Meet Abbey Gelmi.
Sports journalist, broadcaster, brand ambassador, and mum to two beautiful boys.
We joined Abbey at home to chat about her beautifully renovated Victorian terrace, life in the fast-paced world of Australian sports media, and how she finds moments of calm while balancing work, family, and everything in between.
Originally from Perth, you started your career in Sydney but now reside in Melbourne. Tell us about the biggest shifts in lifestyle from one city to the next?
I moved from Perth after completing my studies at 25 and it was a real coming-of-age to be living across the Nullarbor away from my family. I was on a measly intern wage in the big smoke, so I really embraced the beauty of Sydney that didn’t break the bank which included coastal walks from Bondi to Bronte, happy hour catch-ups and morning markets. As my career progressed to hosting sports and reality shows all over the country, it wasn’t unusual for me to take more than six flights a week. My lifestyle became living out of hotel rooms and airport lounges, which was fun but definitely has an expiry.
When I moved to Melbourne, Covid had curbed travel and life became grounded in a good way. While renovating our family home, we really thought of the lifestyle we wanted—to be surrounded by things and a community we love. Since starting a family, life is a lot more domestic and I really love waking up to a coffee with Kane and planning our day. We both make fitness a priority in our lifestyle, and I find the days I exercise I’m much better for it. Keeping a balanced lifestyle with two young boys is challenging, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
You have a long and interesting career in sports journalism. Where did your love of sport come from?
Loving sport is at the heart of our family and my core memories as a kid. As one of four, our weekends were packed with school sport and going to watch the footy, both local and AFL. I loved it, and still pinch myself that talking about sport with the best minds in the business has become my job. If you had told teenage me what I get to do now, I never would have believed you.
You work across multiple different areas of the media, from television, to podcasting, to speaking engagements and also content creation. What lights you up the most and why?
Gosh, such a big question! I’m honestly beyond fortunate with the variety in my work, as no two days are ever the same. I love each medium for different reasons, but it’s always when I get to meet with and talk to inspiring people that I feel the most grateful for what I do.
What’s your favourite sporting event to attend and cover?
Hosting the Olympics coverage was (and is) such a privilege, but would you believe I’ve never actually been to the games!? Maybe LA in 2028 will be my turn to go as a fan. It’s definitely on the bucket list.
We love following your mix of mum life, fashion, interiors and sport on socials, how did it all begin?
Honestly, haphazardly. I use Instagram as a bit of a journal to share things I love. There’s certainly a disproportionate amount of the glamorous side of my job as opposed to real life in trackies with the kids, but that’s half the fun of it. I really enjoy creating content and the wonderful brands I get to work with. It’s a creative outlet and I’m hoping I'll get more time to lean into it as the boys get older.
What's one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve never been to Europe and it’s very, very high on the bucket list.
You’ve shared the renovation of your home online, what were your biggest takeaways from renovating and styling your new space?
Go with your gut and when budget allows, go with what you love! Any time I went away from my initial inspiration or was influenced by trends, I lived to regret it. Oh and a moodboard with no more than ten considered images of what you want is a godsend to keep you on the right path.
Is there any desire to do another building and design project in the future?
A thousand times yes. I have the bug and making design part of my life is something I’m super interested in. As for another home renovation, we love where we are now, but one day for sure. I may have already started the moodboard.
The custom Abbey Bed looks perfect in your bedroom. What shaped your decision when choosing this new style?
I love the timelessness of the design and how the curves compliment the existing heritage features of the room. As with everything in our home, I choose styles I know we’ll still love in five, ten or even twenty years time, and the Abbey Bed is certainly that. It immediately elevated our master and gave it a sense of depth and warmth. I couldn’t love it more!
Do you have an evening wind down ritual or have a process to help you achieve a sense of zenn?
I’ve started a new skincare routine with Rationale and it’s honestly been a game changer. My biggest tip for parents of small kids is to store your evening skincare in the kids bathroom, so you can cleanse and reset while the little ones are in the bath. I’m a shocker at falling asleep in the boys bed (especially if I’ve been up with them overnight), so at the very least my face is clean and prepped if I do!
On the nights where I manage to keep my eyes open, Kane and I love watching a series together and reading in bed as a wind down. Oh and a collagen hot chocolate is always a good idea.
Shop the Look:
Bed: Abbey Bed in Heron Ricepaper
Bedside Tables: Totem Bedside in Walnut Timber
Ottoman: Hex Geo Ottoman in Oak Timber & Walnut Velvet
Image Credits:
Linen: Cultiver
Photographer: Elisa Watson
Styling: Zenn Design