An Unconventional Beach House – Killcare House by Decus Interiors

Set on a gently sloping site located in Bouddi National Park, Decus Interiors, together with architects Square Design, have reimagined the traditional beach house aesthetic at Killcare House; a home that explores textural layering.

Steered by the clients’ vision of an unconventional beach house that embodies the texture, richness and barefoot elegance of European farmhouses and chateaus, Decus Interiors sought to weave memories of travel into the New South Wales home. “Maintaining a sense of free-flowing space throughout was of utmost importance to a very sociable couple who wanted an ‘un-beachy’ beach house,” says Decus Interiors Founder and Director Alexandra Donohoe Church.

The unique site provided the starting point for the design. “It is such a special location because it is less than an hour and a half from Sydney, door to door,” says Alexandra. “And yet it is a simply magnificent north-facing, almost uninterrupted, barrel view along the beach, across the national park.” In contrast to the sensory overload of the breathtaking natural environment outside, the interior takes nature’s colour cues and converts the palette into a more intimate visual experience. “The colours of the furniture and soft furnishings were chosen in direct response to the vistas outside,” she adds. “Highlighted by dramatic layering of richer colours and textured materials to balance the open spaces and incredible natural light and reflect the clients’ interest in antiques and vintage pieces collected from their travels.”

This sense of luxury is reflected in each space of the home, where every detail is thoughtful and purposeful. The bijoux powder room employs rich tones and the striking visual texture of the Breccia Nera stone, layered on a custom-designed vanity unit. A pleasant surprise that furthers this concept of intimacy, the entry to the room is a hidden door set within the library joinery.

Steered by the clients’ vision of an unconventional beach house that embodies the texture, richness and barefoot elegance of European farmhouses and chateaus, Decus Interiors sought to weave memories of travel into the New South Wales home.

While the material aesthetic champions the interior, it is not to the detriment of function. In addition, Decus Interiors was careful to deploy little details to keep a clean and uncluttered look which maintaining practicality, such as the stone upstand in the kitchen, which hides ample storage. Rich materials such as dark timbers, wallpaper, black steel paneling, hand blown glass chandeliers, leather and feature marbles answers the clients’ brief, while a suspended concrete ceiling defines the dining space.

With a seamless connection between architecture and interior, Killcare House personifies the creative outcomes that can be achieved when independent creative parties are brought together. The result is a home that is more than a match for the breathtaking beauty of its unique site.

Decus Interiors, together with architects Square Design, have reimagined the traditional beach house aesthetic at Killcare House; a home that explores textural layering.