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


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.'
Earthy and fragrant, this reed diffuser enables you to transform your entryway with the subtle yet familiar fall scent that occurs after rain.
This gorgeous floral candle fills the room with romantic notes of jasmine. It's the type of scent that transcends seasons and will smell just as beautiful long into the new year as it does now.
If you prefer a reed diffuser over a candle for a powerful scent, this is the diffuser for you. It emits a robust scent of matcha with a roundness of milk and honey for a homey yet stylish ambiance.
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.
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'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 is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.
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