, but don’t forget that scent can travel effectively when you work upwards. Try placing a decorative bowl of potpourri on a high shelf so the fragrance drifts down as the room warms. James & Co’s No. 1 White Potpourri is such a lovely choice for this time of year with its wintry-white details. A spritz of room spray across a fabric bow tied to a banister or peg rail can create a subtle waft of scent as people walk past. When it comes to interior design, adding height is a clever shift that can quickly change the feel of the room.
6. Create One Calm Space
With so much activity during December, designing a single peaceful corner can make the world of difference. Think of it as your go-to retreat after a long day. Choose a comfortable chair, add a cosy throw, place a lamp that casts a gentle, golden glow, and introduce a very subtle fragrance. Scents that include chamomile and lavender are perfect for relaxation. There’s no need for it to be styled flawlessly; just aim to create a safe, calm nook where you can truly unwind.
We hope these fragrance and styling tips have offered a little inspiration. You really don’t need grand gestures or perfection, just a few small touches that are personal to you. What are your favourite scent and décor pairings? - we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and peaceful holiday season from all of us at James & Co.
