Choosing the perfect scent for every room in your home

If I’d Written My Own Love Story

If I - Uyai had written my own love story, it wouldn’t have looked anything like this. Aliyu wasn’t what I’d ever imagined: over a decade older, with two children and a previous marriage that had ended in a bitter divorce. And yet, here I was, embarking on a new chapter, standing in the home he’d shared with his family for nearly two decades.

A Chance Meeting

I’d met Aliyu ten years ago during my master’s programme in London. He was a speaker at one of the fellowships I enrolled in—easy-going and slightly boyish, a contrast to the confident expertise he projected on stage. Life went on, and though we all stayed in touch through a lively fellowship group, Aliyu remained simply an acquaintance, a face in the crowd.

Reconnecting

Two years ago, at an event hosted by one of our fellowship friends, Aliyu and I were both on the panel, and we connected. A late-night FaceTime last year during my trip to Turkey for fabric sourcing changed everything. Aliyu called to check on me, but our conversation lasted three hours. I found myself pouring out every exhausting detail of my day. I’d been frustrated, ready to cry, but Aliyu listened so intently that before I knew it, we were both laughing. And as the call came to an end, he said, “I like you.” With those simple words, my world shifted, opening up to something entirely new.

A New Beginning

Things moved quickly after that, and it wasn’t long before I became Uyai, Aliyu’s second wife. Our wedding was a grand affair, plastered across Instagram, Bella Naija Weddings and other wedding blogs. Even though I’d been featured on CNN a few months ago for my work in fashion, this felt like my most public debut yet. The wedding was a dream, but when we returned to our new home after the honeymoon, reality began to sink in.

Making the House a Home

The house was silent, except for the gentle hum of the air conditioning. I could feel Zainab’s presence in every corner—from the mahogany table in the foyer to the carefully selected artwork on the walls. She’d chosen everything, and while it was all beautiful, it wasn’t me. I loved this house, but I needed to make it feel like our home—a place that reflected a part of my story with Aliyu, not just the one he’d shared with someone else.

Adding a Personal Touch

I decided to start small. I wasn’t going to redecorate straight away, but I could add something personal—a touch that felt uniquely mine without being intrusive. That’s when I thought of fragrance. To me, a home should greet you with a welcoming scent, a blend that wraps around you like a soft embrace. I reached out to my friend Boma, who suggested I try Tega Milton. Their scents, she told me, were known for their richness and elegance—exactly what I needed to bring this place to life.

Choosing the Perfect Scent for Every Room

Each room in your home can tell its own story through scent. Here’s what I discovered:

1. Living Room: To make the main space feel inviting and sophisticated, I opted for scents like Private Jets and Tease. With warm, complex notes, these fragrances create an air of elegance that instantly welcomes you. Inner Beauty, a slightly floral option, adds a touch of warmth, making the space both refined and relaxing.
2. Kitchen: Kitchens need freshness without being overwhelming. I chose Rise & Grind, with its clean citrus tones, to keep the space feeling bright and energised. Young & Beautiful also works well, adding a breezy, light fragrance that blends perfectly with the kitchen’s natural aromas.
3. Bedroom: For a calming retreat, I selected Homebody, with its soft, grounding notes. It sets the mood for a restful night, while Arab Money adds a hint of luxurious warmth. If I ever want a sweet, comforting atmosphere, Cozy or Sweet & Spicy can transform the room into a snug sanctuary.
4. Bathroom: To create a spa-like experience, I love Fierce, with its fresh yet bold tones, or Inner Beauty, which brings a touch of delicate elegance. Both scents make every shower feel like an escape, with a refreshing finish that leaves the space revitalised.
5. Home Office: For productivity, I need something energising but not overpowering. Material Girl, with its fruity and slightly floral tones, keeps the space light and inspiring. Baecation adds a bit of tropical freshness, helping me stay focused and motivated through long workdays.
6. Entryway: First impressions matter. I chose Vacation Home for a welcoming, exotic touch that leaves a lasting impact. Tease also works beautifully here, adding a hint of sophistication that sets the tone for the rest of the house.
7. Dining Room: A dining space should feel warm and inviting. Lady in Red brings in subtle, rich notes, while Tease adds an elegant yet lively touch. For special occasions, I switch to Newlywed, which has a celebratory, romantic vibe that enhances any gathering.
8. Closets & Wardrobes: I want my clothes to carry a subtle, lingering scent. I chose Sweet & Spicy for its comforting, warm tones. Lady in Red, with its airy, floral scent, is perfect for freshening up my wardrobe, adding a hint of the outdoors to my everyday style.

A Fresh Start

With these scents, I’ve started to weave my essence into each room, giving the house a refreshed, welcoming feel. Tega Milton has given me the chance to subtly make this space mine, layer by layer, through fragrance. Each scent captures a unique feeling, helping me redefine our space while honouring its history. Now, every corner of our home tells a new story—one that belongs to both of us.

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Final Words

Let your own home tell its story with the perfect scent. Explore Tega Milton’s collection to find fragrances that transform any room into a welcoming retreat. What scents make your home feel complete? Share in the comments below, and let others get inspired!

Let’s keep the conversation going!

Love,
Milton