Zuster’s story begins in Amsterdam with Hermanus Sibbel, who established Firma H. Sibbel en Zonen Aannemers at Ringdijk 10 in 1885. A skilled bricklayer, carpenter and contractor, Hermanus built homes, carried out maintenance works and hand-crafted furniture from the family’s residence and adjoining workshop.

The business soon became a multi-generational enterprise, with his sons Meijer (Tinus) and Herman joining the trade. By 1910, Meijer had formally taken over, offering a full range of construction and property improvement services. In 1928, his son Herman Sibbel became Director, continuing the family tradition into a third generation.

Ringdijk 10 remained the heart of the business and home for over a century—a place where craftsmanship and family life came together. The surrounding neighbourhood was home to a thriving community of artisans and makers who shared knowledge and supported one another.

The original workshop stood proudly until the early 2000's, a lasting symbol of the Sibbel family’s dedication to craft, community and design.

In 1954, Herman Sibbel (b. 1916) emigrated from Amsterdam to Melbourne with his wife Corry and their five children. Settling in North Eltham, Herman and his brother Martin Sibbel soon established Sibbel Builders—a design and construction company known for its modernist homes and custom detailing. Their work spanned suburbs like Eltham, Doncaster and Templestowe. They also opened a factory to build kitchens, wardrobes, windows and furniture for their houses, ensuring control over every element. Herman’s homes are now recognised for their lasting mid-century architectural value, with many heritage listed. In 1968, Herman’s son Meyer Sibbel took over as Director. Working alongside his sister Inger Bovell, who drew the architectural plans, Meyer led the business into a new era. He and his wife Carole built a home in Warrandyte and raised four daughters—Katrina, Wilhelmina, Fleur and Meika. The Sibbel name had come to represent not just quality construction, but the blending of design, function and generational skill.

In the 1980s, the next generation of Sibbels began shaping their own creative and business paths. At age 15, Wilhelmina started designing beds and wardrobes for her sisters and had them made in her father’s factory. Fleur, business-minded from the start, sold second-hand furniture through the Trading Post. Wilhelmina went on to study Furniture Technology at RMIT, where she refined her design philosophy—centred on softness, shape and femininity. In 1994, she created her first range of five pieces and sold the complete collection to a furniture store in Hawthorn. The business gained traction quickly. Fleur joined in 1996, managing orders and sales, and by 1997, Daimaru had become their largest client. The business outgrew its origins, and in 2000, the sisters moved production to Thomastown. In 2001, they renamed the company Zuster—the Dutch word for sister—a name that reflected their shared vision and the deep family legacy that continued to shape their future.

The early 2000s marked a major shift for Zuster as the brand evolved from a family furniture business to a leading Australian design studio. In 2002, Zuster opened its first showroom in Cremorne, before relocating to a larger space in Richmond’s Swan Street in 2005. A second Thomastown factory was added for finishing and spraying, allowing Zuster to scale production while maintaining full quality control. The brand also began working closely with interior designers and architects, shifting toward a bespoke, made-to-order model. Wilhelmina continued to lead design direction, while Fleur refined business strategy and client services. The combination of strong creative leadership and disciplined operations allowed Zuster to build a reputation for timeless, sculptural furniture—crafted with care and customisable to each client’s needs. As demand increased, the team grew, and the sisters laid the foundation for what would become a recognised name in Australian design—anchored in heritage, but always moving forward.

Zuster entered a new era in 2015 with the launch of the Halo Collection, a turning point in the brand’s design direction—ushering in more sculptural, statement pieces. That same year, Zuster began its ongoing collaboration with Reece Bathroom, expanding into the luxury bathroom space. Landmark commercial projects followed, including Jackalope Hotel and Melbourne Jet Base. In 2018, a third upholstery factory opened in Thomastown, followed by the Hawthorn showroom launch. The Tapestry Collection was unveiled in 2019, pushing artistic form even further. Today, Zuster operates across four purpose-built factories, each specialising in furniture, upholstery, chairs or cabinetry. The team blends cutting-edge machinery with generational craft values, and many of its makers have been with Zuster for over a decade. Now in its fifth generation, led by Wilhelmina and Fleur, Zuster continues to evolve—grounded in heritage, powered by design, and driven by a commitment to making beautifully crafted furniture in Melbourne, Australia.