The beauty spot: scented candles

Apart from a puppy gambolling across your tufted rug or the glint of a new relationship shivering off the walls, the only thing that can turn a cramped and dirty one-bedroom flat into something verging on magical is an expensive scented candle. The best ones fill a room with the loving glow of an on-screen family and the gorgeous perfume of a posh hotel before a fond one-night stand. I love the black Acqua di Parma candle (£67, harveynichols.com ) for the smell, and the Fornasetti Profumi per la Casa candle (£95, selfridges.com ) for the absolute art of it. Visit theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/fashion for more style advice