PHOTOGRAPHY: NORMAN WILCOX-GEISSEN WRITER: SOTIRIOS VARSAMISWe like to keep things fragrant on the home
front but scent-making apparatus is not
always hot on aesthetics. We’re pleased
to see that the problem is currently receiving
some much-needed attention from the
design world. First up is Australian brand
Aesop, whose first foray into homeware,
a sculptural brass oil burner (03), has set our
skin tingling. Created in collaboration with
Henry Wilson, an ethically motivated Sydney-
based designer who likes to revive design
classics and use leftover materials, the piece
aims to ignite our connection to material,
form and ceremony by taking the time
to ritualise a moment of relaxation. ‘Design
involves every sense,’ says Wilson. ‘Beauty
and fragrance open up a new set of
challenges and potential for reaching people.’
The oil burner joins a number of sculptural
scent diffusers that look as good as the way
they make us feel, such as the ceramic and
brass ‘Aroma’ set (05), by German designer
May Kukula. Inspired by the Moroccantradition of steaming herbs and essences
of plant oils, it invites us to experiment with
homemade fragrant concoctions for healing
and relaxation. Also highly covetable is
Addition Studio’s monolithic burner, ‘Synergy’
(04), which brings together travertine and
copper to create a bigger-than-its-parts scent
experience, as is Tennen’s incense burner
(02), which allows only a glimpse of what’s
happening inside through the rising fumes
from its oculus. We’d also be happy to give a
home to Japanese brand At Aroma’s offering
(06), minimally carved from fragrant hinoki
wood, and French duo Mad et Len’s modern
pot pourri (01), which emits scent from
perfume-infused amethyst and rose quartz.- ‘Pot Pourri Totem’, €265, by Mad et Len.
- ‘Cylinder’ burner, $760, by Tennen.
- Brass oil burner, £120, by Studio Henry
Wilson, for Aesop. 04. Hinoki wood diffuser,
€28, by At Aroma. 05. ‘Aroma’ set, prototype,
by May Kukula. 06. ‘Synergy’ oil diffuser,
A$170 ($124), by Addition Studio
On the
scent
We’re in hot pursuit of the latest
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