How Thessy & Georgio Batsinilas Built Their Greek-Inspired Brisbane Sanctuary
Step Into Grèce
By Natalie McGowan | 9th July 2025Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Brisbane, this sun-drenched sanctuary feels worlds away from city life. Home to SABO co-founder Thessy Batsinilas and FitazFK co-founder Georgio Batsinilas, the space is a love letter to their Greek heritage — a seamless fusion of Mediterranean architecture, modern Australian design, and deep personal meaning. With soft limestone textures, brushed brass accents, and a serene, intentional aesthetic, every corner evokes the feeling of a European summer escape. For our July issue, we chatted with the power couple to get all the details on their beautiful space.
If you had to sum up your home’s aesthetic in three words, what would they be?Serene, textured, intentional.
What was the starting point for the design – did it start with a colour palette, a piece of furniture, a feeling…?It all began with a feeling. I wanted to recreate that relaxed, sun-drenched energy you get on a European summer holiday. From there, the palette naturally leaned into earthy neutrals, washed whites, soft limestone tones, and brushed brass. I envisioned the space to feel both effortless and elevated.
Which pieces in your home hold the most sentimental value or spark the most joy for you?Emma Martin’s artwork brings me so much happiness. I have three of her pieces throughout the house, and each one feels like a celebration of women, fashion, and fluid form. They reflect so many parts of my world. Emma’s art in my home is empowering, elegant, and incredibly personal.
Do you have any go-to places or brands for sourcing interiors?I love curating pieces from a mix of sources. I lean into Australian designers where I can — brands like Fform Life, En Gold, and Sarah Ellison always speak to the aesthetic I love. But I also enjoy sourcing vintage finds, as I think that mix gives a home soul. Our gorgeous wrought iron courtyard set is a vintage find.
Which space in your home do you gravitate to most and what makes it so special?Definitely the courtyard in the centre of the home. It feels like an escape — with the arches, the breeze, and the Mediterranean textures, it almost doesn’t feel like Brisbane. It’s where we unwind, entertain, and just slow down.
Who or what is inspiring your interior style right now — are there any designers, eras, or trends you’re loving at the moment?I’m forever inspired by Mediterranean architecture. I also find myself drawn to that ‘70s Italian coastal energy — a little retro, a little romantic, but grounded. I’ve recently been obsessing over the work of Stefan Relic and Paulo Valcic, and I’m a big admirer of Tamsin Johnson’s interior style.
Is there a design feature you’ve seen while travelling (maybe at a hotel or resort) that you’d love to recreate at home?When we travel, I’m always taking notes. The tunnelled entrance to our home was inspired by a beautiful building I came across in Kythira, Greece. We paired that with crazy paving, which was directly influenced by the winding stone walkways you find all over Greece. It’s those subtle nods to place and memory that make a home feel layered with meaning.
Are there any future plans for the house — like a dream addition or renovation still on the mood board? Or are you done for now?There’s always a little mood board tucked away. But for now, we’re enjoying the space as it is.
What’s playing in the background on your ideal day at home? Do you have a go-to home soundtrack?It depends on the mood, but usually, it’s either soft acoustic country or Greek summer tracks. Whether it’s something breezy in Greek playing while the kids run around outside, or mellow guitar tunes in the background while we’re pottering around the kitchen, music really sets the tone for how we live in the space.
Do you follow any personal rules or rituals at home, like shoes off at the door or phones away at dinner?We have a few little traditions that make the house feel like ours. The first time you visit, my husband will more than likely convince you to do a cold plunge in the wellness centre. Some evenings we burn incense to get the house smelling like a monastery in Greece. It’s calming, nostalgic, and instantly shifts the energy of the space.
Imagery: Mathilde Bouby
