Secret Guide to Cozy Home Decor Ideas

Smell: A Key Sense in Human Development

Smell, as a core element of sensory experience, is critical to human development and survival. Thousands of years ago, primitive man relied on odor to determine which foods were safe to eat and which were rotten or poisonous, avoiding potentially fatal risks. Over thousands of years of evolution, odor discrimination is deeply rooted in our DNA and has become part of the human survival instinct.

 

The Subtle Influence of Smell on Thinking and Behavior

Not only that, but smells have a subtle influence on how we think and act. (Holland et al., 2005) For example, we often sniff laundry to determine if it needs to be washed, or speed up when we pass a garbage truck. Odors also play an important role in consumer environments. When you walk into an upscale mall, the light aroma in the air can be pleasant, leading to the cognitive association, "This mall has a nice class, similar to other luxury brands." This experience is not an accident, but the result of the mall's ability to influence consumer behavior through its scenting system.

 

The Deep Connection Between Smell and Memory

Studies have shown that the deepest and most lasting memories in a space are often triggered by odors. (Xiao et al., 2018)  For example, in a candy store, the sweet scent in the air may instantly remind you of the innocent days of your childhood and evoke strong feelings of nostalgia. Most cleaning products carry a citrus scent, so when we smell a similar odor, we naturally associate it with a clean, pristine environment. This scent memory trigger activates our perception of the past, which in turn influences current thinking and behavior.

 

The Relationship Between Sensory and Aesthetic Experiences

Sensory pleasure is the basis of aesthetic pleasure, and aesthetic experience requires cognitive sublimation on the basis of sensory pleasure. (Krishna et al., 2010) Taking Eastern Culture as an example, "complete color, aroma and taste" is the core standard for evaluating a dish. A dish not only needs to be delicious, but also must have attractive colors and aroma to really stimulate the appetite. Similarly, in the aesthetic experience, sight, smell and touch are closely related, and enhancing each other will make the overall experience better. In consumer behavior, tactile materials and pleasant smells often increase the desire to buy. (Krishna et al., 2010)

 

The Combined Role of Smell, Visuals, and Materials in Home Design

Returning to our discussion, scent not only influences thinking and behavior, but also, along with appearance and materials, makes up the overall aesthetic experience of a space.

In the home environment, a warm atmosphere is not only a reflection of visual aesthetics, but also needs to mobilize our sense of smell, touch and other sensory experiences. A cozy home can make people feel comfortable and relaxed, and enhance the overall home atmosphere through the harmonious interaction of various senses. In this, the combination of scents and carpets can play a vital role.

Many people's memories of "home" are always accompanied by the smell of wooden furniture, thick warm carpets on the floor, and the natural aroma that surrounds the room. The combination of these tactile and olfactory senses can evoke nostalgic memories of your childhood. This feeling comes not only from visual coziness, but also from close contact with natural materials.

When you reminisce about your childhood home, you may think of the natural aroma of wooden furniture, the unique blend of wood with paint and air, or a grass rug or jute cushion that gave you a sense of earthy simplicity. Today, we can bring that coziness back into our homes with all-natural furniture and rugs.

 

Advantages of natural carpets: bringing nature and warmth to the modern home

1. Eco-Friendly and Healthy

All-natural carpets, such as jute, straw or wool carpets, are environmentally friendly choices. These materials do not contain any synthetic chemicals and do not pollute indoor air. Not only are all-natural materials environmentally friendly, they also reduce health risks to family members, especially children.

2. A natural experience of texture and touch

All-natural rugs have a unique texture with the natural flavor of the earth. For example, the rugged texture of jute carpets is suitable for those who prefer a strong hand feel, while grass carpets are softer for a barefoot walking experience. This tactile authenticity can evoke a strong connection between us and nature. Compared to modern synthetic rugs, natural rugs offer a more unique and cozy experience.

 

 

3. Natural beauty: a treat for the eyes and the senses

Rugs made of natural materials have unique textures and colors. Whether it's the rugged brown color of jute or the natural luster of straw, it will make the room look more rustic and natural. Compared with those bright, artificially dyed synthetic carpets, natural carpets have softer colors, and blend perfectly with wooden furniture, greenery and other elements to form a double enjoyment of the visual and tactile senses.

 

How to Enhance Home Atmosphere with Scents and Natural Rugs

Scents and rugs are central elements of home ambiance and can influence our
experience in multiple sensory dimensions. When all-natural rugs are combined with natural scents, they can enhance the overall ambiance of a space more effectively. For example, grass or jute carpets with wooden furniture can create a natural sense of country style, with sandalwood, cedar and other wood fragrances, as if to bring you back to the memory of that warm home.

 

Suggestions for matching rugs and scents to different rooms:

Living Room: Straw or Jute Rug + Wooden Scents

Bedroom: Wool Rug + Lavender or Chamomile Scent

Study: Jute Rug + Mint or Lemon Scent

A study needs a fresh, focused atmosphere, and a jute rug brings a clean, natural texture that, when combined with the refreshing scent of mint or lemon, can boost productivity and energize the space.

Recreate the "home" of your memories - rekindle the warmth of your childhood with natural carpets and scents!

When you lay an all-natural carpet in your home with familiar scents, your
home is no longer just a place to live, but a place that brings you a sense
of belonging and comfort. This remembered sense of warmth is reawakened
through the combination of touch and smell, allowing you to find the memories
of your childhood in your modern home.

Choose an all-natural rug for your home now and create your own cozy home
along with a warm scent!

If you are still interested in the materials and types of carpets and want
to know how to choose. You can read my other article.

 

 

Reference

Holland, R. W., Hendriks, M., & Aarts, H. (2005). Smells like clean spirit: Nonconscious effects   of scent on cognition and behavior. Psychological Science, 16(9), 689–693. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2005.01598.x

 

Krishna, A., Elder, R. S., & Caldara, C. (2010). Feminine to smell but masculine to touch? Multisensory congruence and its effect on the aesthetic experience. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 20(4), 410–418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2010.06.010

 

Xiao, J., Tait, M. and Kang, J. (2018) ‘A perceptual model of Smellscape Pleasantness’, Cities, 76, pp. 105–115. doi:10.1016/j.cities.2018.01.013.

 

 

FAQ

1. Why is it better to choose a natural carpet than a synthetic one?

Pure natural carpets such as grass, jute, wool, etc., not only more environmentally friendly, and its material is harmless to humans, will not release harmful chemicals, suitable for families with children and pets. In addition, the natural carpet has a unique texture and natural beauty, so that the home atmosphere is more cozy, and longer service life.

 

2. Is it easy to clean a purely natural carpet?

Yes, even though natural rugs such as jute and straw are more durable than
synthetics, they are relatively simple to clean. Regular vacuuming removes
dust and debris from the surface, and for small stains, they can be blotted
with a damp cloth. In the case of wool carpets, spot cleaning with a mild
detergent is recommended, taking care to avoid excessive rubbing to
preserve the texture of the carpet.

 

3. How do I choose the right scent to go with my carpet?

Choose the right scents and rugs to match depending on the function and
atmosphere of the room. For example, a living room can use a straw or jute
rug with a woodsy or citrus scent for a warm and natural atmosphere, while
a bedroom is recommended to use a soft wool rug with a scent that helps to
relax, such as lavender.

 

4. In which rooms are purely natural carpets suitable?

All-natural rugs have a wide range of applications and can be laid in
almost any room of the home. Grass or jute rugs are perfect for high-
frequency use areas such as living rooms and hallways, while soft wool rugs
are better suited for bedrooms, dens, and other spaces that require comfort
and warmth.

 

5. Are all-natural carpets safe for children and pets?

Absolutely Safe. All-natural rugs are chemical-free, avoiding the release
of harmful substances. At the same time, these rugs are made of natural and
environmentally friendly materials that are gentle on the skin and non-
toxic, making them suitable for homes with children and pets.

 

6. How can smells enhance the coziness of your home?

Scents can significantly influence mood and behavior. For example, citrus
scents enhance freshness, while woody scents create an atmosphere of
comfort and warmth. Combining the right scents with carpet materials, such
as lavender scents and wool carpeting in the bedroom or wood scents and
grass carpeting in the living room, can enhance the warmth of your home.