IBWZ – Sophia Kestelman

October 1, 2026

Meet Sophia Kestelman.

Make-up artist, content creator and mum to Leo, Sophia has an effortless approach to beauty, style and the home she’s created around her young family.

We joined Sophia at her newly completed Brighton home to talk interiors, beauty and motherhood—from finding her feet in this new chapter to balancing work, family and everything in between.

We love following your journey—motherhood, family life, beauty and everything in-between. What does balance look like for you these days?

This year I’ve made a conscious effort to look after my physical health. Making time for strength training has been incredible for my headspace, as has eating a proper meal instead of Leo’s scraps. Justin and I are always juggling work and family life, but I love the variety of it.

Leo is two and a half now. What has motherhood taught you about yourself?

Leo had a challenging start. His allergies, health issues and lack of sleep pushed us to our limits. It reminded us of our resilience, adaptability, and how important it is to keep showing up as a team.

What are you loving most about this stage with him?

This is my favourite age to date. He’s wickedly smart and so funny. The conversations we have every day blow my mind. We recently spent six weeks travelling through Europe and watching him evolve through new experiences is a core memory. The crap sleep, less so.

We’ve followed your home build from the beginning. What was the vision going into it, and how close is the finished home to what you imagined?

I'm a strong visualiser and I saw each room vividly in my mind once we finalised the floor plan. We wanted a home that felt warm, calm and full of character. Seeing everything come together has been better than I imagined. It felt like home for the three of us immediately.

How would you describe your interior style?

A mix of contemporary and antique. Warm, layered and a little dramatic in places. I love rich walnut timbers, interesting bold stone, bespoke hardware, vintage lighting and pieces with personality. Everything feels considered and unique.

What was the best part of the building process and the part you’d happily never do again?

I’d been collecting pieces for this house, mostly light fittings, for years. Seeing them finally installed and working so well together has been incredibly satisfying. I was very involved in the build and became close with many of our trades.

My builder still comes over for coffee most mornings; they’re building across the road now, so the street feels like a daily catch-up with the boys.

The part I’d happily skip? Decision fatigue (but I know we will do this again one day!).

Which room feels the most you?

The kitchen and living area. I feel such a sense of calm every time I walk into that space. It turned out even better than I imagined. Seeing how the afternoon sun lights up this huge room was the cherry on top once we'd moved in.

You chose a custom Isla Bed for your bedroom. What drew you to it and how did you make it your own?

I first fell in love with the curved Zenn x AKI bedhead, but it didn’t quite fit our space. I worked with the team on a custom Isla Bed that captured that same sense of elegance and simplicity in its three panels. The materiality was just as important. The walnut Mokum alpaca velvet makes it, as does the custom bronze Zetr switches and powerpoints we built in.

Now that you’re living in the finished home, is there anything you’d do differently?

I created a custom creamy white paint for the house because I didn’t want stark white walls. Now that we’re living here, I'd happily go even deeper with the tone.

You’ve built an incredible career as a make-up artist. What is it about beauty that continues to inspire you?

The people. Make-up is such intimate work. You can meet someone for the first time and, within minutes, you're touching their face and softening all barriers.

I've been fortunate enough to have met so many incredible women in my career. From all different ages and walks of life. Some moments and conversations I've had with people I will take with me for the rest of my life. So many clients have turned into friends. Two of my best friends I met through work.

Then there's the art of it. Helping someone see their features in a new light and feel like themselves on their best day is a real privilege. And I still get excited about a beautiful product or formula.

What’s your signature make-up look — the one you’ll always come back to?

You on your best day. Make-up that enhances what’s already there and still looks and feels like you.

A beauty trend you’re loving right now and one you’re ready to see the end of?

You won’t hear many make-up artists say this, but I’m not big on trends. I’d rather help someone find what suits them than follow the next new thing. I’ll always come back to skin that looks like skin and make-up you barely notice.

After a full day of work and mum life, how do you switch off?

First, I clean. Not because I love it, but I can’t relax in a messy or unclean house. Then it’s Norah Jones, a long shower and, if we have the energy, a good series on the couch with Justin.

What does your nighttime ritual look like, and how do you find a little sense of Zenn at the end of the day?

A shower, PJs, my Hommey robe and my evening skincare, followed by a peppermint tea or an Imbibe magnesium hot chocolate.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m a Tassie girl!

And finally, what’s something coming up that you’re excited about right now?

Hosting both our families for Christmas in our new home for the first time. I’m also excited to take my time finding the art, rugs, and ornaments that will evolve this house into even more of a home as we live in it.