Photographs by CHRIS COURT

I first met Sibella Court on a decorating shoot on a rather rocky houseboat, where I got seasick and she enthusiastically did her magic. There I learned a lot about her spirit. And her bio, which reads more like my bucket list: “interior stylist, product designer, historian, globe-trotter and creative director.” After spending 10 years in New York City as a stylist, Sibella returned home to Sydney to open, in her words, “The Society Inc., a shop that’s more than a shop.” She calls it a place of “hardware and haberdashery, a treasure trove of oddities and curiosities collected whilst globe-trotting and adventuring into terrains less trodden.” My curiosity definitely piqued, I asked Sibella to give us a peek inside her home and share tips on how to get this gorgeous look. –Danny Seo

How would you describe your decorating style?
I like to surround myself by things that have meaning—each object tells a story of where I’ve traveled, whom I was with, and what I was up to! I like to create spaces that are detail- oriented, crafted, adventurous spaces that make you curious…and that you don’t want to leave.

If our readers were to come visit your shop in Sydney, what would they find?
The Society Inc. is in a quiet, leafy back pocket of Paddington, Sydney. I started it to create a place for makers/crafters/designers/architects/smiths and everyone in between to create and converse. I hold workshops and flea markets there. My studio is above the shop; it’s where we design hospitality spaces, create products, design my books, etc. On any given day a dyer can drop in working on curtains for a restaurant or an architect working on an island concept…Martha Stewart has even popped in! Downstairs, you can find textiles from around the world, locally made cool stuff, my decorative hardware line (about 40 pieces), Turkish towels, my soap range, pirate ship flags, ceramics and souvenirs I found whilst globetrotting—all the essentials, really!

Do you have a paint line? Tell me all about it!
The Society Inc. paints are distributed with Murobond brands. I focus on 10 themed color palettes that can be mixed and matched. The themes are inspired by my travels, textiles, and my large collections of treasures, props, and bits ‘n’ bobs. My 110 colors + chalkboard paints are only available in Australia as yet, but we are planning on hitting the US soon.

How do you marry great style with function so the space is livable and everything works together?
All things work. I have no rules—though my boyfriend does complain I hang lights a little low. There is no reason to create runways in your rooms, however. One should interact with a space—walk around something, brush up against it, feel its texture. My home is very layered; I have a love of open shelves so I can see all my beautiful pieces and reference them quickly. I am known to choose beauty over function. I do not believe things have to be ugly. Even my stapler and hole punch are old and good looking in my office.

What’s the quirkiest thing found in your home?
My space is full of unusual things—however a lot of people comment on the teeth that are attached to a card on my studio wall. I am partial to eyes— enamel, glass blinking ones.

Does it take a lot of money to get this look?
This can be high or low, it all depends on the size of your purse.

Top 5 tricks to get the effortless stylish look in your home?
• Don’t overthink it. The first idea is usually the best.
• Spaces evolve over time. There’s no need to have them finished all at once.
• Paint and textiles are the best thing to have in your toolbox to change the feel of a room.
• Art and objects aren’t just for walls. Pieces can line the stairs, hang from the ceiling, or even float in the middle of the room.
• Think about what you need from your home and go from there. The traditional layout of a home is no longer right for me. When I moved back to Sydney I decided all I needed was four rooms: a bedroom that was more like a hotel room with a sofa, TV, table, comfortable bed; a walk-in wardrobe room; bathroom; and kitchen.

Finally, what’s it like working with your brother? Are you 50/50 partners in the creative process or do you call the shots?
I totally call the shots! He turns up with his great eye and “The Flight of the Concord” CD—and sometimes (if I’m lucky!) he helps lift the heavy stuff.