There’s a particular kind of joy that comes from stepping into a space that smells incredible — not loud, not artificial, but quietly intentional. The kind of scent that makes you exhale without thinking, makes a room feel lived-in, loved, and somehow more complete. That experience, once reserved for boutique hotels and impossibly curated homes, is becoming more mainstream. And in Lagos, one of the quiet forces behind this shift is Deke Living.
What makes Deke Living interesting isn’t just that they make candles and diffusers — the market is full of those. It’s the way they’ve managed to make scent feel like part of a lifestyle rather than a decorative accessory. Their products are understated, almost calm in their appearance: matte tones, clean silhouettes, nothing competing for attention. And yet, once they’re in your space, you feel the difference. The room softens. The atmosphere shifts. The environment feels a little more grown, a little more cared-for.
Deke Living is one of the brands pushing Nigerians to rethink what home fragrance can be. Gone are the days when a scented candle was an afterthought or a random supermarket buy. There’s an evolving culture of intentionally scented homes — diffusers on consoles, candles layered into evening routines, fragrances matched to mood or décor. You can walk into a modern apartment in Lagos today and almost expect a particular kind of ambience, the same way you expect good lighting or textured throws. That wasn’t always the case.
Part of the brand’s appeal is that they don’t try too hard. There’s no excessive branding, no dramatic packaging, no overcomplicated storylines. The scents do the work. And they feel grown — creamy, airy, warm, sometimes coastal, sometimes sweet, always refined. There’s a richness to the way their fragrances fill a room that suggests they weren’t created to impress but to settle into everyday life. It’s the difference between a fragrance that announces itself and one that becomes part of the room’s character.
And the design choices matter too. Their candles and diffusers look like objects that belong — not trendy pieces that will age out, but timeless staples you can move from a living room to a bedroom without disrupting the visual flow. That blend of design and scent is part of why they stand out.
What they’ve done, perhaps unintentionally, is reshape the expectation of what a Nigerian fragrance brand can look and feel like. There’s a quiet confidence in their approach. You don’t get the sense they’re trying to imitate a global brand or chase a trend. They’re simply responding to the evolving taste of people who want their homes to smell as beautiful as they look, and who recognise fragrance as an essential part of atmosphere.
And then there’s the emotional element. Scent is personal — more personal than most décor choices. It ties to memory, mood, even identity. A good candle becomes part of your daily ritual. A good diffuser becomes the scent people associate with you. Deke Living leans into that emotional connection by offering fragrances that feel familiar without being predictable; comforting without being cliché.
They’ve essentially helped normalise the idea that scent is self-care for the home. A tiny luxury that changes how you feel when you walk through your door. A quiet upgrade that somehow makes the entire space more welcoming.
Now, speaking of upgrades — November is not too early to think about Christmas shopping. In fact, it’s the smarter, calmer time to do it. Before the rush. Before the sold-outs. Before December becomes the Olympics of last-minute panic.
And if you’re curating a thoughtful, stylish holiday list, here’s why Deke Living deserves a place on it:
1. They make beautiful, meaningful gifts.
A Deke Living candle instantly feels thoughtful — not just “I picked something up on the way.” It’s the gift you give a host, a boss, your stylish friend, your mother, your neighbour, even yourself. And during the holidays, people appreciate gifts that add warmth to their home.
2. Their packaging already feels like a present.
Minimal, polished, elegant — you don’t need to add much else. A ribbon, a note, and you’re done. It’s Christmas-ready without the stress.
3. Home fragrance is a holiday essential.
The season is full of gatherings, dinners, slow mornings, and cosy evenings. A diffuser in the hallway or a candle burning beside the tree transforms the entire atmosphere. And Deke Living scents have that perfect holiday balance: comforting without being cloying, fresh without being sharp.
4. You’re supporting a rising Nigerian luxury brand.
There is something particularly special about gifting a brand that reflects craft, intention, and the evolving sophistication of Nigerian design. It’s a small way of saying, “We see you. We support this.”
5. It’s the gift that keeps giving.
Long after Christmas, long after the decorations come down, long after the guests have gone, the scent remains. And every time it fills the room, it reminds the recipient of you.
