The Toorak home of Georgia Danos and husband Julian. All photos – Sean Fennessy
Bottom left – one of two bronze dancers, gifts from Georgia’s grandparents when she first moved out of home. ‘I am the very lucky fourth generation to enjoy them – just looking after them for the next generation!’ she says. Bottom right – painting by Matthew Johnson, a gift from Georgia’s girlfriends for her wedding. ‘I adore the colours and it reminds me of how special and beautiful my girls are!’ says Georgia. Photos – Sean Fennessy.
Loungeroom. Paintings by Graeme Rowe. ’The pair of Graeme Rowe paintings were a wedding gift from my Aunty & Uncle, who also gave me the wire sculptures many years earlier for my 21st birthday! I particularly love the colour of the Barcelona chair, such a classic timeless design.’ – Georgia. All photos – Sean Fennessy.
Ooh la la this one is a doozy. A mid-century masterpiece in Toorak, designed by none other than architect Roy Grounds of NGV fame! The home received many accolades when first built in the early 1950′s, and won the Victorian Architecture Medal in 1954. A classic, quintessentially Melbourne home. Actually, it feels a little like a teeny tiny version of the NGV, minus the stained glass ceiling. And waterwall :)
The lucky couple who call this amazing space home are Georgia Danos and husband Julian, who purchased the house nearly 5 years ago. Georgia and Julian were lucky to move in not long after the home had been meticulously restored by the previous owners. The house is heritage listed, and still retains the majority of its original features – I get the feeling this home has been very well loved by every generation who has lived here!
What is amazing about this home is the incredible level of detail specified by Roy Grounds when he designed the home nearly 60 year ago. It borders on control-freaky! I say this because so much of the furniture is fixed – the cabinetry, the circular dining table, even the master bed and bedsides are all built-in, perfectly placed in symmetry with that incredible internal courtyard, never to be meddled with by any future residents! Not that you’d want to mess with this uncompromising architectural vision – Georgia says ‘It’s so superbly designed that the sun literally wakes you streaming onto the pillows in the morning! The detailing is so considered yet so simple.’
It’s clear from just a brief chat with Georgia that she is truly passionate about the mid-century detailing and historical significance of her home. She gushes enthusiastically about the unique atmosphere of the space – ‘The circular courtyard is incredible – this aspect is felt from every room, as is the beautiful outlook onto lush bamboo, amazing how it grows! The timber panelling on the ceiling and walls is a unique feature of the house. I feel so lucky to live in this little oasis. There is such a sense of serenity and peacefulness about the space.’
In furnishing her home, Georgia has been careful to work with the existing elements and keep the interior styling classic and understated. A mix of vintage and new artwork and furnishings ensure the home feels contemporary whilst maintaining a respectful nod to the past. Two original Barcelona chairs in stunning tan leather look like they might have belonged to Roy himself! The Matthew Johnson painting is a treasured possession – a wedding gift from Georgia’s best girlfriends, whilst the precious bronze dancers are family heirlooms from Hungary. ‘They have been handed down for 4 generations and remind me of my family’s history’ says Georgia.
Georgia is one stylish lass, and for that reason we just had to include the pretty portrait of her below. Mainly because her outfit is sensational AND somehow it kind of matches the beautiful warm tones of the house! I aspire to look this glamourous in everyday life. But don’t be too impressed – Georgia is co-owner of the very gorgeous Grace boutique in nearby Hawksburn village… so everyday glamour goes with the job!
Massive thanks to Georgia for sharing her stunning home with us today! She’d also like to thank Fleur McHarg for the beautiful flowers dotted throughout the house.
