Design gurus’ top tips on how to work colour into your home The duo behind destination decor brand Rockett St George have delved into colour in their new book. Gabrielle Fagan takes a look
Colour has well and truly invaded our homes. In fact, no interiors scheme is complete these days without at least a dash of a punchy shade! Step forward self-confessed colour-addicts Lucy St George and Jane Rockett, the duo behind chic interiors destination, Rockett St George. They’re on a mission to help us transform our homes with a host of hues, and reveal their secrets and personal inspirations in their new book, Rockett St George: Extraordinary Interiors In Colour.
Check out their guide to four of the most fashionable shades for rooms...
LET THE SUNSHINE IN
“A splash of yellow will catch the eye, set the heart racing and make you smile”, declare the pair. “Yellow’s associated with feelings of joy, optimism, happiness and warmth. It can lift your spirits like a sudden ray of sunshine and is believed to promote clear thinking and quick decisionmaking.”
Their own favourite shade on the yellow spectrum is mustard, which they describe as “an earthy hue that’s both sophisticated and a wonderful way to inject an uplifting spirit into your home”.
Black can make a perfect neutral backdrop for strong colours like yellow or orange. “It makes them pop and allows furniture, textiles and artwork to shine through and become the stars of the show,” they explain. If bold sunny shades seem too vibrant and make you want to reach for your sunglasses, consider opting for more subtle sandy-yellow shades as an alternative to creams.
SEDUCE WITH PINK
Pinks are enjoying huge popularity in decor right now – particularly the soft, pale tones. “The gentler shades of pink encourage calmness and love, while stronger shades, such as hot pink, go hand in hand with feelings of joyfulness and creativity,” enthuse the duo.
Rockett and St George took inspiration from earthy pinks characteristic of Moroccan homes for the pink shades in their paint
A room featuring rich forest green – a calming colour associated with growth and good health – which has been chosen for the bedroom in this Edinburgh home. collection for Craig & Rose. Their nude/pink shades include Broderie, Gladstone Grey and Bohemia (Chalky Emulsion Paint, £35 for 2.5L).
For living rooms and bedrooms, the duo recommend “nude and pale pinks with warm undertones to make you feel nurtured and safe”. Work or studio spaces, meanwhile, are the perfect place to experiment with “brighter pinks, which are flamboyant and expressive, ideal for creating impact”.
GO GREEN AND GORGEOUS
“Green is fabulously versatile. Whether you prefer soft sage, rich emerald or deep forest green, this crowd-pleaser of a colour can be adapted to suit just about any style of interior,” the decor-lovers declare.
Green is said to evoke feelings of balance, tranquillity and renewal, and studies have shown that it’s the most restful colour for the human eye. It’s totally synonymous with the ‘green’ movement and eco initiatives that are on the rise right now too.
Dark greens work wonders in living rooms and
Hues – from lemon yellow through to fiery orange – create a stunningly colourful corner in a living room at the home of Eloise Jones and Aine Donovan .
Jane Rockett and Lucy St George, authors of Rockett St George: Extraordinary Interiors In Colour, photography by Catherine Gratwicke, published by Ryland Peters & Small, £19.99.
bedrooms, or anywhere else in the home where you want to relax and have “a little respite”, advise the colour gurus. “Brighter punchier greens are perfect for energising a busy area such as the kitchen or hallway,” they also suggest. “Green accents in the shape of plants or cacti will bring your decor to life and – added bonus – act as a natural airrefresher for the home.”
Bring on the balance with a touch of green
Green accessories can add a sophisticated touch and enhance those soothing vibes...
DIVE INTO BLUE
“Blue is the coolest of all the colours in the spectrum and conjures up
Blended blue-greens dominate an airy living room, filled with cherished pieces of art and furniture, at the home of Caitlin and Samuel, founders of Popham Design.
feelings of reliability and stability,” says Rockett. “Due to its associations with nature – think of clear summer skies and turquoise ocean – blue can also inspire feelings of serenity and contentment.”
Blue, she points out, is a stressbusting colour with a masculine edge (a recent study found that 42% of men chose blue as their favourite colour), but that doesn’t mean blue is just for boys, of course!
Bold blues, the pair suggest, particularly suit home offices, children’s playrooms, hallways and bathrooms. Darker blues project a sense of sophistication and tranquillity, and can work as the perfect backdrop for art collections and decorative displays.
A seductive symphony in pink in the El Fenn hotel, Marrakech, with raspberry embroidery on curtains, a claret velvet chair, and an earthy sorbet shade on the walls of the room which features in Rockett St George: Extraordinary Interiors In Colour by Jane Rockett and Lucy St George, photography by Catherine Gratwicke, published by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £19.99.