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 opened showrooms in Sydney under the name Town & Country Living and expanded to Melbourne in 2001.  

In 2002, the brand reimagined itself as Coco Republic, embodying a vision to combine cutting-edge global design with a quintessentially Australian way of life, a way of life that’s casually cool and deeply connected to nature. Operating as a family-run business, Paul was later joined by his son Anthony Spon-Smith and Jeremy Byrne as Executive Directors and business partners, and together, rebranded the business to create what it is today.  

More recently, with ownership and investment from US private equity firm Story3, we have expanded internationally, bringing Coco Republic’s signature style to New Zealand and, since 2019, California.  

In 2019, Coco Republic made its US debut in Los Angeles through our partnership with HD Buttercup, allowing American clients to experience our luxury Australian designs firsthand. Since then, we’ve expanded our US presence both online and in person, with physical retail spaces in Orange County and Culver City. With our Australian expertise in durable materials, coastal elegance, and outdoor-friendly furniture, our designs resonate strongly in California, where the indoor-outdoor lifestyle is equally as ingrained in the culture.  

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-honored 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 prioritize 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, a concept embraced in California and beyond.  

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.