A Neo-Georgian Glow-Up in Toorak

Neo-georgian drab get’s a fresh, sophisticated glow up.

The 1990s called… and they desperately want their house back. This Toorak townhouse, trapped in a time capsule of neo-Georgian fatigue—think overworked columns, heavy-handed detailing, and a little too much Dulux “low fat cheese single” beige—is long overdue for a shake-up. But instead of waging war against its classical roots, this reinvention leans in, embracing the home’s original DNA while injecting it with a fresh, contemporary perspective. Enter: contemporary classic minimalism. (Yes, that’s a thing… well, now it is anyway.) By blending high-quality materials, a refined monochromatic palette, and a balance of old-world charm with sleek modern design, this home is about to catapulted into the 21st century—without losing the best bits of its past. Becasue hey, the 90’s weren’t all bad…I think. Who can remember. If you survived the raving golden age you know exactly what I mean.

The Grand Entrance & Living Room: Moody Meets Monochrome

Step through the doors, and you’re immediately greeted by a carefully curated blend of old-world charm and crisp, modern refinement. Gone are the days of tired finishes and outdated detailing. Now, the space is all about contrast and texture—refinished Japan black floorboards add depth, while fresh Dulux Lexicon Quarter walls bring a bright, sophisticated crispness.

The living area is anchored by a brand-new marble fireplace, turning what was once a tired plain wall just trying to get by into a sculptural statement. But the real magic happens in the transition between spaces—specifically, the one we’ve affectionately dubbed The Tunnel of Love.

The Tunnel of Love: A Passageway Worth Swooning Over

If you think a hallway is just a hallway, think again. This one is a full-blown experience. Clad in rich, dark grain veneer by Navurban, this moody passageway isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a lifestyle, seamlessly disguising the transition between the home’s original hardwood floors and the brand-new timber flooring replacing the (honestly, hideous) carpet in the living room. To tie it all together, a marble floor insert subtly marks the shift, creating a moment of quiet luxury that feels as intentional as it is striking. Chuck in some pinhole overhead lighting and just try to resist.

It’s a rare thing for a utilitarian thoroughfare to steal the show, but this one? It demands, no wait. It commands you attention and undying worship.

Dining & Kitchen: Sophisticated With a Side of Drama

Emerging, flushed with excitement from the Tunnel of Love, you step into the kitchen and dining area—spaces that have been designed to feel both elevated and effortlessly functional. The dining room channels restaurant-inspired luxury, blending monochromatic elements with rich textures. Gold velvet dining chairs sitting atop a moody but rich navy silk rug inject just the right amount of warmth and glamour.

Then there’s the kitchen—a masterclass in balance. Instead of gutting everything and starting fresh, the design works with what’s already there, enhancing and refining the existing elements. Pre-finished satin grey doors and panels bring a soft, modern feel, while new Greg Natale marble tiles seamlessly integrate with the home’s original black Caesarstone benchtops. The result? A space that feels bespoke and high-end without the need for a complete overhaul.

Upstairs: A Sanctuary in the Making

Heading upstairs, the transformation continues. The two smaller bedrooms and main bathroom get a refined upgrade—nothing overly flashy, just smart, elegant choices that make all the difference. But the real star of the upper floor? The master suite.

This isn’t just a bedroom; it’s a full-on retreat, designed to bring five-star hotel luxury into everyday living. Layers of plush high-pile carpet, rich dark sea-grass wallpaper, and bronze accents create a space that’s moody, intimate, and painfully chic. A four-poster bed sits at the center, framed by stingray friendly faux shagreen bedside tables with antique brass trim—because sometimes, a little extra drama is exactly what a room needs.

And then there’s the ensuite—where the design takes bespoke hotel-esque luxury to new heights. Think black steel framing, reeded glass panels, and crisp white Carrara marble, all coming together in a space that’s both timeless and bold. A chevron marble tile floor adds an extra touch of artistry, reinforcing that no detail has been left to chance.

Inspired by the best hotel bathrooms, the master ensuite delivers glamour in spades.

Powder Room: A Small Space With a Big Attitude

If the powder room was a person, it would be the effortlessly cool one at the party— slightly mysterious, and impossible to ignore. Dark navy seagrass wallpapered walls create a moody, textural moment. A bold, monochrome chevron marble floor ties it all together, making this small space feel as grand as the rest of the home.

Because let’s be real—if a powder room doesn’t make a statement, is it even worth having?

The Verdict: A Neo-Classical Reinvention Done Right

This Toorak townhouse isn’t just a renovation—it’s a reimagining. By embracing its neo-Georgian roots rather than fighting them, this project proves that classical details and contemporary minimalism can (and should) coexist beautifully. The result? A home that feels bold yet timeless, sophisticated yet inviting, and every bit as breathtaking as it deserves to be.

Welcome to the next era of neo-neo-classical living.

Dave xx

Future Nostalgia: Transforming a Tired Family Home into a Sophisticated Sanctuary.

Utilising the existing layout, expansive use of walnut veneer paneling was used to create the feeling of a truly bespoke, high spec kitchen.

A Metricon Glow-Up

In the early 2000s, Metricon homes were the epitome of family living. These spacious but conservatively designed houses provided flexible living for countless young families so it’s no wonder they dotted the suburbs of Melbourne in abundance. One such dot, a two-story, four-bedroom, three-bathroom off-the-rack home located in leafy Malvern East, had been a beloved haven for two decades. But as the years passed and the children grew up, the home began to show the ravages age at the hands of 3 active kids. It was time for a refresh—one that would reflect the family's journey from the happy chaos of youth to a more refined, adult elegance.

The Client's Vision

The family wanted to breathe new life into their home, transforming it into a sophisticated and stylish space. Tired of the original safe beige palette a more mature and dynamic aesthetic was the goal. Their brief to DMP Creative was simple yet ambitious: create a home that felt grown-up, using colour and texture to inject sophistication whilst maintaining character and warmth.

Initial concept moodbaord. Warm hues and natural textures formed the overall creative direction.

Design Inspiration: Mid-Century Meets 1970’s Eltham

DMP Creative drew inspiration from American mid-century architecture and the distinctive designs of Alistair Knox, a renowned architect known for his work in Eltham during the 1960s and 70s. Knox’s designs were celebrated for their earthy materials and harmony with the natural environment often using expanses of rustic mud brick and reclaimed materials. This approach perfectly aligned with the family’s desire for a home that felt both sophisticated but relaxed enough to host many functions from 18th birthday parties to large family Christmases.

Rough, rustic tiles surround the newly created fireplace designed to invoke the use of hand crafted brick by celebrated architect Alistair Knox.

The Transformation

With the help of Ardele Construction, DMP Creative set out to bring this vision to life by incorporating a rich palette of materials and colors. Key elements of the renovation included:

1. Warm Walnut Veneer: The extensive use of warm walnut veneer paneling added a sense of minimalist elegance and natural beauty to the home. This material was chosen for its rich, warm hues and was used on mass to create a feeling of refined earthy luxury.

2. Micro Cement: Micro cement was used to create sleek, contemporary surfaces in most bathrooms that were both durable & visually striking whilst being kind to the wallet. Its smooth, seamless finish provided a modern contrast to the natural textures of the other materials.

3. Earthy Green Paint Tones: Earthy green tones were employed throughout the home to evoke a sense of calm and connection to nature. These hues complemented the walnut veneer beautifully, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Pops of rusty red and orange were deployed to add a spicy contrast; a world away from Metricon’s “safety beige”.

4. Textured Brick Effect Tiles: Textured brick effect tiles were used in the family room to add depth and rustic charm, providing a tactile contrast to the highly refined walnut veneer surfaces. These tiles drew inspiration from Knox’s signature use of mud brick and recycled materials, blending rustic techniques with modern design.

5. Brushed Brass Accents: Highly refined brushed brass accents were strategically placed to add a touch of luxury and sophistication. These elements provided a polished counterpoint to the earthy materials, ensuring the overall design felt balanced.

Creating Impact with Rich Colours and Furnishings

To stay within budget while achieving maximum impact, DMP Creative used rich colors in both the design and furnishings. Bold, deep hues were chosen for walls whilst key pieces of artwork, decorative accents and furniture pieces also got the colour treatment with tactile but durable materials such as velvet, distressed leather and linen. This approach allows the family to imprint a new history without being precious of the new whilst infusing the home with high impact design vibrancy sans extensive structural changes.

The guest bedroom again uses expanses of walnut paneling to create a concealed wardrobe and entry into the adjoining ensuite.

The end result

The transformation of this early 2000s Metricon home shows how thoughtful design can breathe new life into a tired space without breaking the bank. By embracing rich colors, varied textures, and timeless materials, DMP Creative created a sophisticated, grown-up sanctuary that perfectly reflects the evolution of its residents. This rejuvenated home is now a beautiful, warm, and inviting space that stands as a testament to the family's journey and the power of inspired design.

New Project Tour: Rayner House Prahran

Nestled amidst a neighbourhood of vibrant markets, apartments and commercial buildings, is an urban oasis that’s a world removed from the outside hustle and bustle.

Sofas by James Said. Occasional chair by Space. Coffee tables by Voyager. Pendant by LightCo

Home to a couple and their pooch that lead a busy social lifestyle, the home’s interiors are designed to reflect calm and liveable sophistication. Beyond its unassuming façade, occupants are transported from a lively metropolis to a place where classical European design meets contemporary living which circulates around a central courtyard that can be viewed from the public zones along the ground and first floor.

Table by Poliform. Chairs, buffet and lamps by James Said. Pendant by LightCo. Rug by The Rug Collection

Two, bronze dancing brolgas take centre stage perched above the central water feature and the trickle of running water becomes the soundtrack of peaceful living. Adorned with old world details and modern luxuries, the contemporary revival of this inner-city townhouse celebrates the unity of bilateral worlds to create a centric and charming place for the couple to downsize, just as they had envisioned.

Dancing Brolgas Statue by Willie Wildlife Sculptures

Originally built in 2009, the Georgian style town residence with its symmetry and generous proportions was in need of a rigorous update and lent itself to being the perfect foundation to create a transcontinental home layered with ubiquitous Italian, Parisian and Turkish references which establish the character of the home.

The original home bordered on uncomfortable, heavy drapes paired with deeply coloured wallpaper produced a darkness that proved too overwhelming for clients, Julia and Paul. The challenge was unlocking an interior design style that would honour the original architecture, whilst bringing a lighter, fresher and more liveable quality, weaving in the couple’s passion for travel, antique furniture and family time.

The reception lobby reveals glimpses of the reception room, circulation halls, central and rear courtyards, framed by a classic open double-height staircase. The heart of the house features an elevator that spears through the four levelled home, from the four-car garage, past formal and informal living quarters, a lavishly appointed accommodation zone, to a terrace entertaining retreat complete with steam room, BBQ and heated rooftop pool.

Custom carpet RC+D

High pile rugs, indulgent upholstery, marble tables and brass accents make the front end of the home feel luxuriously relaxed. Each room is elegantly composed with a mature curation of rich textures and quality furnishings that read as one with the surrounding architecture and joinery, balanced by modern artworks that marry past with present.

Soft whites and pale greys maintain the home’s atmospheric opulence while the choice of bolder, earthy hues in the informal family areas offered the balanced living our clients desired. A galley style kitchen links formal and informal zones, encased in premium calacatta marble and professionally appointed with an assemblage of in-built appliances, including coffee maker, steamer, teppanyaki plate and three ovens.

The informal lounge and dining consist of an eclectic colour-wise aesthetic that features a pair of sofas in deep green velvet anchored by hand knotted burnt orange rug, connecting the interior with the tranquil Parisian Garden escape that’s surrounded by vine covered walls and grand peristyles, accessed via French doors. Fabric and furniture selections were selected to be pet and grandchildren friendly to meet the active couple’s practical requirements.

Sofa by Fanuli. Rugs by The Rug Collection. Soft furnishings Fenton&Fenton

The first floor features the master bedroom suites, comprising custom robe joinery and personalised his/her ensuites. Laced in calacatta marble slabs that overlay the black marble which used to make the space feel tight and unwelcoming, Her bathroom design features herringbone wall tiles, floor heating systems and heated towel rails. A brass framed custom-made mirror sits above a navy vanity unit, fitted with golden hardware that adds a touch of glamour and romance. Julia always dreamed of a blue bedroom sanctuary that was quiet and composed; a space to centre herself at each end of the day. A formal yet supple occasional chair has been reupholstered in a feminine blue patterned fabric, complementing the detailed ceramic table lamps and bespoke bedhead designed to match, fulfilling Julia’s aspirations.

Across the hall and through the home office library that looks out over the back garden, Paul's master has a relaxed tone achieved via neutral linen sheets, black accents and a custom bed head that extends the length of the wall behind the bed, softly hugging the space. Cosy but not crowded, we continued to strive for understated elegance by selectively choosing elements that added value and function. Here, as in the second master ensuite, spatial adjustments were necessary to make room for extended wardrobe joinery, spa bath and enclosed shower, also fitted with calacatta marble and floor warming features. A minimalistic mirror and dark timber vanity together create a more masculine zone.

The one additional bedroom with adjoining marble bathroom, and top floor terrace were also redesigned and furnished, keeping in mind the grandchildren aged 3 and 5. Whitewash custom joinery and rich textures continue to develop the soothing ambience, while plush seating adds an extra level of comfort. Colourful artwork and another custom bedhead, this time in patterned red and blue, tailors the space to the two special visitors that come to stay weekly with Nan and Pop.

On the basement level there is a sizeable wine cellar next door to an intimate cinema room. What was before a blank and empty space with no real purpose, is now a well-loved media room, designed to accommodate every movie viewing or important sports match with a full surround sound system, acoustic engineered natural timber panelled walls, decadent carpet and velvet drapes, adjustable mood lighting, heating and cooling system and all important self-serve mini bar that’s always stocked with snacks and refreshments.

Velvet drapes by Interdrape. Sofas by King Living. Joinery by Alt Constructions

A joint design collaboration with Patricia Davila of Noise Design, we found that challenging each other and sharing complementary strengths made for an object lesson in finesse and good editing. Our holistic approach encompassed the entire house, seeking elements that offered a sense of cohesion, such as silk custom-made curtains and linen sheer fabrics that now dress every window, allowing the smaller details to distinguish each room’s character. New chevron laid timber flooring in the formal spaces adds to the classical persona, while the bedrooms’ custom carpet has a lush finish that is warm and inviting.

Design and styling: DMP Creative/Noise Design

Builder: Alt Constructions

Photography: Nicole England