Paul Spon-Smith, founder of Coco Republic, began his journey in furniture with Mr. Smith Interiors in 1979, initially selling pieces from his own home. In 1984, he transformed Mr Smith’s as Town & Country Living, opening showrooms in Sydney and later expanding to Melbourne in 2001.

In 2002, Town & Country Living was rebranded as Coco Republic – a house of interiors brands born out of a desire to combine cutting-edge global design with that quintessentially Australian way of life, a way of life that’s casually cool and deeply connected to nature. Operating as a family-run business, Spon-Smith set out to design and procure made-to-last pieces that struck just the right balance between classic and contemporary, innovative and time-honoured. He was later joined by his son Anthony Spon-Smith as Chief Creative Officer, and Jeremy Byrne as Managing Partner, who together, helped shape the brand into what it is today.

Four decades later, we have become the authority on design-led luxury furniture, offering an award-winning interior design service and retail showrooms across Australia. More recently, with new ownership and investment from U.S. private equity firm Story3, we have expanded internationally, with presence now in New Zealand and California.  

1984

Paul’s concept of Mr. Smith Interiors expanded as the first Showroom opens in Sydney, under the name of Town & Country Living. Parent company Saveba Pty Ltd was Established.

2001

The Australian retail and commercial expansion project begins. The first Showroom opens in Victoria, in Richmond.

2002

Town & Country Living re-brands as Coco Republic, a house of brands.

2003

Coco Republic Property Styling was established.

2006

Coco Republic Interior Design was established.

2015

The first L'Americano Café opened in Alexandria.

2018

The first international showroom is opened in Auckland, New Zealand.

2019

Coco Republic enters the US market through Californian retailer HD Buttercup.

2021

The first Showroom opens in Western Australia, in Karrinyup & Australian Capital Territory, in Canberra. Story3 Capital Partners acquires Coco Republic and HD Buttercup.

2024

Coco Republic remains at the forefront of Interior Design, with 15 showrooms, over 40 qualified interior designers & a strong presence in Residential, Commercial & Property Styling

DESIGN ETHOS

At Coco Republic, our design ethos is shaped by a deep curiosity about the world around us. We draw inspiration from global interiors, architecture and design – but it’s our distinctly Australian lens that sets us apart.

Our collections are at the intersection of modern innovation and time-honoured design heritage. We believe in merging the best of old and new, crafting investment pieces that blend sophisticated craftsmanship with enduring quality.

The intentional interplay of contrasting elements – shapes, finishes and textures – underpins each of our collections. We prioritise tactile, made-to-last materials that enhance both comfort and visual appeal, infusing spaces with a sense of warmth and undeniable luxury. The raw beauty and complexity of nature is woven throughout our designs, fostering a deep connection between the indoors and outdoors. This symbiosis is the cornerstone of our design ethos – and the Australian way of living – with exterior spaces holding just as much importance as the interior.

And it wouldn’t be Coco Republic without a touch of the unexpected. We take risks with quirky treasures and statement pieces that reflect personal expression and add soul to every room.

This is design that transcends trends – it’s a celebration of the joy of living beautifully, rooted in our passion for premium quality and the finest craftsmanship.