Decus Interiors sculpturally rework an established home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches by lifting cues from the serene coastal surrounds.
Shaded by a heritage Eucalyptus tree, Cove House embodies sophisticated, modern Australian living. The home has undergone a complete structural overhaul thanks to Sydney-based design studio Decus Interiors, now bowing down to its waterfront views. The team have placed emphasis on natural light and a layering of materials and in doing so, reconnected the home with its surrounds.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining table is complemented by a timber bench and the J77 Chair, designed by Folke Paalsson for Hay.
Decus Interiors have found their niche in the waterfront suburbs of Sydney, designing awe-inspiring interiors that deeply resonate with their location. In their Cove House, designed for a young growing family with a passion for entertaining, the open kitchen, living and dining room take centre stage, positioned at the rear of the home. Spanning 13 metres, the living space is illuminated by full-height glazed doors that open up onto the generous terrace, complete with an outdoor bar and pizza oven.
Catering to the client’s love of hosting guests, a secondary work area is hidden behind the main kitchen bench, equipped with a pantry, wine fridge, sink and bespoke v-groove cabinetry designed by Decus Interiors. An informal dining setting features the J77 Chair for Hay, and the private study nook to the right of the kitchen maximises an unused corner of the home away from the action of the main living area.
In order to bring natural light into the home, the ceiling was raised to include a pop-up copula structure over the formal dining table. A bespoke green marble credenza custom-designed by Decus partially separates the open area from the piano room, also doubling as additional hidden storage.
The kitchen features the Muuto Nerd Bar Stool and the private study nook maximises an unused corner of the home.
Designed by Decus Interiors and constructed by Jonathan West, the green marble credenza offers additional storage.
The ceiling was raised to include a pop-up copula structure, featuring the tossB Tribe Pendant atop the Featherston Scape Dining Chair by Grant Featherston for Grazia&Co.
The curves of the copula and circular columns soften the interiors.
A relaxed living area showcases additional custom Decus pieces like the u-shaped sofa, grey rug and timber wall unit. The television is recessed into black steel shelving, seamlessly blending into the storage.
A shift in colour palettes – from rich marbles and dark timber to soft greys with accents of pink and blue marks the transition from communal to private areas. While the tones have remained consistently neutral in the living space, the bedrooms and hallways inject playful hues through Olsen Gallery artwork and coloured bed linen.
By responding to the existing home’s enviable locale, Decus Interiors have designed a refined home that levels up to its luxurious views.
Pieces in the living room include a custom-designed sofa, rug and wall unit by Decus Interiors, along with Est Lighting wall lights and Kelly Wearstler cushions.
One of Decus Interiors founder Alexandra Donohue Church’s favourite features in the home is the contemporary indoor fireplace.
The hallway features the Atollo 233 by Vico Magistretti for Oluce and leather accessories from Cult.
The master bedroom features the Roy Tavolo Table Lamp, designed by Mario Nanni for Viabizzuno.
Elliott Clarke scatter cushions and a Decus Interiors custom-designed bedhead in the children’s room.
The bathroom is clad top-to-toe in richly veined marble.
The master ensuite features Terrazzo Bel stone from Signorino, Apaiser Sublime freestanding bath from Rogerseller and Brodware tapware.
Overlooking the water, the outdoor area features the Mood Club Chair and Natal Alu Sofa by Studio Segers for Tribu.
