Scent Style: Amy Russell, Cofounder of Nineteen Ten

Turning a house into a home is at the core of Nineteen Ten. The Vancouver boutique specializes in thoughtful household goods, from pillows and artwork to dishware and, of course, natural home scenting products. Founded by Amy Russell and Jennifer Kiel, Nineteen Ten is a crisp and clean oasis designed for those who love making their home a cozy and comfy place to be. Here’s how Russell channels that ethos in her own space.

Scent is so personal. What does it mean to you?

For me, scents can spark memories and change my mood—from the scent of gardenia that reminds me of my sister’s favourite perfume from childhood, to the smell of a B.C. forest, which is my happy place and always puts me in a calm frame of mind.

Describe your personality in three to five words.

Loyal, spirited, supportive, organized, and funny.

With those words in mind, tell us about the diffuser cocktail that you’ve created to represent your scent style.

For me, so much of being at home is about comfort and calm, so I settled on a scent that can put me at ease. My go-to recipe is Grove with Grapefruit, and sometimes in the evening I might add a couple drops of Bergamot to round it out.

Why did you choose each of these oils and how do they work together? What does the final aroma smell like or remind you of?

Like most people, I am drawn to a fresh and clean scent in my home. But I also love being in the woods and all the scents of the trees, grass, and other plants. To me, this is the perfect combination of those.

What room do you diffuse this scent in and when do you diffuse it?

I have several vitruvi Stone Diffusers in my home, as I like to have the option to diffuse wherever I am. The one that gets the most use is in the most lived-in part of my house: an open area that accesses the kitchen, dining room, and living room. That way I can be surrounded by my favourite scent.

Aside from scent, what else makes you feel truly at home in your space?

Nothing beats coming home after a long day and having my dog greet me with enthusiasm. He is always happy to see me. I also love getting cozy on the couch and watching a movie at the end of a busy day.

What’s your favourite thing about your home?

All the natural light. I am lucky enough to have floor-to-ceiling windows in most rooms, and I love to let the light in. We also have a great little patio area out front of our place, and it is surrounded by plants and greenery—perfect for relaxing.