decus
Patchwork Study featuring a burl timber desk and timber and leather chair, framed by warm timber wall panelling and matching shelving displaying decorative ceramics. A large yellow-toned Australian wattle oil painting adds a vibrant focal point. Timber flooring is softened by a stone-coloured, textured wool rug, while floor-to-ceiling drapes filter natural light and create a warm, refined atmosphere.

Patchwork

Patchwork Bird’s-eye view of a solid timber coffee table styled with decorative ceramics, positioned over a beige striped oval rug. A beige boucle sofa is partially visible in the upper corner, set against natural oak floorboards throughout.
Patchwork Open-plan dining and kitchen space featuring a sculptural timber dining table with upholstered chairs, positioned in front of a stone kitchen island. Warm timber cabinetry, integrated appliances and a built-in display cabinet with decorative objects create a refined, natural palette. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in abundant natural light, while soft furnishings and layered timber finishes create a warm, contemporary interior.
Patchwork Sculptural kitchen with a curved, dark breccia marble island base featuring dramatic cream, tan, and grey veining, paired with warm oak cabinetry and a fluted bronze range hood in an organic wave shape suspended above the cooktop.
Patchwork Chrome espresso machine with tan leather-wrapped handles on a dark marble countertop, flanked by two grey ceramic vases with dried branches, set against warm oak-panelled cabinetry.
Patchwork Close-up of a round table with dramatic green, grey, and gold breccia marble top, partially obscured by out-of-focus dark green leaves in the foreground, with a small brass dish visible at the edge.
Patchwork joinery detail
Patchwork Neutral-toned living room with a curved boucle sofa, sculptural wood stump coffee table, mushroom-shaped stone side table, black leather-strap armchair, and sheer floor-to-ceiling curtains, with a rustic textured artwork above a built-in fireplace.
Patchword
Patchwork Media Room Moody, deep-plum living room with a large abstract expressionist painting in warm earth tones, a low ridged sofa with patterned cushions, a brass wall sconce, and an arched wooden-framed window with textured glass.
Patchwork
Patchwork Styled wooden bookshelf with textured stone objects, stacked coffee-table books, and a sculptural ceramic vase, softly lit with a sheer curtain and dried branch in the foreground.
Patchwork Close-up of a burl wood desk with sculptural pedestal base, paired with an olive velvet armchair on a textured cream rug, with sheer curtains in the background.
Patchwork Warm study with a burl wood desk on a sculptural pedestal base, olive velvet armchair, fluted wood shelving with styled books and objects, a tree-themed framed artwork, and sheer curtains beside an abstract floor lamp
Patchwork Close-up of a wave-edged wooden bedside table with a small speckled ceramic vase, beneath a brass reading light mounted on a herringbone-textured headboard, next to a rust-coloured bed.
Patchwork "Warm bedroom with a rust-toned bed, upholstered headboard with brass reading lights, fluted wood-panelled wall behind an abstract framed artwork, layered textured rugs, and sheer curtains beside a shaggy accent chair.
Patchwork Sculptural wooden lattice-back chair beside an arched wall niche with a black ceramic vase, opening onto a bedroom with a rust-toned bed and sheer curtains beyond
Patchwork Built-in wooden bench seat with a rounded olive velvet cushion beside a chest of drawers topped with a sculptural ceramic object, set against panelled walls in a wardrobe or dressing area.
Patchwork Close-up of a rounded wooden desk corner with a sage green leather inset top and slim brass drawer pulls on the oak drawer fronts.
Patchwork Bathroom vanity with a dramatic veined stone floating basin, two suspended round mirrors, and black tapware, framed by dark wood cabinetry doors and dressing room shelving with a green ottoman beyond.
Patchwork Close-up of a bronze shower door handle in the foreground, with a blurred marble vanity, round mirror, and black tapware visible behind the glass
Patchwork Sculptural double vanity carved from dramatic swirling grey and beige marble, with an integrated basin, black gooseneck tapware, and a small black ceramic bowl on the counter.
Patchwork Freestanding white bathtub with black wall-mounted tap, a sculptural wooden shelf holding a small plant, and a slatted wooden bench on marble flooring, reflected in a mirror leading to a wardrobe beyond
Patchwork Dark wood open shelving styled with stacked coffee-table books, a small black bowl, a textured burgundy vase, and ceramic accents.
Patchwork Study nook with a built-in wooden desk beneath a sheer curtained window, a sculptural black arrow-shaped wall lamp, an upholstered stool, and open wood shelving styled with books and ceramics.

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.

Alexandra Donohoe Church, Decus Founder & Managing Director, amusingly describes the original Vaucluse property as “80s Don Johnson/Miami Vice meets Gold Coast Barbie Dreamhouse.” Now a three-level, multi-generational residence with views across Vaucluse and Watson’s Bay, its grand scale and minimalist detailing inspired Decus to “rage against its simplicity,” recalls Alexandra, spurring the design team to cultivate a unique design narrative reflective of the young family’s lifestyle and aspirations.

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 brass 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 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 is, indeed, a project close to her heart.

Patchwork is built on the traditional lands of the Birrabirragal and Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.


Build Brianda Projects
Architect KA Design Studio
Photography Anson Smart
Styling Joseph Gardner
Landscaping Dangar Barin Smith


Collaborators on this project include Atelier Furniture Tongue N Groove Flooring Granite Marble Works DNJ Marble World Stone CDK Stone Artedomus Winnings Triple A Rendering Calce Company Resene Simple Studio Candana Whitecliffe Imports Tibet Onsite Supply + Design Elton Group Joel Elliot Furniture Oigall Projects Station Gallery Ames Yavuz Moebel CULT Design Viabizzuno Volker Haug A Design Studio COMA Gallery Galerie Philia Station Gallery Anna Charlesworth V Brokkr The Makery Club Studio Gardner ALM Boyac