Decus Interiors steer clear of the typical beachside home aesthetic in their Coastal Home, lifting design cues from surrounding native Australian flora and an extensive collection of Australian artwork.
On a long stretch of scenic coastline in Western Australia lies Coastal Home; a heritage beach house with a three-storey addition and pool cabana. Entrusted with the redesign of the existing home and the new build, Decus Interiors have successfully merged the old and contemporary through a warm and sophisticated approach to family living. With its unexpected idiosyncrasies and old-world grandeur, Decus Interiors’ Coastal Home dissolves the stereotype of the conventional beach house.
The kitchen features Wolf appliances, as well as the Moon Pendant Light and Pepper Stool by American designer Holly Hunt.
Decus Interiors founder and managing director Alexandra Donohue Church says they drew inspiration from the organic nature of the home’s surrounds and the client’s art collection to inform the interior renovation. “We were fortunate to have a great deal of significant art, to begin with,” she says. “This formed the backdrop of our overall design concept, influencing the palette, materiality and selection of finishes.”
Entering through the grand engraved double entrance door, you’re met with a compelling dark timber kitchen against chocolate-coloured Argento floorboards by Tongue n Groove. Stainless steel appliances from Wolf enhance the robustness of the chocolate kitchen cabinetry, setting the tone for a similar interplay of traditional and modern interiors that follow.
The Mattaliano Conique Chandelier hangs over the Caste Bannack Table by Holly Hunt.
The dining room features the Ginger Chair by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau around the Double Bulb Dining Table by French designer Eric Schmitt.
Notable pieces in the large living room include the Applique 2 Bras Droit Pivotant by Serge Mouille, Pumpkin Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset, the Extrasoft Sofa by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani and Nest Tables by Adam Goodrum for Nau.
The Pattern Chess Piece side tables by New York designer Anna Karlin.
Alexandra says she built depth through layering, working with the bones of the original heritage house by integrating warm, rich and inviting colours in the study and kitchen. Moving into the new addition, she turned her attention to brighter colours and developing a “consistent design language from the outside in”. The dining room is located in the new addition, with natural light streaming through full-height windows.
It’s in the generous living room where Decus Interiors established a strong connection to the outdoors. Steel frame doors offer access to the sizable pool and entertaining area, featuring an integrated barbecue, outdoor dining setting, outdoor living area and outdoor fireplace. Inside, the Extrasoft Sofa by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani featuring bold cushions custom-designed by Decus Interiors injects colour and personality into the neutral space. In the formal living room, Indigenous Australian artwork and Missoni accessories come together in a colourful feast for the eyes.
The custom-designed leather sofa by Decus Interiors pared with Missoni cushions and footstools.
The Diz Lounge Chair by Brazilian furniture designer Sergio Rodrigues.
Argento floorboards from Tongue n Groove run throughout the home.
The master bedroom and retreat celebrates the heritage home’s original ornate cornices, plasterwork and panelling. Bianco Carrara C marble from CDK Stone and Vola tapware in brushed brass speak to the home’s history, while the children’s bathroom takes on a more lighthearted approach through a pastel pink colour scheme.
As one of Decus Interiors’ largest projects to date, Coastal Home challenges the notion of the quintessential Australian beach house. Through tactile layering, clever spatial proportions and elements of surprise, Decus Interiors have delivered a luxurious family home that embraces the unique and creative personality of its occupants.
The Branching Bubble floor lamp by Lindsey Adelman and Antony wall light by Serge Mouille in the master bedroom.
The master bedroom features the Terrarium pendant by Lindsey Adelman in the vintage mirror reflection and fireplace clad in CDK Stone.
The children’s bathroom features brushed gold tapware and accessories from Brodware and the Sfera Monobloc Slim Toilet by Catalano.
The master bathroom combines Bianco Carrara C marble from CDK Stone with raw brass tapware from Vola.
The Vola 590 tap and Applique Tube wall lights by Herve Van Der Straeten in the powder room.
The vintage bronze door was designed by Billy Joe Carroll and David Gillespie in 1970.
It’s a beautiful house but it seems a shame that the “surrounding Australian landscape and extensive collection of Indigenous art” didn’t inspire the selection of more Australian designed and made furniture & accessories.