Kimmie Riley of Cumming on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Kimmie Riley and have shared our conversation below.

Kimmie , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are dedicated to mindful grounding and intentionality. I strive to begin without the distraction of electronics for the first half-hour, though I do briefly check my phone upon waking, just in case there are any fires to put out. After that, I love to take a slow, purposeful walk with my pup, Ella, soaking in the quiet and the fresh start. I then dedicate a moment to set my intentions for the day ahead, aligning my focus and energy. I also cherish sending handwritten cards—if I have any to send, I take this time to be present, thoughtful, and connected through those small, meaningful gestures. It’s my way of centering myself before the day unfolds.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I’m Kimmie Riley and I’m passionate about transforming everyday spaces and moments into meaningful experiences. I believe your home should tell your story—reflecting your personality, your journey, and what brings you joy. My approach is centered around creating beautiful, inviting spaces that feel luxurious yet are mindful of your budget, proving that elegance and comfort can seamlessly coexist. I believe that establishing close, genuine relationships with my clients is essential—because the more I understand who they truly are, the better I can craft spaces that authentically reflect their unique personalities and aspirations. Whether it’s crafting thoughtful interiors, sharing inspiring routines, or connecting through heartfelt gestures, my aim is to cultivate mindfulness, creativity, and warmth in all I do. My brand celebrates authenticity and intentional living—helping others discover beauty in the small things and making their everyday extraordinary.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was younger, I believed that beautiful things were simply beautiful things. However, as I’ve aged, I’ve come to realize how much a thoughtfully designed space can truly impact a person’s life. An intentionally curated room can bring a sense of joy, calmness, and comfort. Moreover, special and collected items can evoke cherished memories and serve as daily inspirations. The deeper understanding of design’s power to nurture and uplift has truly transformed my perspective.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Having encountered health issues, divorce, and a host of other obstacles, I’ve learned lessons that success alone could never teach. These challenges have instilled in me a deep sense of compassion, understanding, and empathy. They have also reinforced the importance of being intentional with my time and effort, reminding me that growth often comes through adversity and that true strength is cultivated through resilience and self-awareness. I’ve also learned how profoundly following your passion—mine being design—can transform your mindset and enrich your life. When you pursue what truly inspires you, it fuels your purpose, brings joy, and creates a sense of fulfillment that positively impacts every aspect of your daily experience.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie I believe the industry tells us is that you have to spend extravagantly to have a beautiful home. In reality, great design and a stunning space are deeply rooted in intention, creativity, and thoughtful choices—things that don’t always require a hefty price tag. Beauty and comfort can be achieved without overspending, and I believe that everyone deserves a space that feels personalized, inviting, and true to their style without feeling pressured to break the bank.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Yes! I know it might sound a bit cringe-worthy, but I LOVE what I do so much that I often feel like I’m tap dancing to work. It’s such a privilege to be invited into my clients’ homes—places where they make their most special memories and spend much of their lives. Being entrusted to design those spaces is an incredible honor, and I genuinely cherish the connections I’ve built with so many of my clients. Those days when I feel that pure excitement and gratitude remind me just how lucky I am to do what I love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://houseofhenryinteriors.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofhenryinteriors/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houseofhenryinteriors/