I Haven't Even Moved Yet, But I've Already Ordered These 15 Chic Home Fragrance Finds
You've never seen home essentials like this.

I've done a few moves during my 20s, and my latest one has taken me back across the country from the bustling streets of New York City to the green (and often rain cloud–covered) mountains of the Pacific Northwest. While it's only been a couple of weeks since I packed my bags to spend the summer with my loved ones in Washington, I'm already knee-deep in shopping tabs for the home fragrances I've been holding off on purchasing for the past year.
Dreaming of my perfect space has allowed me to dive into my wish list and invest in the fragrance home essentials I've loved throughout my time as a beauty editor, which I've always envisioned being part of my home. This time around, I'm sharing a few of my favorites—from candles that are reminiscent of gardens filled with my favorite flowers to surface cleaners that keep my counters, floors, and everything else smelling amazing.
1. Candles
Notes: Sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, nutmeg, cinnamon, amber wood (No. 4 Bois de Balincourt), grapefruit, orange, black pepper, cedarwood, patchouli, geranium, vetiver, amber, musk (No, 09 Vallée de Farney), cassis, bergamot, black pepper, white rose, oakmoss, musk, tonka (Antidirs Cassis)
While I love gifting candle sets, every now and then, I like to treat myself to one as an easy way of scenting my space with minimal effort. I've had this chic candle set by Maison Louis Marie on my wish list for a while, and finally snagged three best-selling candles (No. 04 Bois de Balincourt, No.09 Vallée de Farney, and Antidris Cassis) from one of my go-to brands for my new home.
Notes: Gardenia, orange blossom, ylang-ylang, cedar
I was raised by a mother who loved growing gardenias and collecting them into small bouquets she would place around the house, allowing the sweet and light scent to fill every room. Now that I have my own place, I'm continuing the tradition with this candle by Lafco that smells just like fresh-cut gardenias that have been kissed by the morning dew. Its light floral scent is crafted using notes of sweet gardenia, bright orange blossom, and ylang-ylang set against cedar.
Notes: Tomato leaf
Lately, I've been on a tomato kick. The tangy and sweet note complements the other garden-inspired fragrances I'm often burning and spritzing in my home, adding an undeniably earthy element to the mix of green florals. Carrière des Frères' Tomato Candle smells exactly like the vegetable at its ripest and is made from fine vegetable wax that burns for up to 45 hours. It also has a timeless design, making it a great hostess gift.
Notes: Sweet pears, white freesias
Whenever someone steps into my home, the first thing I hope they say is how great it smells (with the second being how well it's decorated). But what good is a charming space without signature scents to complement it? Jo Malone London's English Pear & Freesia Candle has been a favorite of mine for years, and I can't imagine my home without it!
2. Hand Soaps
Notes: Rose, gardenia
I'll always be drawn to floral scents that can keep my space smelling fresh without being too overly powdery, and Santa Maria Novella's Rosa Gardenia Liquid Soap became an instant favorite of mine after being introduced to the brand two years ago. This hand soap, which is formulated with vegetable-derived surfactants, natural saponins, and calendula extract, lathers beautifully and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth for hours after use.
Notes: Rhubarb, rose, citrus, vanilla
While I don't naturally gravitate toward fruity-floral fragrances, I've had my head turned on more than one occasion by this rhubarb and rose-scented liquid hand soap. It deeply cleanses and refreshes the skin with a subtle foam and energizing olfactory blend of fizzy citrus, vibrant rhubarb, luscious rose, and smooth vanilla. I can't think of a better way to add a fruity twist to your self-care. Its elegant bottle also happens to look stunning anywhere I place it.
Notes: Mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, cedar atlas
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of anything Aesop, but its hand soaps are truly second to none. I've you're going to layer the brand's unique fragrances together, start with this citrus-and-herb hand soap. I love it because it lasts on the skin for hours after use, leaving my hands refreshed and clean without stripping the skin of natural oils. Whenever I have an Aesop soap in my surroundings, I feel that much more put together.
Notes: Rosemary, clary sage, eucalyptus, lavender, rose hip
Rosemary and clary sage are two of my favorite notes for home fragrances that lean more earthy and green. I love any scent that can transport me to a garden, and the Flamingo Estate will always have a place in my daily routine. I love layering this hand soap (using clary sage, Australian eucalyptus, Mediterranean rosemary, California lavender, and rosehip seed oil) with The Rosemary & Clary Sage Duo.
3. Surface Cleansers
Notes: Vinegar, lavender, cedar, fig tree
Starting over in a new space isn't without its challenges, beginning with the deep cleaning session of every visible (and some not-so-visible) surface. If you have the right cleaning aids, however, getting the job done won't be as daunting. Diptyque's luxurious La Droguerie Scented Multi-Surface Cleaner, for example, uses a vinegar-powered formula to cleanse washable surfaces. Not only does the spray work well to remove the pesky tea stains from my counters, but it also leaves behind a delicate vinegar scent that combines with notes of lavender, cedar, and fig tree.
Notes: Sparkling apple, neroli blossoms, crushed basil
Using a bright citrus scent to cleanse and refresh the kitchen after cooking and hosting has become a nonnegotiable for me. One of the best ones I've come across is Homecourt's Surface Cleanser in its energizing Neroli Leaf scent with notes of sparkling apple, neroli blossoms, and crushed basil. The spray works quickly to lift dirt, smudges, and grease without leaving streaks or residue behind using coconut-derived degreaser and Mediterranean cypress oil.
Notes: Rosemary, lavender, jasmine, lily, lilac, rose, eucalyptus, musk, oakmoss
One thing about me? I love subtly fragranced cleaning aids that completely match my aesthetic. This multipurpose surface spray not only fits perfectly with my interior décor style but also uses bio-based ingredients to remove dirt, grime, and grease in seconds without leaving streaks or residue. Its delicate fragrance, No. 247, is clean and fresh with notes of eucalyptus, lilac, jasmine, and oakmoss with a hint of lavender. It's my go-to for spring and summer.
Notes: Tomato leaves, green herbs, warm spices
When I'm in the mood to scrub with a surface cleaner that makes me feel like I'm somewhere in the Sicilian countryside, I reach for Flamingo Estate's Heirloom Surface Cleaner. This spray is housed in a fun and functional bottle and refreshes your space with the addictive and herbaceous aroma of crushed tomato leaves, herbs, and a whisper of warm spices. It's the ideal green, earthy scent for transitioning from summer to fall. Plus, the formula uses handpicked biodegradable ingredients.
4. Laundry Detergents
Notes: Rosewater, geranium oil, ylang-ylang oil, guaiacwood, vanilla
A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to have my laundry done by Homecourt using its Steeped Rose Laundry Concentrate, and all I can say is that I'll never get over how perfectly scented my clothes and sheets were. My bed and closet smelled faintly of rose with just a hint of vanilla for days. I'll definitely be treating myself to this one, but I also can't wait to spoil my guests with it.
Notes: Bergamot, white musk, amber
Designed with clothes, sheets, intimates, delicates, and more in mind, this laundry detergent is powered by 100% biodegradable and environmentally conscious ingredients. Its formula is nontoxic, vegan, carbon neutral, and lightly scented with notes of bergamot, white musk, and amber for a sweet gourmand scent that lasts. It detergent also offers 60 washes, so if you're constantly doing laundry like I am, you'll get the most out of it.
Notes: Bergamot, lavender, freesia, grapefruit, jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, oakmoss, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, musk, patchouli
No matter how long of a day I've had, it takes a while for me to fall asleep (and stay asleep). The Beauty Sleep Detergent by The Laundress helps me speed up the process by turning my bedding and sleepwear into a scented sanctuary. Its formula offers a subtly spicy, floral blend of night-blooming jasmine, bergamot, and lavender set against a base of sandalwood and rich amber. It also features a proprietary enzyme blend that combats stains, dirt, and oil in fabrics.
Notes: Citrus, florals, apple, melon, musk
In 2017, I spent three months living and studying abroad in Paris. Whenever I found the chance, I would hop on the train and venture to Versailles just to spend a few hours in the company of my favorite flora and fauna. Maison France Luxe's Jardin de Paris Detergent is the closest product I've found that not only re-creates its scent but also revives all my favorite memories. I love that it's a product that looks just as good on display as it smells.

Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's Associate Beauty Editor based in New York City. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.
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