Undergoing a top-to-toe style revolution this compact and ridiculously chic Sydney-sider now radiates personality and flair and owes it all to the team at Decus Interiors. This original 1940’s beachside apartment belongs to fashion blogger Carmen Hamilton (of Chronicles of Her) and her partner, who put forward a brief to open up their homes’ interior to capture more natural light and to modernise the rest. The result? An enriched, enlivened and embellished space where layers of colour, texture, art and lighting have become the hallmarks of their Tamarama home.
DESIGN Decus Interiors | BUILDER Marshal Keen | PHOTOGRAPHY Felix Forest
Decus Interiors have been frequenting on our est radar for good reason. Strong believers that “each design process is unique, and draws on all facets of la dolce vita – art, fashion, graphics and architecture” Alexandra Donohoe Church, Kate Springer and Christine Rose of Decus aim to design homes that inspire, nurture and challenge the status quo. The Tamarama home does all this and then some.
In a case of art imitating life, the apartment has been injected with equal parts genius and glamorous as the curated eye of Carmen Hamilton for design translates seamlessly across fashion to interiors.
Decus Interiors reveals that “in such a bijoux space, many design elements were called on to perform double duty, such as the large full height pivot mirror clad door – any fashionista’s requisite item – which also cleverly conceals the pantry”. Another talented element of design lies in the mix of materials used. From the vaulted white timber ceilings, resanded and stained original timber floors, Carrara marble bench top and custom whitewashed plywood kitchen joinery, everything helps to build a solid foundation perfect for placing those standout final touches.
It’s the rich layers of both international and locally sourced objects, art and furniture that gives this home its confidently curatorial approach. The kitchen and living zones boast Osso barstools by Mattiazzi, a laidback MCM Joe sofa, black Charlotte Perriand wall lights and a Tango 3 brass pendant light by Paul Matter which floats above the counter. This all leads us under a glossy pink arched frame (a fitting feminine touch) and down the hallway. The main bedroom keeps things just as ‘coastal cool’ with artwork by Caroline Walls, a Henry Wilson Surface Sconce 1 and relaxed, crumpled bed linen.
A mix of materials, a hint of pastel and some deco-inspired shapes for good measure- this home is well ahead of the curve. It’s fair to say that Decus Interiors have brought this balanced little beauty back to life.
