The Install: Life & Design with Paloma and Caroline

Paloma and Caroline check in from Cabo and Paris for a vacation-edition catch-up that delivers equal parts glamour, chaos, and practical wisdom. They talk about changing travel plans, the joys of slower vacations, and what it’s like to travel with kids at different ages—from early wake-ups to future shopping buddies and museum eye-rolls.Along the way, they cover Malmaison, Josephine, and Paris museum adventures, Paloma’s very relatable decision to ditch a hotel that wasn’t passing the vibe check, and Caroline’s vacation highs and lows, including a spider bite, a bruised shin, and a deep devotion to French snack food. There’s also a standout product recommendation for taming frizz, followed by a smart and candid design discussion on why decorators should not be hiring the contractor—plus the client red flags that tell you a project may not be the right fit.Chapter Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Paris vs. Cabo01:14 – Why Paloma changed her original Paris plans02:48 – Caroline on her first kid-free trip in 20+ years06:25 – Shopping, Charvet shirts, and museum parenting07:53 – Malmaison, Lafayette, and Josephine as ultimate style icon11:08 – Pool days, beach reads, and vacation mode in Cabo13:23 – Paloma’s hotel horror story and the great Cabo switch16:52 – High/Low: trusting your instincts on vacation18:31 – Caroline’s lows: spider bite and shin injury from hell20:17 – Caroline’s high: beloved French chips and snack obsession22:01 – Margot cameo!23:34 – Glass-door mishaps and kid vacation stories25:17 – Paris celebrates PSG into the wee hours25:52 – Product Rec: Chris McMillan Styling Balm30:39 – Design Question: Should a designer hire the contractor?37:25 – When a client request becomes a red flag41:51 – Contract redlines, process pushback, and knowing when to walk away47:42 – Wrap-up: Notre Dame bells, cold weather, cocktails, and a meteor showerInstagram: @theinstallpodcastTik Tok: @theinstallpocastYouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcastPaloma:www.paolomacontreras.comInstagram: @palomacontrerasdesignTik Tok: @palomacontrerasdesignCaroline:www.carolinegidiere.comInstagram: @carolinegidieredesignTik Tok: @carolinegidieredesignbtsShop My: @carolinegidiere

This week, Paloma and Caroline welcome one of their best friends, Bryan Huffman, an esteemed and celebrated decorator from North Carolina. For the last decade of her life, Bryan chatted every night with style icon Mrs. Paul Mellon, or "Bunny" as her friends called her, became one her closest confidants. In this episode, Bryan shares endearing details of her iconic style and stories of how they became friends, how she and Jacqueline Kennedy developed a close relationship, how Bunny came to purchase her Rothko collection, her generosity, her humor and wit, and many, many more. But before the trio delve into discussions of Mrs. Mellon, they play a new game, "Would you Rather?" - a game of personal preferences and social etiquette.TakeawaysDressing AppropriatelyPersonal PreferencesSocial Etiquette Etiquette for party arrivalThank you notes and giftsTravel and lifestyle preferencesReal estate and property preferencesFriendship with Bunny Mellon Bunny Mellon's unique approach to interior designInfluence of Swedish interiors on Bunny Mellon's aestheticChapters00:00 Dressing Appropriately16:15 Personal Preferences22:22 Etiquette for Party Arrival28:11 Real Estate and Property Preferences33:40 Friendship with Bunny Mellon46:49 Bunny Mellon's Aesthetic01:00:24 Bunny Mellon's Creative Process01:09:20 Bunny Mellon's Humor and Wit

Caroline and Paloma take up the topic of Technology & Design - what is relevant and how they are using it. The two open with a discussion and recap of their recent Chinoiserie tour, exploring magnificent houses and gardens. They reflect on the beauty and inspiration of the gardens, as well as the unique experiences at each location. The conversation continues with a discussion of Dior in LA and the emergence of fashion trends for this decade, the influence of older women in culture, what's going on in music, and summer vacation plans. The conversation turns to Technology & Design including the relevance and current use of Instagram, Tik Tok and Pinterest, and whether or not designers need a website these days. Caroline and Paloma also discuss impact of AI in design. The listener question asks tips for mixing patterns and colors.TakeawaysGardens as Timeless BeautyBusiness Model of Historic Houses The influence of older women in culture is increasing, with a focus on celebrating women over 50.AI can be a valuable tool in design, but it cannot replace the experience and discernment of a designer.Mixing patterns and colors in design requires an intuitive approach and can be guided by studying the work of designers with resonating styles.Chapters00:00 The Chinoiserie Tour27:35 The Magnificent Gardens34:03 The Cost of Stately Homes42:02 The Influence of Older Women in Culture48:19 Music and Concert Plans57:22 The Role of AI in Design

Caroline and Paloma are on location from Belvoir Castle during their recent tour of treasure houses and stately homes in the United Kingdom that hold original Chinoiserie wall hangiings. The two discuss their experience at Belvoir Castle, exploring the historical significance of chinoiserie design and original wallpapers. They also delve into the Met Gala and their favorite looks of the night. On the design front, the ladies tackle some "hot takes," and questions posed by listeners, including the art of styling bookshelves with books, the balance of mixing metals in a space, the choice of timeless wood finishes, the beauty and warmth of tapestries, and the one skill they each wish they had.TakeawaysChinoiserie design and historyMet Gala fashion Bookshelf stylingMixing metalsWood finish for floors Tapestries What new skill would you love to have?Chapters00:00 Exploring Beaver Castle and Chinoiserie Design35:15 Desired Skills and Talents

Continuing their series, Inside the Photoshoot, Paloma and Caroline deconstruct the perfect photoshoot with invited guest, esteemed photographer, Isabel Parra. The conversation covers the process of preparing for and executing a photo shoot, including the investment, collaboration, and communication involved. It also delves into the role of a stylist, the importance of project suitability, and the technical aspects of photography such as aspect ratios and image composition. The three discuss a range of photography challenges, travel logistics, turnaround time for assets, photography rights, complexity of photography agreements, trends in photography, efficiency in photoshoots. Caroline and Paloma finally tease out of Isabel her latest health and food obsession. The listener question this week delves into Caroline' s dining room storage. TakeawaysCollaboration and communication are essential in the process of preparing for and executing a photo shoot.Understanding the investment and costs involved in a photo shoot is crucial for designers and photographers. Adapting to weather conditions is crucial for maintaining consistency in photography.Efficient communication and collaboration are essential for successful photoshoots.Understanding photography rights and licensing is important for both clients and photographers.Chapters00:00 Introducing Isabel Parra05:13 Styling and Publications11:04 Collaborative Approach to Projects17:26 Stylist Recommendations and Aesthetics23:46 Project Rejection and Fit31:25 Consistency in Series of Shoots37:11 Turnaround Time for Assets45:30 Trends in Photography53:02 Health and Lifestyle

The conversation covers a range of topics including photo shoots, and the selection process for featuring projects in a magazine. The speakers also discuss the importance of standing out in submissions and the impact of social media on design trends. The conversation covers a range of topics including design trends, editorial stewardship, and the focus of the next issue of Veranda magazine. The speakers discuss the challenges of setting trends, the importance of print quality, and the engagement with designers and publicists for publication. They also highlight the upcoming issue of Veranda, which focuses on new build houses and the architectural and design considerations involved. The conversation covers topics related to architecture, design, photography, and travel. It delves into the importance of preserving architectural character, the role of transitional spaces in design, and the significance of photography in showcasing architectural work. Additionally, it explores travel hacks, reading habits, and book recommendations. Finally, Paloma and Caroline share their morning and evening skincare routines.TakeawaysThe selection process for featuring projects in a magazine involves looking for unique and innovative designs that stand out.The impact of social media on design trends and the importance of engaging content that surprises and delights the audience. Design trends are intentionally formulated by editors and are influenced by big themes and questions.Print quality is a fundamental aspect of editorial stewardship and is highly valued by readers, advertisers, and designers.Engagement with designers and publicists is essential for publication, and communication and collaboration are key to successful partnerships.The upcoming issue of Veranda magazine focuses on new build houses, showcasing the architectural and design considerations involved in creating enduring and timeless homes. Preserving architectural character is essential in the construction of new homes, emphasizing thoughtful design and architectural significance.Transitional spaces play a crucial role in connecting and creating cohesive architectural designs.Chapters00:00 Photoshoot 41106:01 Selecting Projects for Feature14:25 Setting Design Trends32:45 Focus on New Build Houses38:29 The Significance of Photography in Showcasing Architectural Work47:20 Travel Hacks and Reading Habits

The conversation revolves around the joy of spending quality time together through podcasting and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. The hosts discuss their experiences, insights, and advice related to these themes, providing valuable takeaways for the audience. The conversation covers Paloma Contreras' journey from teaching to marketing and design, her transition to entrepreneurship, the challenges and rewards of a design career, her core design ethos and elements, design influences and inspirations, dream projects and locations, beauty products and skincare, the best piece of advice she's received, and her excitement about the podcast. Key takeaways include the unorthodox education in design and the balance between personal and professional life.TakeawaysQuality time through podcastingBalancing personal and professional life Unorthodox education in designBalancing personal and professional lifeChapters00:00 The Joy of Quality Time39:43 Unorthodox Education in Design and Marketing47:15 Design Influences and Inspirations59:21 Beauty Products and Skincare Send your questions to questions@theinstallpodcast.com. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe and follow us on Insta @theinstallpodcast. @palomacontrerasdesign, @carolinegidieredesign