Weaving together diverse design influences, materials and colours, this chameleonic home in Sydney’s leafy Vaucluse offers a nuanced and captivating journey across spaces – a confident embodiment of Decus’ rebellious yet worldly spirit.

Upon entry, views are cast through a striking central cupola – a double-height, circular volume with dancing natural light. “The cupola defines the home’s main axis; a space for special events, that feeds movement into the adjacent library, living spaces and up the sweeping staircase,” describes Alexandra. Beyond, a sculpted, 20-seat dining table and oak-lined kitchen, finished with a bespoke gouge bronze sheet rangehood, offers a vibrant entertaining space set against verdant landscape vistas and abundant northern light.

Throughout, Decus has layered the home with conspicuous texture and detail, elevated by changing plays of light. A lively mix of figured natural stone sits beside polished plaster walls, hand-trowelled plaster accents and European oak floors, lending subtle warmth and grain. This atmosphere is enhanced through a series of bespoke furniture pieces, designed in-house by Decus, and executed by local Australian makers Atelier Furniture: bespoke banquettes seats, bedheads and bed bases, an entry bench, main walk-in-robe island bench and breakfast nook dining table.

Embracing a private, inward-looking tone, Patchwork House balances liveliness and grace, delivering an intricate portrait of its clients. “It’s a beautiful stage for living, executed with playfulness and defiance — a party house and an introvert’s paradise,” Alexandra smiles. A close reflection of Alexandra’s personal brand values, Patchwork House is, indeed, a project close to her heart.

Patchwork House is built on the lands of the Gadigal and Birrabirragal people. 

Interior Design

Interior Decoration

Architecture
KA Design Studio 

Landscape
Dangar Barin Smith

Builder
Brianda Project

Photographer
Anson Smart

Stylist
Joseph Gardner