Through a considered, client-centred approach, Decus have transformed a 1940s home in Sydney’s east into a captivating family home.
When Sydney-based design studio Decus were approached to restore an outdated home in Bellevue Hill, they were not intimidated by the scale of the project and knew it would require a level of risk-taking. “Major replanning was involved in creating an efficient, logical layout over the home’s two levels, focusing on drawing in natural light and views,” Decus founder and managing director Alexandra Donohoe Church reveals.
The kitchen is crafted in walnut and granite and marked by classic steel-framed doors. All joinery is custom-designed by Decus.
The kitchen features a custom-designed Flemish glass and brass rangehood by Decus, the Serge Mouille Applique Araignee 3 wall light, and a Sub-Zero wine fridge.
The kitchen’s palette is echoed in the adjoining dining space, which features a custom-designed dining table and rug, both by Decus, as well as the Gubi Coco chair and Volker Haug Oddball pendant. The timber sculpture is by artist Olive Gill-Hillie.
In a bold but calculated move, Decus cut a light well into the home’s centre and created a tiered skylight that crowns a sculptural staircase: a powerful anchor and abundant natural light source. The first encounter with this dramatic architectural feature is as one enters the home. “This entry moment is one of our clients favourite elements; it frames views through the home to an established Norfolk pine tree and sets the tone for the rest of the interiors,” Alexandra says.
Decus approached each space as an opportunity to capture the clients’ personalities. Social, fashion-forward and well-travelled, a sophisticated palette of oak floors and pale walls seemed the most appropriate, which the studio have coupled with soothing greys, blues and greens – a nod to both the site’s natural surroundings and the client’s northern European roots. “We wanted to create a contemporary classicism with a bit of attitude,” Alexandra says.
The kitchen and dining areas reflect the family’s love of entertaining. The kitchen is crafted in walnut and granite and marked by classic steel-framed doors – a palette echoed in the dining space, where a custom dining table rests upon a custom rug, both designed by Decus. These spaces are lined with raw European oak flooring for a warm, natural feel. In contrast, the living space is defined by cool grey tones peppered with soft greens and brass accents.
Decus opted for more of a cool-toned palette in the living room. The space features the Walter Knoll Oki side table, Cassina Utrecht armchair, Cassina Tabouret Berger stool and Rose Uniacke Cast wall light, alongside custom-designed pieces by Decus: the sofa, rug and coffee table.
One of the highlights of this project is the wine cellar; painted in a soft Eucalyptus green and lined with terrazzo floor tiles, the space has a grounding presence. Decus have dressed the space accordingly with the Apparatus Horsehair sconce, Knoll Smalto table, Knoll MR10 side chair and a painting that was the clients’ own. For an extra touch, they opted for the Piet Boon One handle on the cellar doors.
The primary bedroom and ensuite, which includes a sculpted walk-in robe with a tiered skylight, sits on the other side of the ground floor, away from the main living areas. “This area of the house offers a calming sanctuary for the couple, elevated by lush views across the suburb’s established trees,” Alexandra says.
The lower level contains additional bedrooms, a mudroom, laundry, gym, rumpus room and wine cellar. The wine cellar is painted in a soft Eucalyptus green. It has been dressed with complementary elements: travertine floor tiles, an Apparatus sconce, a Knoll table and chairs, and a painting of the same palette.
“Design is not singularly about aesthetics; it encompasses all the senses,” Alexandra told est in her esteemed 10 interview. By engaging with the site’s natural beauty, layering different materials and tones, and always striving to capture the owner’s identity, Decus have realised a captivating home that encompasses all the senses.
The bedrooms feature Society Limonta bedding.
“Design is not singularly about aesthetics; it encompasses all the senses.“
– Alexandra Donohoe Church
The primary bedroom and ensuite includes a sculpted walk-in robe with a tiered skylight.
The primary ensuite combines Arabescato marble and fluted Carrara marble. The Collection Particulière ROI stool features in the space.
The powder room combines deep emerald walls and two types of marble – honed Carrara and Cipollino Verde – making a statement in a small space.
