Imagine a designer's sanctuary nestled between the serenity of a national park and the soothing embrace of the ocean. This is the dream home of Sibella Court, a renowned product and interior designer, who has crafted a unique haven for herself and her daughter, Silver, in the coastal town of Bundeena, just a stone's throw from Sydney. But this isn't your typical beachside retreat.
Bundeena, a quaint coastal village, is a place where nature's melodies and the sea's whispers intertwine with everyday life. Here, Court discovered a timber cottage, a relic from the 1930s, that had seen many transformations. It wasn't its polished appearance that captivated her; it was the untapped potential within. "I was drawn to its raw, unfinished state," she reveals. "After years of designing for others, I was eager to embark on a personal renovation journey."
And so, Court embarked on a multi-year project, meticulously transforming every inch of the cottage. She added new rooms and turned her home into a creative hub for her business, Sibella Court Studio. This space became a testing ground for her collaborations, from paints and wallpapers to lighting and furniture. Her passion for vintage treasures and antiques found a perfect outlet here, as she curated a collection that reflects her unique style.
Court's signature style is evident throughout the house. The kitchen, for instance, boasts salvaged timber cupboards and open shelves adorned with practical crockery, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The living room features hand-painted blue and white tiles, adding rhythm and contrast, while the deep indigo walls provide a dramatic setting for art and literature. Staircases are adorned with seagrass runners, powder rooms glow with custom-made scallop shell grottos and lighting, and bathrooms blend marble with aged timber for a sensory experience.
But there's a twist! Court's home is ever-evolving, with furniture constantly on the move as she works on various design projects. "It's a dynamic space," she notes, emphasizing the fluid nature of her interior design.
Upstairs, the bedrooms showcase Court's paint range with Murobond, bathed in sea-inspired hues and offering glimpses of the ocean through the windows. Her studio is a treasure trove of curiosities, a testament to her creative prowess. "The house is alive with the sounds of nature and the sea," she describes, painting a picture of tranquility.
Court's design philosophy is deeply personal, as she shares, "I designed every room with our needs in mind, including a special sanctuary for Silver upstairs, where she can bask in the afternoon glow. Each room reveals its beauty at different times of the day and throughout the seasons. My favorite moment is the first light of day, when kookaburras gather in the garden, filling the air with their laughter."
While Court initially questioned her ability to tend to a garden, it has become a creative extension of her home, filled with native plants inspired by the nearby Royal National Park. Yet, it is the interiors that truly embody her boundless creativity. "A home is never truly complete," she muses, hinting at the ongoing evolution of her design journey.
This bush-and-beachside residence is a testament to Court's layered approach, blending memory, creativity, and curiosity. It serves as a family sanctuary, a studio, and a living testament to a designer's ever-evolving masterpiece.
