HGTV's Egypt Sherrod's sensory tip translates to every single home: 'It allows for even the smallest and most chaotic of spaces to feel restful'

The real estate broker's advice is as impactful in a compact apartment as it is in a large estate – she knows there's more to a home than meets the eye

Egypt Sherrod
(Image credit: Vivien Killilea via Getty Images for SCAD aTVfest 2018)

There are real estate brokers, and then there's Egypt Sherrod, famed for being 'Married To Real Estate.' The aptly named HGTV show established Sherrod as one of the most reputable estate forces in the country – and this includes knowledge on elevating even the smallest of homes.

When curating a small living room, kitchen, or entryway, we may keep our vision (or, simply, how the space looks) at the forefront of our minds. However, Sherrod explains there's much more than meets the eye.

'I want people to remember that when they tour a home or a room, they experience it with all of their senses, not just their sense of sight but also their sense of smell. What does that room smell like? Bring some of your favorite scented goods. I love essential oils and reed diffusers,' Sherrod says in an exclusive interview with H&G.

On the subject of finding peace in a small home, Sherrod also encourages us to consider how our space sounds. 'What do you want to hear in the room? Maybe you can add a white noise machine, or you play some soft music? It allows for even the smallest and most chaotic of spaces to feel restful. The scent and smell are so powerful.'

white living space with vaulted ceiling, daybed with throw and cushions, small round dining table and chairs, basket, rug, hardwood floor, floor lamp, view outside

(Image credit: Brad Ramsey / Zeke Ruelas)

Alongside diffusers, Sherrod recommends introducing florals – firstly, for their scent, but also their transportive aesthetic. The best flowers are the ones that remind you of the places where you're happy – even if they're hard to grow in your home's environment. 'Bring in florals, even if they're beautiful faux, as they will travel your mind to where you want to go. And prioritize space for things that inspire you,' she says.

Lastly, perfecting your storage ideas is vital in every home, but especially those where you need to be strategic with space.

'Having effective storage solutions is key. When you’re in a small space, knowing where to put your things and how to declutter is often a challenge. You need to learn how to turn it into a multifunctional space. You’ll still want it to be beautiful and not feel overcrowded – because even if your stuff is nice, too much of anything can just feel like junk, right? Add more cabinets and built-ins wherever possible – so you can close things behind doors and drawers,' Sherrod explains.

'Also, find a special drawer just for your mail so that you're not constantly reminded of what the stack of mail you gotta go through and the bills you gotta pay.' The latter is something we can particularly get behind.


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.