It’s been said that NOISE is sound that is out of place, something unwanted and inappropriate to surroundings. In our view that applies to sound and smell alike.
There is a wealth of Christmassy sensory experiences to draw from but these need to be treated with respect and care. Cranberry, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves are flavours associated with both Christmas and this time of year, but even within this palette, appropriateness and context need to be considered for positive effect.
Mulled wine is completely Christmassy, but better in a bar or kitchen rather than the loo. The scent of pine can evoke the feeling of Christmas trees, but used in a loo or kitchen it’s more likely to trigger a sense of cleaning products. The smell of pine in a wooden lodge could transport you to the ski slopes, but a strong whiff of pine in a Hackney pub is more likely to feel hackneyed.
We have subconscious expectations about what environments should feel like. If sound or smell doesn’t correlate with the environment, it jars. Context is king when it comes to the senses.
Sound, smell and sensory stimulation are always charged with meaning. Whether in the form of a cacophony or silence, it should always be appropriate to the environment.
To find out more or organise a Sensory Audit email feel@vetyver.co.uk