The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)

Excess all areas

The duo behind iconic interiors brand Rockett St George, reveal key steps to creating stylish settings. Gabrielle Fagan finds out that more is better...

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Just as some outfits have extra special impact, so too can rooms that have been dressed to perfection. And no one knows how to dress a room with flair more than Jane Rockett and Lucy St George, co-founders of ultra-cool interiors destinatio­n, Rockett St George.

The duo, who formed the brand 13 years ago, source highly individual, eye-catching homeware – from fullfat luxe to quirky, vintage-inspired treasures – all guaranteed to give rooms a distinctiv­e, stylish stamp.

Here, they reveal ways to work the wow factor in your own home…

Take two with magical mirrors “Mirrors are the ultimate design trick to add both ‘wow’ factor and additional space in any room,” say the duo.

“By reflecting natural light back into the room, a mirror is a way to create the illusion of extra space and light.

“We always recommend going for the largest mirror you can afford, to make the most of every ray of light from its reflection.”

Work the wow factor: Make sure you consider what will be shown in a mirror’s reflection, they advise. If you opt for a showstoppi­ng chandelier or fabulous gallery wall of artwork, the reflection will double it – frankly, the bolder the better!

“For a more unusual approach to decorating with mirrors, we love convex designs that distort the reflection,” says Lucy St George. “Vintage-inspired foxed finishes will add personalit­y and character, while still reflecting a beautiful glow of light back into a room.”

Get a handle on style “Sometimes a small change is all you need to breathe new life into your home,” says Rockett. “Hero hardware pieces are often overlooked but are an incredibly effective way to transform doors or furniture, without embarking on a major redecorati­on journey.”

Work the wow factor: Revamp a door with a fresh coat of paint and add a new finger plate and handle. Don’t forget, a beautifull­y dressed front door is all part of the kerb appeal of your property and updating it isn’t difficult.

Work the wow factor: When choosing handles, Jane advises those seeking warmth and style to opt for a brass finish, while an antique finish is ideal for a vintage look, and leather or marble handles have a desirable tough-luxe look.

Going green

“For us, no home is complete without an accent of gorgeous greenery,” declares Lucy. “Studies show houseplant­s are proven to reduce stress (something we all need less of at the moment) and introducin­g a few plants can create a sense of calm and vitality in any corner of a home.”

Work the wow factor: Fill vases and pots with a selection of different plants, grasses and foliage stems, which will

Lighting is key to setting the tone anywhere, from the kitchen to the living room or bedroom, so don’t neglect it

create interest with different sizes, scales and textures.

As the ultimate low-maintenanc­e solution, faux plants will have the same “jungle” effect, while dried flowers and grasses are another great way to reflect the natural world in your home.

Light the way

“Lighting is key to setting the tone anywhere, from the kitchen to the living room or bedroom, so don’t neglect it,” says Rockett.

“Ceiling lights can create an uninspirin­g atmosphere when used

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