The Decades-Old Practice Nate Berkus & Jeremiah Brent Use For A Fresh-Smelling Home

When designing our homes, we often get caught up in choosing the perfect furniture or color schemes, and end up forgetting about those little details that contribute to the overall atmosphere of a space. While your home could be expertly decorated, that doesn't always mean it will feel truly inviting and refreshing when you walk inside. This is why it's important to consider your five senses when shaping your space, which includes prioritizing the sense of smell. There are plenty of small habits that will make your home smell better than ever, but it's important to pay attention to the approaches that have stood the test of time. If you want to take a cue from professional designers, consider HGTV's Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent's method for a fresh-smelling home that aligns with their timeless design style — burning incense.

Incense has been used since ancient times, originally for spiritual rituals, but is now a popular choice in homes to fill the air with soothing aromas. It's no surprise that this practice is a staple inside Berkus and Brent's stunning home, as they've always shown a deep appreciation for spaces with historic details and cozy, relaxing atmospheres. If you've been looking for a way to keep your home smelling fresh and sophisticated, burning incense comes with plenty of benefits that are worth considering.

When discussing some of his favorite design tips, Berkus highlighted his method of playing with different senses to build a cozy environment, with daily practices like playing music or adjusting the lighting throughout the day. As for scent, he shared that burning incense is a holistic practice he uses to elevate the mood of his space, adding a layer of sensory design that goes beyond just what you see. Our homes are meant to be lived in, but those daily experiences in our environment can also welcome certain smells, whether it's from cooking meals in the kitchen or odors from pets lounging around the home. Unlike scented candles, incense provides a long-lasting approach that absorbs odors while spreading a pleasant aroma that settles into the home.

Incense comes in many forms, from sticks, to cones, and even coils, and offers a variety of earthy, natural scents to choose from — each with their own unique benefits. Many people choose to decorate the home with candles to boost the scent of the space, but Berkus and Brent's practice of burning incense may come with more advantages. They're known to be a more eco-friendly choice due to their biodegradable materials, and non-synthetic variations release less toxins into the air in comparison to most scented candles. Candles smell nice while lit, but when extinguished they often release carbon particles into the air that leave the home with an unpleasant smoky scent. Incense, on the other hand, has a steady, subtle release that's pleasant before, during, and after burning.