As design trends evolve, luxury is no longer just about what we see and touch—it’s about creating immersive experiences that engage all the senses. One of the most intriguing and impactful developments is the rise of personalized scent design, a trend that’s transforming not only retail but also hospitality and residential spaces. The Future Laboratory recently explored this phenomenon in their insightful blog, “Scent Futures in Retail,” highlighting how retailers are using scent to enhance customer experiences. At Studiomint, we’ve long recognized the power of scent, and we’ve been following this trend closely, especially in our work with high-end hotels and luxury residential projects.
Scent as a Design Element
In the world of retail, scent is becoming a powerful tool for branding and emotional connection. As The Future Laboratory explains, retailers are increasingly using personalized scents to create memorable experiences for customers. Whether it's the fresh scent of cedar to invoke feelings of calm or exotic florals to add a sense of exclusivity, scent can influence how people feel, behave, and remember a space.
At Studiomint, we’ve embraced this concept for years, understanding that scent is a vital part of how people experience the spaces they occupy. Our design philosophy has always been about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating environments that evoke emotion and memory. Incorporating scent into our projects, especially in the hospitality sector, allows us to craft immersive experiences that engage the senses and leave lasting impressions.
How Hotels Use Scent for Emotional Connections
Luxury hotel brands have been pioneers in using personalized scents to foster emotional connections with their guests. At Studiomint, we’ve collaborated with some of the world’s leading hotel groups to design spaces that use scent as a core part of the guest experience. By incorporating custom scents throughout hotel lobbies, guest rooms, and spa areas, these hotels create a unique atmosphere that guests can associate with relaxation, comfort, and luxury.
Think of a high-end hotel that greets you with a signature fragrance in the lobby—perhaps a calming blend of lavender and sandalwood. That scent becomes part of the overall experience, making guests feel welcome and at ease. Over time, guests begin to associate that particular scent with the hotel, fostering an emotional connection that encourages return visits. In this way, scent serves as a subtle yet powerful tool for brand loyalty, offering a sensory cue that speaks to the brand’s identity.
Personalization and Home Scent Design
While hotels have been leading the charge, the personalized scent trend is also making its way into residential spaces. At Studiomint, we believe that a home should reflect the individual tastes and preferences of its owner. Scent, like color or texture, can be personalized to suit the ambiance our clients want to create.
For a luxurious home, we might use warm, rich scents like oud or amber in communal spaces to foster an atmosphere of elegance and intimacy. In contrast, lighter, more invigorating fragrances such as citrus or eucalyptus might be used in areas designed for activity and energy, like home gyms or workspaces. By carefully curating scents throughout the home, we’re able to create a layered experience that enhances the overall design while making the space feel truly personalized.
The Future of Scent in Design
As scent technology continues to evolve, we’re seeing the rise of more sophisticated methods of scent delivery. Automated scent diffusers, which can adjust fragrance intensity and even change scents depending on the time of day or mood, are becoming more common in luxury spaces. These innovations allow for a deeper level of customization, ensuring that scent can be as dynamic and evolving as the spaces we design.
At Studiomint, we’re excited to continue exploring the role of scent in our projects, pushing the boundaries of sensory design to create environments that engage and inspire. Whether in a five-star hotel or a private residence, personalized scent is a powerful tool for making spaces more immersive, emotionally resonant, and unforgettable.
Conclusion: Designing for the Senses
As The Future Laboratory points out, the future of design is multi-sensory, and scent will play a crucial role in shaping how we experience spaces. At Studiomint, we’ve been ahead of the curve in recognizing the power of personalized scents, particularly in our hospitality projects. By embracing scent as a key design element, we’re able to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply engaging on an emotional level. This trend isn’t just about luxury—it’s about creating meaningful connections between people and the spaces they inhabit, one breath at a time.
