Creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere at home can be easy and fun. Many people love the calming and warm scents found in stores like Pottery Barn.
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To make your house smell like Pottery Barn, focus on using candles, essential oils, and diffusers that feature scents like cedarwood, vanilla, and fresh linen.
Adding natural elements can also enhance your home’s scent. Using fresh flowers, indoor plants, and even a bowl of citrus fruits can bring a refreshing aroma into any space.
Simple changes can truly transform the smell of a room into something special.
Exploring scent combinations and experimenting with different fragrances can lead to a personalized aroma that feels just right.
With a few easy tips, anyone can achieve that Pottery Barn vibe and enjoy a bright, inviting home.

Setting the Scent Foundation
Creating a warm and inviting scent in a home similar to Pottery Barn involves choosing the right scents and natural ingredients.
Understanding the basic principles of home fragrance also plays a crucial role. Here’s how to set a solid scent foundation.
Identifying Pottery Barn Signature Scents
Pottery Barn is known for its cozy and soothing aromas. Some popular scents include:
- Cinnamon: Warm and spicy, perfect for a comforting feeling.
- Vanilla: Sweet and creamy, it creates a relaxing atmosphere.
- Eucalyptus: Fresh and clean, it adds a hint of nature.
These scents often combine to create a welcoming environment. To capture this essence, look for candles, essential oils, or diffusers that feature these notes.
Mixing a few of these key scents can also help achieve that signature feel.

Selecting Natural Ingredients and Aromas
Using natural ingredients allows for safer and healthier scent options. Some excellent choices include:
- Essential Oils: Like lavender or peppermint, they can uplift the mood.
- Dried Herbs: Such as rosemary or thyme, for a fresh, earthy aroma.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Not only do they smell wonderful, but they can also serve as decor.
These ingredients can be combined in potpourri or simmer pots. They can provide continuous fragrance throughout the home, giving it that sought-after Pottery Barn feel.

Understanding the Basics of Home Fragrance
Home fragrance can be approached in several ways. A few things to keep in mind include:
- Layering Scents: Using candles, oils, and fresh ingredients together can create depth.
- Scent Placement: Put aromatic items in key areas like living rooms or entryways to maximize impact.
- Maintenance: Regularly refresh and replace items, like candles and oils, to keep scents vibrant.
By following these basics, anyone can create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. This foundation helps to establish a delightful smell that feels warm and welcoming.
Creating the Ambience
To create a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of Pottery Barn, focus on scent and style.
Incorporating certain elements can transform any space, making it cozy and appealing. Here are some specific ways to achieve this.
Crafting Homemade Potpourri
Homemade potpourri is a great way to add natural fragrance to a home. To make it, gather dried flowers, herbs, and spices. Popular choices include dried lavender, rose petals, cinnamon sticks, and orange peels.
- Preparation: Place the ingredients in a bowl or decorative container.
- Enhancements: Add a few drops of essential oils for a stronger scent, such as eucalyptus or vanilla.
- Placement: Set potpourri in key areas like the living room, kitchen, or bathroom.
This blend enhances the air, freshening up spaces and creating a relaxing vibe.
Using Essential Oil Diffusers Effectively
Essential oil diffusers are simple tools that spread beautiful scents throughout the home. They come in various designs and styles, making them both practical and attractive.
- Choosing Oils: Start with high-quality oils, like lavender, citrus, or cedarwood. These scents promote relaxation and comfort.
- Fill the Diffuser: Add water and a few drops of oil to the diffuser.
- Setting the Mood: Place the diffuser in the living room, bedroom, or any space where relaxation is needed.
With the right oils, diffusers create a calming atmosphere reminiscent of Pottery Barn.
Pottery Barn Signature Scent
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 or 3 springs rosemary
- vanilla extract
All you have to do is fill a small saucepan of water, and add a sliced lemon, the sprigs of rosemary, and a tablespoon or so of vanilla extract.
You can use store bought vanilla extract, or try my homemade vanilla extract, which has a much stronger vanilla scent. You can also substitute a vanilla bean for the vanilla extract, if you have one.
If you want to be able to leave the simmering mixture unattended for a little while, then try putting it in a small crock pot instead.
This mixture will last 2 or 3 days before you have to replace it, just keep checking it to make sure you don’t run out of water.
Follow my cleaning board on Pinterest.
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You could use lemon extract
I just put a pot on to simmer from your easy recipe. I LOVE vanilla myself.
Maybe try almond extract.
You can heat essential oils??
Can you recommend something other than vanilla? I’m not a lover of vanilla but I tried it today. It’s so overpowering it’s making me sick. I used less than you recommended…….
You have amazing recipes keep them coming! Than you!!
Do you put a cover on the pot or uncovered? Thx! Michelle
Thank you for the tip.
Instead of Vanilla extract, I used a teaspoon of Mahogany Teakwood essential oil.. The smell is amazing…
Wonderful holiday scent!
Hi! Sorry I forgot to link to my homemade vanilla extract recipe. Click here for the recipe.
can you give me your homemade Vanilla recipe