You beauty! Annabel Rivkin's cabinet of wonders

Don't you hate the idea that you might not smell lovely? Don't you loathe the idea that your house might not smell lovely? Why not work to counter those dreads simultaneously in a way that can exponentially increase the sensory allure of both person and dwelling? This involves a little satisfying layering, the alchemy of which can make two scents smell far better than the sum of their parts. Simple. And genius.

The Jo Malone Grapefruit and Rosemary living cologne comes in a satisfyingly heavy oblong glass bottle; a statement bottle built to grow roots by a fireplace or to nestle chicly in a linen cupboard. It is a clever smell, both refreshing and mellow. 'This is a clean house,' it whispers to all who enter. It is simple enough to blend believably with lovely, natural country smells and urbane enough to work seamlessly in the city.

So why not add another layer? And the other layer is you. Wearing, perhaps, grapefruit cologne which would pick up on the citrus-y notes in the living spray and catapult the scent towards something even more stimulating. If it's a softer, more feminine vibe you're after, squirt some French Lime Blossom about your person and watch knees give way around the room as the linden blossom, bergamot and tarragon warm up on the skin and then blend with the rosemary to rather devastating effect. And if you are determined to intoxicate, drench yourself in Orange Blossom body lotion, spray on some Pomegranate Noir (to deepen the intensity, adding an enigmatic edge) and spritz the place with Grapefruit and Rosemary about twenty minutes before anyone is due to arrive. Then sit down, pour yourself a drink and prepare to be adored

Jo Malone Grapefruit & Rosemary Living Cologne, £45 for 200ml (jomalone.co.uk)