Step inside a captivating waterfront home designed by Sydney-based interior design studio Decus.
In the latest digital issue of est magazine Kitchen Confidential, we explored twelve exceptional kitchens from around the world. Included in the lineup was the Ultramarine kitchen, designed by Decus as part of a Federation-era home revival in Sydney’s Mosman. With spectacular waterfront views and a corresponding coastal-inspired palette, the kitchen was an insightful introduction to the rest of the home.
In the Ultramarine kitchen, bullnose detail across the vertical and horizontal surfaces and the granite’s leather finish soften the design with custom-stained American oak joinery. Tongue & Groove flooring features here and throughout. Artwork by Justin Williams features.
Also in the kitchen, curved motifs reference the home’s coastal aspect. Vase by Lia Klugman.
The Vision
Having already worked with them previously, the clients trusted Decus completely to deliver on their vision of a “lifestyle-driven oasis” for their young family. “Our response to the brief was unique as the clients gave us a lot of latitude on the conceptual direction,” reflects Decus founder and director Alexandra Donohoe Church. Building on the architectural fabric laid out by Luigi Rosselli Architects, Decus sought to imbue a relaxed and effortless sensibility into the interiors. “We wanted the house to feel easy and smooth and delicate yet robust,” Alexandra says.
The Kitchen
The Ultramarine kitchen was designed to be “simple with thoughtful details”. To underscore the home’s location and views, Decus employed soft curves and warm materials that evoked a sense of being by the ocean. “We wanted to bring texture to the space without making it feel too heavy,” Alexandra says. “Layering materials helped us achieve this; the oak and granite feel warm together while also capturing the coastal context we wanted the whole home to exude,” she adds.
“Beyond its functionality, the kitchen experience is incredibly tactile. It’s one of those spaces you want to run your hand across every surface.”
– Alexandra Donohoe Church
The kitchen features an adjoining scullery accessible through an arched doorway.
A matt plaster Lutetia pendant by Garnier et Linker features above the island in direct dialogue with the rangehood finished in Venetian Plaster Marmorina. Also pictured: the Daniel Boddam Coast Hinterland stool, Cassina Cab 412 chairs and two vintage dining chairs at the client’s own dining table with a Tenshin Juba piece at the centre.
The home enjoys spectacular waterfront views. The Swisspearl Dune centre chair is pictured on the balcony.
The living space features the Anna Charlesworth Canoe wall light, Living Divani Extrasoft sofa and a vintage Pierre Paulin chair. Artwork by Nick Modrzewski.
The main living space connects to a study, which features the Nemo Lamp De Marseille and DePadova Basket rocking chair.
The Rest of the Home
Sharing the same expansive space as the kitchen are the dining and living areas, which open onto a balcony overlooking Balmoral Beach. Here, Decus have specified the same timber and marble as the kitchen for consistency and the same language of curves – namely, the vaulted ceilings. “The way we’ve integrated the kitchen, dining and living areas is key to the home’s overall design,” Alexandra says. “The materials here also speak to the rest of the home,” she adds.
The ground floor also includes a formal sitting room, which one can access through a grand arched opening. Nestled at the back of the level is a guest room and rumpus room for the children, which opens onto an outdoor pool and entertaining area. Upstairs houses the private spaces connecting to the ground floor via an internal courtyard.
One can access the formal sitting room through a dramatic arched opening. This grand architectural feature is married with decorative ceiling details and a stained-glass window to honour the historical character of the home.
The space features the Massproductions Dandy 4 seater sofa and Puddle coffee table, Giogetti Hug armchair, Dedece Pilotis side table and Vitra Akari 1A table lamp.
Artwork by Nick Modrzewski; lamp by Milly Dent.
The guest room, which looks onto the internal courtyard, features the DePadova Erei daybed, Luna Launay Illume 02 floor lamp and a vintage bamboo side table.
The guest room also features two modules of the B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa, a vintage side table and an Armadillo Panama rug in Papyrus.
Custom timber wall panelling by Decus intersects with Cipollano Verde stone and gold tapware by Vola in the powder room.
This bathroom features a vanity set in Cipollino Verde stone, accented by Henry Wilson PSL black handles, as well as Garnier & Linker EOS wall sconces.
In the main bedroom, a bespoke timber-and-fabric bedhead mirrors the shape and hues of the kitchen island. Also pictured: the Christopher Boots Petra Triple wall light, Viabizzuno Roy wall light, Society Limota bedding and a stool by Studio Don Cuthbert.
