Abby and her husband approached our studio dreaming of a total redesign of their family home. During our first meeting, we were so caught up chatting design and families just like old friends do, that I neglected to ask her for many of the usual project specifics! When we said our goodbyes I instantly knew the connection was there and everything else would work itself out.
Abby has a modern, effortless chic aesthetic, so when I learned of her sleepwear company Hybernate, it made complete sense. Modern sleepwear for the style conscious; no childish patterns or flannelette. Just beautiful simplicity and luxurious fibres, ethically sourced and manufactured. Exactly the ethos we hope to translate into her home.
Here, we do more of what we do best, talking about family, growing a business and of the dream home we are creating.
Which three words best describe you?
Curious, optimistic, analytical.
What did you want to be growing up?
I really had no idea but I was good at humanities subjects and my aunt was a successful lawyer so following that path seemed like a good idea at the time.
What did you do to earn your first pay packet?
I grew up in the country and when I was about 12, I worked at the local service station on weekends.
What's the best life lesson you have learnt along the way?
I like the lesson in the saying “If it is to be, it’s up to me”. It’s a helpful reminder when things aren’t going your way.
Tell us a little bit about Hybernate. How was the brand born and where are you hoping to steer it in the future?
I was introduced to my business partner, Sarah Shepherd, through a mutual friend at the end of 2016. We had both recognised a gap in the market for simple, stylish, quality sleepwear that didn’t involve unflattering, outdated patterns and uncomfortable cuts and fabrics. It was important to us that the fabric be the ‘hero’ in the range and after a long search we found pima cotton jersey which is made in Peru and has a number of superior qualities including resistance to pilling and softness. We launched Hybernate in late 2018 and we ultimately hope to steer it to become the go-to sleepwear brand for modern Australian women.
What's your proudest achievement?
Hands down, my two children. Nothing gives me more pride, and during the recent period of isolation I’ve watched them really bond which has been a lovely silver lining.
Who inspires you?
My father – he’s always positive, always curious, always calm. He sees the good in everyone and loves to win over even the grumpiest of salespeople.
What is your biggest vice?
A glass of wine most nights, particularly during the coronavirus lockdown!
Do you follow trends or are you a trendsetter?
Probably neither. I prefer classic, timeless things which have exceptional quality – although if a trend suits me and complements my usual style, I might buy into it.
What dream do you still want to fulfill?
A big family holiday with my parents and my siblings and their children at an overseas destination. We all live in different places, with my sister and her family in another country, and the cousins are all close in age so getting us altogether like that (hopefully more than once) is a dream of mine.
What do you love most about working with AKD in your dream home?
Working with creative and talented people who are collaborative and have a genuine desire to make the house ‘work’ with how we live (as well as being lovely people who are a pleasure to work with). I love that they’ve found the positives in the existing architecture and have come up with a contemporary look which is specific to our home.
