The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire 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...
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
alone, and impact the entire mood and feel of your space. Instead of focusing on one light in the centre of the room, we recommend using as many light sources as possible.”
One of their favourite lighting arrangements is a group of pendant lights – not necessarily all matching – which will draw the eye and also zone a dining or seating area.
Rockett St George’s Natural Texture With Gold Interior Ceiling Light range – Drop Design, £125 (was £180); Bell Design, £215, and Cone Design, £120 – is ideal for this look.
Work the wow factor: “Lamps and wall lights create pools of light, which are essential for ambience and warmth in a room,” says Rockett. Side lights and floor lamps, which showcase treasured artwork or framed family photos, are another lighting device.
Change the view
“Wall murals are a wonderful way to get creative and add colour and texture to your home,” says Lucy.
“By taking pattern to a larger scale, these brilliant designs promise to grab attention as soon as you walk through the door. With so many patterns available, from jungle scenes to florals, murals add a hint of wonder to walls.”
Work the wow factor: “If transforming a wall with a mural or wallpaper is beyond your skills and budget, consider curating a collection of your favourite prints, photos or pictures into a glamorous gallery wall,” suggests Jane.