Finding Her Shade: The Sigourney Cantelo Edit

As the founder of Beauticate and a seasoned beauty journalist, Sigourney Cantelo knows a thing or two about 'hero products'. Whether it’s the transformative serum that anchors a skincare routine or the perfect red lipstick that revives a tired complexion, she understands that true impact lies in the pieces that pull everything else together.

When it came to finishing her pool renovation on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Sigourney applied that same editorial eye to her outdoor space. The goal wasn't just a backyard; it was a feeling.

We caught up with Sigourney to discuss how she found her shade and why she believes a great umbrella is the 'crown' of any well-designed garden.

For Sigourney, the design process began long before a single piece of furniture was ordered. She started with a mood: European summer meets relaxed Australian coastal. Think sun-warmed limestone, silver-green foliage, and those long, languid afternoons that accidentally stretch into evenings.

With the curved architecture of the pool already in place - complete with an arched bench seat and a backdrop of olive trees - the space needed a focal point. Enter the Jardin Patio Umbrella in Alpine Green.

"The Jardin became the anchor," Sigourney explains. "It has that playful scalloped valance that feels both nostalgic and modern. Structured but not stiff. Once that was in place, everything else had to live up to it."

While many view an umbrella as a mere functional necessity, Sigourney sees it as a vital architectural element. "It draws the eye upward and frames the pool, giving structure to what could otherwise feel like an exposed space."

Beyond the aesthetic, there was a deeper motivation. As a beauty editor who has spent years educating her audience on UV damage and skin longevity, shade was always going to be non-negotiable. "In Australia, sun protection is paramount. But if you can protect your skin and elevate the entire aesthetic at the same time, why wouldn't you?"

A beautiful space is only successful if it can handle real life. For Sigourney, that means a busy household with two children, a DJ husband, and a revolving door of friends.

"Everything had to be durable. No delicate fabrics or precious pieces that make you anxious when someone sits down with sunscreen on their hands," she says. This informed the choice of matching Basil Bangs bean bags and cushions. They offer a sense of 'glamorous lethargy' - softening the hard lines of the limestone and pool fencing while being tough enough for the kids to drag around.

To balance the cool tones of the tile, she introduced a timber lounger, creating a warm, inviting nook perfect for losing oneself in a book.

Much like a well-curated interior, Sigourney believes outdoor styling requires restraint. The Alpine Green of the Jardin set the palette, which she then echoed in the smaller details; from green and white checkerboard towels to a clever DIY project involving old Tolix chairs spray-painted in a pale eucalypt.

"The result feels calm," she notes. "Hopefully, it feels less like a backyard barbecue and more like a boutique hotel."

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the renovation is how the right shade has changed the family’s lifestyle. What was once an 'intense' high-glare zone is now a true outdoor living room.

"It might sound dramatic, but creating proper shade changed how we use the space. We linger now. The kids eat lunch by the pool without frying, and friends stay longer. As someone obsessed with wellness, good shade isn't just design, it's age prevention."

From the simple brass outdoor shower (a DIY 'splurge' that Sigourney insists was worth the effort) to the spilled dichondra softening the tile edges, every element of this backyard oasis serves a purpose. It is a testament to the power of finding your hero piece - the one that makes your heart skip a beat and makes your entire outdoor 'routine' make sense.