Something magical happens when we create a collection of perfumes in our homes. We combine the perfumer's story with who we are - our story, giving way to something new and utterly unique.
Like our DNA, the combination of fragrances we choose to collect cannot be replicated by anyone else. Even if someone else has the same fragrances, their perfumes will have a different meaning. By holding perfumes in our hands, wearing them, and experiencing them, we create a unique emotional experience and lasting memories that cannot compare to any other objects we choose to have in our homes.
Your perfume library uniquely represents who you are and what you are about. A non-verbal communication, an artistic expression of your essence presented on your shelves. Do you match things by a brand like you would display books in your library? Do you separate them by genres or themes, perhaps? The world of fragrances is at your complete disposal to experiment with as you seem fit. Are you into peculiar fragrances that feature unique notes of beets, carrots, and celery? It may be fun to make a small display of fun cookbooks mixed and matched with the fragrances that reflect that someplace in the kitchen or dining room.
Are you an avid book worm and have favorite authors you continue to read repeatedly and can say define your personality somehow? There are plenty of scents inspired by famous writers and historical figures, and exploring them with your fellow book club friends would be entertaining. You can display them along with the books and mix and match your literary library with an olfactory one. You may be into gardening and appreciate a particular flower. Why not display all your lilac, rose, or orange blossom perfumes with a painting or drawing of the flower and perhaps a few books on the subjects to create a mini-story?
Some clients install glass displays or shelving in different parts of their home depending on whether they prefer to keep the collection to themselves or on display for anyone visiting their home to see. Your olfactory library can reside in one place or be split up based on themes, topics, and hobbies. It should be aesthetically pleasing and inspire you to wear and get the most out of your collection.
Last but certainly not least is the topic of editing your collection. Editing down is as crucial as adding anything new to it and occasionally checking your collection to understand whether something is a treasured memory you will want to dive into from time to time and will always have a place on your shelf. Or coming to terms with accepting that sometimes a perfume has served its purpose and it's time to move on, making room for a more relevant and exciting addition. Let's be honest here: shopping for a new perfume is always a fun idea.
Stay curious. Stay fragrant.
