As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisper, there’s no better time to cosy up at home with comforting scents that soothe the soul.
In this interview, we sit down with Lizzy Bell, a master candle maker and aromatherapy expert from small business, Cedar, to explore the art of home scent creations. Lizzy shares her insights on crafting the perfect seasonal aromas, her advice on the best ingredients for well-being, and the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy.
Whether you’re looking to create a peaceful sanctuary or set the perfect mood, Lizzy’s expertise will inspire you to embrace the power of scent as we hunker down for the season.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and when you first got into making home fragrances?
Source: Cedar
Believe it or not, my background is in education. I was a secondary school geography teacher when I became interested in fragrance as I was finding the job super stressful.
The scrutiny, the behaviour management, the long hours…to take my mind off the anxiety I was feeling, I started a creative project, making candles in my kitchen. I ordered some oils, a block of soy wax and some jars, then set to work with a saucepan and ladle. It was so great — I began to wonder if I could turn this into a career.
Fast forward six years and I’m now a fully qualified aromatherapist running my own business. Cedar is the creative side where I make all kinds of home fragrance products. Cedar Apothecary is where I host candle-making and beauty workshops, so my teacher training still comes in handy.
How would you describe your own home and design style?
Source: Cedar
Well, I think that taste and style evolve as we grow, but my constants are rich, warm tones with pops of colour or bold patterns that break up the pace. I’ll juxtapose a deep terracotta or an earthy backdrop with a well-placed print or cushion, even a tufted rug.
Antique pieces and meaningful items from small makers are big favourites. If you choose carefully, they blend so well with modern designs. I’m not about “off the peg” looks. I try to avoid trends, selecting ornaments or furniture that feel timeless or have meaning for me.
Cosiness is another essential, I guess it’s all about creating a space that’s inviting, comfortable and full of character.
Can you tell us about the ethos behind your home scent brand?
Source: Cedar
Cedar is about the transformative power of scent. All the fragrances are crafted to move you in some way, whether that’s to help you relax or focus, take you to another place, or remind you of something, I want to give you that moment.
Beyond the aromatherapy and well-being aspects, Cedar is about shaping the atmosphere of an inner space, whether that be a physical place or a mindset. Lighting a candle or oil burner can be part of an evening wind-down ritual, for example, a way to reflect.
I only use natural, ethically sourced ingredients, so that’s a big part of the Cedar ethos. I try to work with and support other makers and independent businesses wherever I can — charities, too. I love the idea of Cedar as a force for good.
What inspires your new scent creations?
Nature is a huge influence, especially when it comes to capturing those subtle, grounding moments that feel timeless or transportive. I’ll draw on memories and sensations associated with the outdoors; I’ll blend woody or spicy scents that evoke calm and connection. At the end of the day, Cedar is about moving your mind, and natural fragrances are my foundation for that.
What are the fundamental things to consider when selecting a sustainable and safe scent for your home?
Source: Cedar
As with everything we buy these days, we have to be mindful of the ingredients. We should never just blindly make a purchase. Right now, Cedar candles use rapeseed and coconut wax because they’re more sustainable than the soy I started with. Rapeseed is grown in the UK, which gives it a smaller carbon footprint, and it burns just as well. I steer clear of paraffin-based candles because they can affect air quality. I prefer essential oils because they’re natural and have key aromatherapy benefits. I do think there’s a place for fragrance oils if you prefer these man-made products but I’d recommend choosing something phthalate and paraben-free.
Which fragrance vessel helps to fill your home with your desired scent the most: candles, diffusers, or oil burners?
Source: Cedar
I love candles for the cosy, warm atmosphere they create. They’re unbeatable for a snug evening vibe. When it comes to filling a room and enjoying the full aromatherapy benefits of essential oils, air diffusers are my go-to. The Cedar diffuser is a lamp too; it’s perfect for keeping larger spaces fragranced, and it does that all day long. I joke about being a traitor to candles, but honestly, they sit perfectly alongside diffusers. One sets the mood, while the other brings all-day scent and wellness benefits. Together, they’re the ideal way to enhance your indoor surroundings.
Which scent notes suit which seasons the best?
Source: Cedar
In autumn and winter, I’d go for a fragrance that has depth, something like cedarwood, patchouli, or frankincense. You could add a touch of spice — cardamom or something cinnamon — to introduce a warm, inviting, comforting vibe.
Source: Cedar
As we look ahead to spring, I’d freshen things up with florals. Geranium and ylang ylang balanced with mandarin for a brighter, uplifting feel. You should always look to match a scent with the season and keep yourself aligned with what’s going on in the world outside your window.
What is aromatherapy, and how can it enhance our well-being?
Source: Cedar
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to improve your well-being; it’s thousands of years old. Natural extracts from plants are blended into powerful scent combos that can influence our emotions. The scents work by interacting with the brain’s limbic system, which controls our mood and memory. Different essential oils have different effects, they can calm you, refresh you, and help you zone in. Think of aromatherapy as a natural way to attend to the needs of your body and your mind.
Are there any particular fragrances that promote good sleep?
Source: Cedar
If you’re aiming for a restful night’s sleep, essential oils like frankincense, chamomile, and cedarwood are great. Lavender is another classic that’s known for its calming properties. Lavender is the primary ingredient in the Cedar Selene blend, which takes its name from the Greek moon goddess. Selene helps you wind down. It comes as a scented candle and as an essential oils blend which can be added to a pre-bedtime bath or diffuser. It’ll gently lull the senses, easing you into a deep, restful sleep.
Do you have any top tips to help make candles go further?
Source: Cedar
To get the most out of your candles, the best advice I can give comes in three letters: TLC.
Make sure you let the wax pool to the edges the first time you burn it. This will avoid that annoying tunnelling and make your candle last longer. Trimming the wick before each burn works wonders for a clean, even flame.
Which Oak Furnitureland products do you think create the perfect spot for home fragrances to thrive?
Stowe side table | Seymour sofa
For a perfect spot to let a fragrance product shine, I’d go for a side table with a marble top like the Oliver and Stowe collections. The surfaces look great and will handle the heat, so you don’t have to worry about rogue candle warmth. They’re also the ideal size. You can keep them in a nook decorated with a candle, oil burner, or a diffuser — a stylish and functional fixture that will fill your room with a mind-moving fragrance.
For more tips, inspiration, and to explore Lizzy’s beautiful collection of hand-poured candles and aromatherapy blends, be sure to visit Cedar’s website and follow them on Instagram @cedarlifestyle. Discover the perfect scents to transform your home this season!
