We love to be surrounded by inspirational people and kicking off our ‘Scents of Style’ series is creative director, interior stylist and LCS friend Marianne Cotterill. Having worked for clients including Vogue, Elle Decoration, Livingetc, Bert & May Anthropologie and Farrow and Ball, Marianne uses colour and candles to bring a room alive and lift her mood. Here she shares her favourite smells and Easter entertaining tips with you…
At home, how important is fragrance to you?
For me, filling my home with fragrance is essential for my everyday mood and wellbeing. If I walk into a room without scent it feels empty. I like to create a sense of calm at home and having nice smells around me makes me happy. No matter what I’m doing, I always have a candle burning. You could definitely call me a candle addict!
Do you use different scents depending on the occasion or time of day?
I love to embrace seasonality so will always choose food and also flowers sympathetic to that particular time of year – the same goes for scent. Right now, the weather is starting to warm up and Spring is around the corner so I’m burning my favourite floral candles that help create the feeling of being outside. I love roses, orange blossom and jasmine – blooms that look and smell beautiful!
What is your favourite candle scent/design and why?
For as long as I can remember my go-to candle is Cire Trudon’s Abd El Kader which is a combination of mint and orange blossom. To me, smells are so memorable, and this scent reminds me of being in a warm country and makes me want to go on another adventure – it aids my desire for escapism which I’ve needed during lockdown.
Another favourite which I’m burning right now is Ortensia by Fornasetti Profumi. It’s such a beautiful design and the pastel colours perfectly complement the floral scent. Again, it reminds me of being outside and signals “here comes summer!”
How would you create the ultimate Easter entertaining table scape? Any tips/hacks to impress your guests?
I absolutely love colour and so this year I’m going all out to create an Easter carnival theme. I like to put a slightly different spin on things and so instead of painted eggs I’ve bought lots of Plastic Bag Chickens from Raj Tent Club which will march down the centre of the table towards my traditional Simnel cake which I’ll decorate with an abundance of fresh flowers and serve alongside my beloved Designers Guild napkins to add more colour and texture.
How will you be spending Easter Weekend this year?
I’m hoping it will be warm this year so that I can serve Easter lunch outside. As soon as the weather warms up, our garden becomes an extra room which means I’ll spend days beforehand accessorising. I was in India at the beginning of last year and bought the most gorgeous garlands which I’m going to hang from the trees together with offcuts of colourful ribbon. It’s a really quick, easy way to create impact and that all important wow factor!
Who and where do you find inspiration?
I love discovering artists who create beautiful pieces that have multiple uses. Right now, I’m using lots of ceramic objects, especially vases, made by Noa Weintraub. I’m also a huge fan of Elpelut and their handmade crochet fisherman’s lamps – truly amazing sculptural decorations.