Meet Abigail Sykes | Interior Decorator, Photographer, & Music Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abigail Sykes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abigail, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
What else was there? I remember accepting in like 7th grade that nothing I was interested in a potential career would make me much money, so I made peace with that very early on. The only endeavors that have really brought me any kind of fulfillment have been ones where I’m either being creative or helping others, neither of which tend to turn large profits.

To create with my hands (interior decorating), a tool (photography), or an instrument (music) brings me much greater joy than any workaday job I could ever pursue. I also have seen that joy reflected back at me when I do pursue those things, which is obviously an even deeper contentment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve shared in the past here about my photography business (Abigail Sykes Photography), so this time I want to focus on my interior decorating endeavors.

I’ve always had a love of pretty interiors, but I didn’t get to really dig into that love until our last residence, a 500 SF historic apartment in Midtown. When we all went into lockdown in 2020, I got bored & decided to start sharing our apartment’s interior & DIY projects we did to Instagram. Essentially, I’ve become a (small time) home interiors content creator & been able to start taking on clients.

For the first couple of years, I completely just did it for fun & to have a no pressure creative outlet. As I kept sharing, however, I started realizing that this was something I could potentially turn into income. While I would still definitely describe it as a side hustle & not a career as of yet, by continuing to push myself creatively, by being consistent in sharing, and by always remaining true to myself & my values, I’ve gained a community of home loving individuals that I’m so thankful for. A side benefit has been increasingly large partnerships (Loloi, Quince, Sandberg Wallpaper, etc.).

With my work, I focus on timeless but characterful spaces, taking notes from historic designs & color palettes, sustainability & affordability with secondhand finds, pushing myself with DIYs, and creating a home that’s about more than stuff.

It has been hard work for something that in many ways is just an intense hobby, but, honestly, every bit has been so worth it. I find that not only has my taste grown & morphed, my ability to curate, execute my taste, and even practically capture what I’ve made has gotten better. I’ve been able to take on clients, which is something I used to only dream about.

I’ve learned to just do it. If you have a passion or dream, just take the next step. The worst thing that can happen is you fail. And you know what happens when you fail? You learn. So you try again, and just keep learning.

If I never gain a single other follower, I would be perfectly content continuing to just create & enjoy my online community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
What I would do (& have done) is primarily thrift hop. We’d go into the city to the Salvation Army by GA Tech, then over to the Goodwill on Northside Drive. If they were willing to drive, we’d head up to Chamblee to hit up My Favorite Place & Attic Treasures. Then we’d head to Buford Highway for bubble tea at Tiger Sugar then Korean karaoke.

Another day, over in Marietta, we’d go to City Thrift & the other several thrifts on that little strip then a walk at the Kennesaw National Battlefield. We’d grab some food at the Marietta Food Hall, then maybe hop over to Eleanor’s in Smyrna for drinks.

As long as it’s a weekday, we’d go hang out at Chattahoochee Coffee Co (the original) then go for a walk along the Cumberland Trails.

Another day, we’d go into the city to get biscuits & coffee from Howdy then stroll through Grant Park. We’d get El Tesoro for lunch. Later, we’d grab snacks from Trader Joe’s & have a picnic dinner in Piedmont Park then bike along the Beltline to Lady Bird for drinks.

Another day, we’d have a hike & photoshoot at Arabia Mountain.

If you can’t tell, I love simple pleasures. Secondhand treasures, time outdoors, simple, yummy food, & time with my friends

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many thanks to my amazing husband, Casey, for supporting & encouraging me in all of my creative endeavors. My daughter for being my sidekick through all of my projects. My sister, Olivia, for being my initial inspiration. My parents for their endless support & guidance. And my Home IG pals for their inspiration, accountability, & motivation.

Website: https://www.abigailsykesphoto.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/our.argonne.home/

Other: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/500-square-foot-rental-apartment-budget-remodel-36969771

Image Credits
Abigail Sykes