Inside the Home of Photographer Shannon Mcgrath | My Space

Melbourne-based interior and architecture photographer Shannon McGrath invites est inside her East Melbourne family home.

Having captured some of the most striking architectural homes both in Australia and around the world for the past 15 years, it’s no wonder photographer Shannon McGrath’s own home is nothing short of exceptional.

Originally her father’s old mechanics workshop, Shannon’s home was designed for multi-generational living by Melbourne architecture firm JCBA and design studio Hecker Guthrie. Shannon and her two young daughters live on the top floor of the apartment, while the private apartment below was designed for Shannon’s mother Wynne, complete with a similar kitchen, dining and living setup.

Located in the heart of leafy East Melbourne, Shannon’s home features glimpses of the building’s history with a substantial collection of iconic furniture pieces and local artwork. As part of our My Space series, we caught up with Shannon to learn more about how she and her family enjoy the East Melbourne surrounds, her affinity for natural materials, and how her home serves as a source of constant inspiration.

What do you love most about your home’s location and neighbourhood?

Shannon McGrath: I was brought up in East Melbourne. The ‘workshop’ which is now my home was originally my father’s mechanics workshop for 30 years, hence why we call it ‘The Workshop’. I always knew it was a prime location being so close to the city and in close vicinity to Fitzroy Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Darling Square just across the road; as well as the MCG and the Botanic Gardens just a short walk away. So after having an affiliation with East Melbourne for my whole life, you could say I have never left home. My two lovely daughters even went to the same kindergarten that I did in the area.

How is your home a reflection of you and your family?

Shannon McGrath: It was originally designed so myself and my young daughters would live upstairs and my mother Wynne McGrath would live in the apartment downstairs. Being an interior and architectural photographer, my hours are generally unpredictable so to have the help of my mother in the same complex was ideal. Now I see it as a space that is adaptable to having my lovely getaway space at the top and my daughters having a fairly separate space for them to grow into as teenagers and young adults. I also made a conscious decision to not have a garden which so many of us dream of. I prefer to enjoy the outdoors in the surrounding parks and gardens and to get away to the farm.

The J19 sculpture by Beatrix Rowe in the charcoal kitchen.

“For me it’s about tones, light and texture. I like materials that pull me back to nature or ideas of nature. Muted tones through stone, ceramics and timber; items that if I touch, I sense the connection to the earth. With a hint of Japanese aesthetic, my style is definitely all soft, honed and matt; nothing glossy at all.”

– Shannon McGrath

The Johansen circular dining table by Mads Johansen for Snedkergaarden and Vilda 3 Dining Chairs by Jonas Bohlin for Gemla in the dining space.

The living room features the Targa Lounge Armchair by GamFratesi for Gebruder Thonet Vienna and Banks Lantern from the Society Inc, while a Roly Poly Chair by Faye Toogood sits on the terrace.

Describe your personal interior style:

Shannon McGrath: My favourite movement is minimalism but I’m not sure if I could call myself a true minimalist. For me its about tones, light and texture. I like materials that pull me back to nature or ideas of nature. Muted tones through stone, ceramics and timber; items that if I touch, I sense the connection to the earth. With a hint of Japanese aesthetic, my style is definitely all soft, honed and matt; nothing glossy at all.

Which space within your home do you gravitate to the most and why?

Shannon McGrath: It would have to be the living space. It has a double-height pitched ceiling which I enjoy as it represents an architectural pitched roof and it connects to a small terrace space that then connects to the park. This is the communal space where everyone comes together.

Do you have any favourite materials or design objects within your home?

Shannon McGrath: I’m a small collector of artworks from artists I have a direct connection with. I originally studied ceramics so I’ve kept in touch with ceramist David Ray; I’ve helped him photograph his pieces and he has rewarded me with his works. These pieces take pride of place in my home. Another favourite object is a small ceramic bowl that I bought when travelling with my then seven-year-old daughter Jos in Japan off a street merchant. Every time I look at it, it reminds me of that special time.

The Mini Glo Ball C/W light by Flos in the master bathroom.

How does your home inspire you?

Shannon McGrath: It inspires me as I see it as a great achievement. I have worked hard over the past 20 years and this project has been on the go for the past 15 years. I never let go of the vision of what I could do and achieve on my own as a woman. I’m proud of this achievement and it inspires me to stay strong and look for the next inspiring project, whatever it may be.

How has your home served you and comforted you and your family this year?

Shannon McGrath: To know that it is there; to know that I am somewhere safe and to know that my girls are safe. We are very lucky to have this in such challenging times. May we all get through this time and move on with our aspirations.