Ahhhh, Australia in August. As the final month of winter descends upon us, bringing more cold weather and cozy nights, there's no better time to transform your indoor spaces into a snug and inviting oasis.
Picture this: a warm, flickering glow that dances softly in the dim light, accompanied by a delicate medley of soothing aromas. Imagine the gentle fragrance of nature's finest elements embracing you in a comforting embrace.
In this blog post, we'll explore the magic of candles and how their soothing blend of aromas can turn your home into a haven of tranquillity and comfort during this chilly season. Let's delve into the captivating world of candles and discover the secret to making your winter evenings truly magical.
Captivated by Candles
There is something primal about a flickering light. Perhaps it’s because they have been used for more than 5,000 years. And while candles have not been our primary source of light for over a century, the appeal of candlelight remains.
Candles can add warmth, a feeling of security, and can even be used in spiritual rituals. When considering the overall feeling of a room, candles can be simple and effective at creating an atmosphere.
Candles on their own offer a simple yet powerful means of elevating your winter experience and infusing it with warmth and wonder. Add a candle to a delightfully designed candleholder and you can create an atmosphere that reflects your personality.
Let’s explore the reasons why candles and their glow can be so rewarding…
Escape from Technology
Take a moment to yourself. Embracing the warm, traditional glow of candles offers a welcome respite from the harsh blue light of screens and electronic devices. Creating a space with candles allows you to unwind and escape from the digital world, promoting a deeper connection to the present moment. The silence and shadows they cast can be mesmerising, and a great way to de-stress.
TIP: Put one in the bedroom before you go to sleep or try one in the bathroom to help you unwind whilst taking a relaxing bath. A beautiful candle can make you feel calmer by just watching the flicker of the flame.
Warm and Joyful Ambiance
The soft, warm glow of candles creates an intimate and cozy atmosphere that instantly makes your home feel inviting and comforting. The flickering light adds a touch of enchantment, making even the coldest winter nights feel more welcoming. Colourful candle holders with bright, bold artistic patterns will radiant illuminating light, adding to the coziness.
TIP: Lighting candles during celebrations such as Christmas or Diwali adds a sense of tradition and joy, making festivities even more magical. If you’re worried about small children or pets around open flames, consider a battery tealight or flameless LED. These mimic the look of real candles without the worry about leaving them burning or getting knocked over.
Romantic Touch
Candles have long been associated with romance and intimacy. Their soft glow sets a romantic ambiance, perfect for a quiet dinner at home or a cozy night in with a loved one during the chilly winter evenings.
TIP: Use candles as a centrepiece on the dining table, or place in different rooms throughout the house to add a sense of mystery. Dim the lights, put on some soothing music, and set the mood!
Visual Delight
Candle holders are the perfect way to accentuate a candles’ beautiful glow. Their captivating designs throw off arrays of bright colours and patterns and will illuminate any dark space. Being both practical and delightfully decorative, they add a touch of elegance and beauty to any home.
Candle holders can even be used for other pretty decorative purposes such as holding plants, pens, or trinkets.
IDEA: Place clusters of candles to add dynamism to centrepieces or to introduce more light to centre spaces. Mix and match candle sizes and types in your clusters, the glow will help a room feel welcoming and magical.
Candle Aromas to Soothe the Soul
One of the great things about candles is that they come in so many scents and colours, so you can always find one to suit your mood. Candles produce their flickering flame through a chemical reaction called combustion, producing light and heat as the flame burns down the wick. As the wax melts it releases the scent of the fragrance or essential oils mixed with candle wax.
The smell of a burning candle stimulates the limbic system of our brains, which plays a role in our behavioural and emotional responses. The limbic system helps our bodies learn and remember information, and it is the part of the brain which controls functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, memory, stress levels and hormone balance.
Scented candles are an easy way to incorporate the benefits of essential oils on your limbic system into your lifestyle. Each essential oil possesses a unique fragrance and therapeutic properties.
Below, we explore some of the feelings we experienced when trying out our new range of tropical-scented, Aboriginal-inspired candles.
Native Frangipani
Capture the tropical breezes of Northern Queensland, where native frangipani blooms linger in the air. The subtle sweet scent of the frangipani flower, once used traditionally by some Indigenous communities for medicinal purposes, now makes it a perfect ingredient for a tropical-scented candle.
Sensory experiences include:
- Relaxation, happiness, tropical escape, nostalgia, comfort, serenity, romantic ambiance.
Coconut and Finger Lime
A captivating blend that combines tropical sweetness of coconut with zesty citrus notes of finger lime. This delightful aroma will transport you to a summer setting, evoking images of warm, sunny days and relaxation.
Sensory experiences include:
- Tropical delight, energised and uplifted, refreshed, summer vibes, nostalgia, comfort, sensory escape.
Lemon Myrtle
Unmistakably Australian, the smell of lemon myrtle will transport you deep into Australia’s subtropical rainforest. Lemon myrtles citrusy aromatic properties can positively impact your mood and even help with concentration.
Sensory experiences include:
- Energised and revitalised, cleansed and purified, happiness and positivity, serenity, focus and clarity, tropical escape, aromatherapy, and relaxation.
Coastal Retreat
Bring tranquillity of the coast into your living space and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. A coastal retreat scented candle captures the essence of the beach and ocean, a revitalizing experience reminiscent of a day at the beach.
Sensory experiences include:
- Relaxed and calm, refreshed, escapism, peaceful and tranquil, nostalgia, imaginative, natural connection, inspirational.
Give a Meaningful Gift
Koh Living’s candles, scented or not, make a delightfully thoughtful gift. Winter is the perfect time for giving candles, as it is when we spend most of our time indoors. By purchasing a Koh Living product, you are participating in an act of social good. You are helping to fund Indigenous artists to continue telling their stories via their paintings.