Insights on design and creativity with Kiki Dumonde

In our latest Insight Series, we sat down with artist, designer, and real estate entrepreneur Kiki Dumonde to explore how motherhood is influencing her creative vision. From reimagining her personal style to approaching art and design in new ways, Kiki shares how life as a new parent is shaping her aesthetic and creative process. Her insights are a fresh, inspiring look at how creativity evolves alongside parenthood.

As an artist, designer, real estate mogul and new mama, how would you describe yourself and your journey?

I’d describe myself as fun, loving, and a little childlike at heart. This past year has been a whirlwind. I launched a new art project and business, found out I was pregnant soon after, and had the busiest year of my real estate career.

Navigating creative work, real estate, pregnancy, and now early motherhood all at once has been intense, and I’m still figuring out how to balance it. It’s only been three weeks since my daughter was born, and I’ve already been working more than I expected, which has been a reminder that this is an ongoing, evolving journey rather than something you ever fully “figure out.”

How would you describe your personal taste and design philosophy?

I love THINGS! Little, unexpected ones I discover when I’m hunting, or that find their way to me. My taste is very instinctual. There isn’t a strict formula; I see something and I just know. I’m especially inspired by antique stores, where objects feel layered with history, humor, and personality.

That sensibility shapes how I design. I choose pieces that make me smile and feel something, rather than focusing on minimalism or trends. I want people to look at a space or object and feel curious enough to ask questions.

How do you see motherhood influencing your creative work or personal style?

Motherhood has already started influencing my creative work in practical ways, mostly around durability and real-life use. I’m thinking about wandering little hands, but honestly, I always designed with longevity in mind. Many of my pieces are surprisingly hard to destroy, especially textiles that aren’t meant to live on the floor. They age well, they’re forgiving, and in many ways they already felt baby-compatible.

As for my personal style, I’ve been buying clothes for the last ten years thinking, this will be cute when I’m a mom frolicking through a field with my baby. Full-on milkmaid energy. Now I guess it’s finally time to see if I actually wear them! 

How do you define balance between career, creativity, and personal life?

I define balance by putting my happiness first. I don’t lead with money as the primary goal. With my furniture, the goal has always been to put meaningful work into the world, not to chase profit. With real estate, I focus more on the relationships I build and how I can genuinely impact someone’s life than on the payout itself. 

Because of that, balance tends to fall into place. When I’m not driven by material gain, I don’t feel pressure to sacrifice my personal life for work. Creativity, career, and life support each other instead of competing.

As a lifelong New Yorker, what do you see as the benefits of raising a child in a bustling city?

Growing up, I actually wished I was from the suburbs. I wanted the backyard, the house parties, to be a cheerleader — the version of childhood that felt unavailable to me. It wasn’t until college that I realized how unique it was to grow up in New York. Suddenly it became something people were fascinated by, and I finally appreciated it.

Now, as an adult, I’m deeply grateful I was raised here. Growing up in New York gave me real exposure to different cultures, made me street-smart, resilient, and comfortable connecting with people from all walks of life. Those are the qualities I see as the greatest benefits of raising a child in New York City.

As someone who’s constantly curating your environment, how are you thinking about designing spaces for your baby?

We’ve been very intentional about keeping our home feeling like us, even with a baby. Her things are chosen to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, and I’m already thinking ahead to how her spaces will evolve as she grows.

I’m focused on making the most of what we have with smart storage, built-ins, and design elements that double as play. I want her rooms to feel imaginative but still considered. Right now, my biggest debate is whether her future playroom is covered in fun wallpaper or if we go all in with an LED wall. My heart says both!

How would you describe this chapter of pregnancy and transition, and what has surprised you most along the way?

Gosh, this whole postpartum thing has been a surprise! I truly don’t think anything can prepare you for it, no matter what people tell you, or what you read or watch. I thought I’d be invincible going into it, and I wasn’t. It’s been hard, and it’s been amazing at the same time.

What’s surprised me most is resilience. I expected myself to be strong, but being in it has given me a whole new appreciation for just how resilient women really are, in ways you don’t fully understand until you experience it yourself.

As you prepare to become a mom, what values or intentions feel most important to you right now?

Cody and I have also set a shared intention to take care of each other and prioritize our happiness, because we believe that being grounded and fulfilled ourselves is what allows us to be the best parents we can be. Aside from that, I have been doing my best to lock in with Winnie. Keep my phone out of my hands. Give her my full attention when she’s awake and with me. I don’t want her to become a tech zombie. That scares me.

Kiki Dumonde is an artist, designer, real estate mogul, and new mama. Stay connected with Kiki through her Instagram handles, @kiki_motherofdragons and @kikidumondestudios.

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