For Sarah-Jane Mossop of interior design studio Huntress & Hound, Mother's Day means messy pancakes and meandering to the beach with her 17-month-old daughter Sunny. We chat with the creative director and first-time mum about the joys and surprises of motherhood and the importance of community.
What does your perfect Mother's Day look like?
As Mother’s Day falls on a Sunday – my favourite day of the week! We have a little Sunday morning ritual, and the morning usually unfolds to the tunes of Nina Simone and Etta James as we gather in the kitchen to whip up batches of banana pancakes, make a huge mess and then venture out onto the verandah to enjoy our coffee and breakfast. Later, we might meander down to the beach to take my other (fur) baby, Dennis, for a walk. A precious extra hour of slumber would make it a perfect day!
Sarah-Jane Mossop: @sarah.jane.sj of interior design studio: @huntress_and_hound I Photography: @stateofindianna_
What have been the most surprising parts of motherhood for you?
The most surprising aspect of motherhood for me has been tapping into the boundless reservoirs of inner strength and power that I never knew I possessed. It's awe-inspiring how resilient we, as women, truly are. Motherhood presents an ever-changing landscape to navigate; just when you think you're over one mountain, you are met with another! But we keep on going, and that resilience has been something I’ve always admired within my own mother and grandmother. Now that I'm here, experiencing it firsthand, I finally understand the depth of that strength and determination.
Sarah-Jane Mossop: @sarah.jane.sj of interior design studio: @huntress_and_hound I Photography: @stateofindianna_ Featured: Flocca Linen Duvet in Mare, Basix Panel Cushion in Mare/Bere, Flocca Linen Flat Sheet in Brun, Basix Bolster Cushion in Mare/Bere
What do you love most about being a mum?
Her hot little breath tickling my neck when she falls asleep in my arms, the small hands and the way they feel in my hands, her joy and surprise at experiencing new things for the first time – “Oooo-wow” – and her little voice in the morning calling out to me. I also love how becoming a mother reminds you to be young again; to let your guard down and embrace the play, the mess and the silly. Every day, she brings so much innocent joy, and amidst all the chaos of life, there is this little golden pocket rocket screaming “Cracker Mumma” as she runs through the house wearing pants on her head! It's chaos, but I love it.
Sarah-Jane Mossop: @sarah.jane.sj of interior design studio: @huntress_and_hound I Photography: @stateofindianna_ Featured: Flocca Linen Duvet in Mare, Basix Panel Cushion in Mare/Bere, Flocca Linen Flat Sheet in Brun
What is the best advice you've received from a mother figure in your life?
My own mother always emphasised the importance of building quality connections and approaching life with empathy, and it's a piece of advice that resonates deeply with me. Even though she passed away when I was younger, her words have stuck with me. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming or isolating, having a support system is like a beacon of light guiding me through life's ups and downs. Whether it's friends who become like family, mentors who offer guidance, or even kind strangers who lend a listening ear, each person in my tribe enriches my life.
Sarah-Jane Mossop: @sarah.jane.sj of interior design studio: @huntress_and_hound I Photography: @stateofindianna_
What is one of your favourite pieces from the HMCo collection, and why?
It’s a tough pick, but I’d have to say the Crush Linen Throw. I have one in Argent, and apart from being a beautiful piece to style any bedroom, I personally love it as it’s such a transitional piece. It follows us from the end of the bed to warm cuddles on the couch at the end of the day. The texture is so soft and adds an element of understated luxury – perfect for styling.
Crush Linen Crush Throw in Argent
Sarah-Jane Mossop: @sarah.jane.sj of interior design studio: @huntress_and_hound I Photography: @stateofindianna_ Featured: Flocca Linen Duvet in Mare, Basix Panel Cushion in Mare/Bere