A Continued Evolution – Decus Interiors
Boldly aiming to reinterpret the interior design landscape, Decus Interiors is undertaking in a continual evolution of their own style, engaging in an experimental process to created elevated, immersive experiences.
Inspired by a sense of discovery and exploration, Decus Interiors is driven by an innate sense of creativity mixed with a grounding world view. Coining their aesthetic as “luxurious yet liveable”, founder and managing director Alexandra Donohoe Church describes her affinity with ornate Italian design and the honest simplicity of Brazilian modernism from which she also draws inspiration as “contradictory”, but mixing considered restraint with injections of craft has led to the development of a uniquely identifiable style. As a practice, the focus, she says, is “detail-driven – layered yet always refined, and we love experimenting with opposing elements for a sense of polarity. There’s something intangible but powerful about injecting a little tension and the unexpected into every design.” The importance of defining their own design language has been a consistent drive, she adds, “one that acknowledges the importance of residential design and the role it plays in our lives. We love the beauty in layering and the nuances of textures and materiality. These elements convey great richness to a space.”
As a multidisciplinary team comprising architecture, interiors and an in-house procurement manager, Decus Interiors is able to engage in the full service works of projects. In speaking to the culture she has built, Alexandra says, “what I love about our studio is that we all work hand-in-hand, everyone touches each project in some way throughout the process. Having an in-house architect allows for further diversity in our portfolio, in keeping with our holistic vision. We like to think our projects are instilled with something of a rebellious spirit, and ultimately, it’s about creating interiors that our clients love.” At the core of their work is a deep-seated collaborative sprit and uncovering an aesthetic that engages and represents their clients is key. She adds, “we’re really passionate about expression through design and therefore we strive to attract an open-minded clientele who allow us to realise their vision, and ours, through the creation of really special homes that they love to spend time in.”
Decus Interiors conceives design as a process of expression.
With a global mindset, Decus takes abounding inspiration from abroad and fuses this through a creative reinterpretation locally. While ensuring context and an Australian approach are carefully intertwined into each project, for Alexandra, it is about creating a sense of balance. In speaking to influences, she says, “Brazilian design in the 30s and 40s was inspiring, rejecting the notion of ‘traditional’ and slowly moving in the direction of modernism with its honest, clean simplicity and focus on the integration and connection with nature. All pushing the boundaries to create their own design language that was natural, beautiful and human. I also admire Italian design, seamlessly marrying materiality and restraint with the right amount of detailing and textured finishes. There is something seductive with contrasting shapes and form. I find it incredibly balanced and effortless.”
Optimistically looking toward travel resuming again, Alexandra says, “I find myself at my most creative when experiencing another culture. There is beauty in exploring different environments, architecture, history and art that I find endlessly inspiring.” Drawing on these diverse sources for inspiration, as Decus Interiors continues to adapt with a burgeoning sense of agility, the studio’s willingness to listen, react and respond through design will undoubtedly stand them in good stead as they continue to evolve.
