IBWZ – Abbey Holmes

Meet Abbey Holmes

A premiership-winning AFLW player, expert commentator, media presenter, and proud mum to little Braxton.

We caught up with Abbey at her newly renovated bayside home to take a look at her Master bedroom, featuring our custom oversized Willow bed and Siesta side tables. Abbey shared insights into life with a newborn, her proudest sporting moments, and the quiet simple rituals that help her unwind and find calm at the end of each day.

Firstly, a big congratulations on the birth of your firstborn!  What's been the biggest shift in daily life since he came long?
Honestly, everything changes in the most beautiful way. My days used to be planned around training, work and travel. Now they revolve around this tiny little human. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had, but also the most unpredictable. The biggest shift has been learning to slow down and be completely present, because these newborn moments go by so quickly.

There’s a long list of incredible career achievements in netball, football, expert commentary, body building and even Australian Survivor! Which one was your favourite and why?
That’s a tough one! They’ve all shaped me in different ways, but winning the AFLW Premiership with the Crows in 2017 will always be a standout. Being part of that team, in such a historic moment for women’s sport, was truly special. Survivor was also incredible, it tested me physically and mentally like nothing else … but SAS …. Even MORE so haha! Each experience has given me something different to take into the next chapter.

What's your advice for young women wanting to enter the elite sporting ring? What helped shape your successful career in sport?
Believe in yourself! Work ethic and resilience are everything, talent will only take you so far. Surround yourself with people who bring out your best and learn to embrace the hard moments because they build your strength.

The custom oversized Willow bed in Instyle Chunky looks absolutely beautiful in your bedroom.. What's the inspo behind this?
I wanted our bedroom to feel like a sanctuary .. soft, calm, and inviting. The oversized Willow bed in Instyle Chunky ticked every box. It’s plush, luxurious, and has that timeless look that will work no matter how we evolve our space. With a new baby, creating a restful environment was even more important.

This may be a tough one with a newborn, but how do you treat yourself and/or do you have any night time rituals to achieve a sense of zen?
It’s definitely harder to find those quiet moments now, but I make sure to carve out little rituals. A warm shower, a cup of coffee, and switching my phone off for the night makes a big difference. Some nights it’s as simple as sitting on the couch or in bed just enjoying the stillness once the baby’s asleep.

What's one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m actually a bit of a homebody! People see the footy fields, the TV screens, and travel, but I really love being at home... cooking, pottering around the house, and spending quiet time with family.

What keeps you driven, motivated and focused? 
I’ve always had a strong “why” knowing what I want to achieve and the example I want to set for the next generation of women in sport. I’m motivated by challenges, by constantly wanting to learn and grow, and now, by showing my son that you can chase your dreams while being kind, humble, and hardworking.

Shop the Zenn Look
Bed: Custom Oversized Queen Willow Bed in InStyle Chunky, Profile
Side Tables: Siesta in Zenn Whitewash
Ottoman: Cloud Collection in Pure Pumice

Image Credits
Linen: Abode Living: Cover - Raffia, Sheeting - Dublino Hunter
Photographer: Elisa Watson
Styling: Zenn Design