The Install: Life & Design with Paloma and Caroline

Episode Summary Paloma and Caroline continue to endure the on-going Southern summer heat and humidity, a Botox clock that suddenly seems to be running fast, and the Sisyphean task of growing out one’s hair—fortified by probiotic ice cream and a root touch-up pen stashed in the car console. They celebrate Substack’s slower, meatier charms and make a spirited case for shelter magazines to come back thicker, more beautiful, and worth paying for. Then the gloves come off on designer showhouses: career-making exposure, multiple-six-figure rooms, the glamour of being assigned a basement hallway, and the hard-won truth that one great photograph can matter more than square footage. Part one ends with the volume turned up—and the really juicy disasters still waiting in the wings. Follow The Install Subscribe to The Install Edit on Substack for weekly essays, product links, behind-the-scenes extras, and the next installment of Ask the Install . The Install YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Instagram: @theinstallpodcast TikTok: @theinstallpocast Paloma Website: www.palomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign TikTok: @palomacontrerasdesign ShopMy: @palomacontreras Caroline Website: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign TikTok: @carolinegidieredesignbts ShopMy: @carolinegidiere Chapters 00:17 — Heat Wave 02:16 — Beauty Maintenance 04:20 — Full-Fat Treats 07:44 — Hair Rescue 11:28 — Substack Revival 14:25 — Industry News 15:34 — Print Matters 19:42 — Showhouse Secrets 22:17 — Showhouse History 23:38 — Career Momentum 26:53 — Basement Reality 30:49 — Invitation Only 32:50 — Room Strategy 35:13 — Budget Shock 36:40 — Small Spaces 39:07 — Creative Freedom 43:44 — Announcement of Part Two

Paloma and Caroline sweat through the last gasps of summer while tackling a still-suspicious rug, the indignity of hauling two Apple devices in one tote, a bittersweet staff change, a possible Sussex homecoming, and Vanity Fair’s best-dressed list—including the eternal question of whether Lenny Kravitz is technically dressed at all. Then they tumble headfirst into the RushTok rabbit hole, where reported $20,000 dorm rooms, chinoiserie lamps, Broadway-worthy recruitment numbers, and corporate sponsorships prompt the only sensible conclusion: girl, get to class. Keep the conversation going between episodes: Subscribe to The Install Edit on Substack for more from Caroline and Paloma. YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Instagram: @theinstallpodcast TikTok: @theinstallpocast Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign TikTok: @palomacontrerasdesign ShopMy: @palomacontreras Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign TikTok: @carolinegidieredesignbts ShopMy: @carolinegidiere 00:18 — Summer Heat 01:25 — Rug Rescue 06:40 — PowerBook Problems 09:34 — Bag Baggage 13:53 — Embracing Change 18:54 — Royal Return 25:37 — Best Dressed 33:11 — Dorm Décor 39:42 — Too Much? 47:22 — RushTok Rabbit Hole 55:41 — Brand Invasion 58:24 — Rush Anxiety

Caroline’s ideal weekend—pool time, Mahjong, and a teenager who voluntarily wants to hang out—meets its natural nemesis: a Starbucks that forgot to open, while Paloma celebrates Margot’s first day of kindergarten and reflects on a painfully heavy run of news. The mood lifts with a revealing identity game in which Caroline emerges as an orange, Easter-loving Sunday-morning smoothie, while Paloma is an olive-green, Valentine-loving Friday night with unmistakable croissant energy. Then they put “chic” on linguistic probation, make a surprisingly persuasive case for a little gatekeeping, and sentence balloon trousers, board shorts, and several other late-summer trends to fashion jail. Keep the conversation going between episodes: Subscribe to The Install Edit on Substack for more from Caroline and Paloma. YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Instagram: @theinstallpodcast TikTok: @theinstallpocast Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign TikTok: @palomacontrerasdesign ShopMy: @palomacontreras Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign TikTok: @carolinegidieredesignbts ShopMy: @carolinegidiere Chapters 00:17 — Mahjong Magic 04:14 — Starbucks Chaos 06:52 — Kindergarten 10:25 — Heavy News 16:51 — Personality Game 27:18 — Chic Overload 32:46 — Gatekeeping 40:03 — Scarf Season 41:40 — Retro Summer 44:03 — Peplum Problems 46:35 — Fashion Feeling 48:06 — Utility Mode 49:10 — Sporty Spice 51:06 — Sign-Off

Paloma plans a trip to Paris Deco Off trip while Caroline uses Lionsgate to manifest the number-one interior-design podcast, one “big, fabulous, juicy nugget” of a project, and a back that survives two dogs sleeping on her feet. Meg Braff joins for a gloriously wide-ranging conversation spanning her new book, Gracious Interiors , her vibrant wallpaper and fabrics line, her time as an ambassador for U.S. Cottton, Scorpio jewelry, Palm Beach light, and more. Along the way, she makes the case for client chemistry over giant budgets, starting every project with a floor plan, and letting the house tell you what it wants. Subscribe to the Substack for more: @theinstallpodcast YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Instagram: @theinstallpodcast Tik Tok: @theinstallpocast Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign Tik Tok: @palomacontrerasdesign ShopMy: @palomacontreras Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign Tik Tok: @carolinegidieredesignbts Shop My: @carolinegidiere Chapters 00:16 — School Days 01:31 — Paris Plans 06:25 — Manifesting 11:18 — Growing Pains 13:10 — Meg Braff 15:42 — Miss Cotton 18:04 — Morning Rituals 20:06 — Scorpio Club 22:46 — Shop Talk 27:39 — Pattern Archives 30:47 — Design Process 36:42 — Client Chemistry 39:19 — Floor Plans 42:09 — Rapid Fire 45:06 — Guest Edit 49:26 — Book Tour

Caroline and Paloma tackle underarm “chicken nuggets,” summer-camp chaos, and a once-pristine abaca rug under canine attack. They trade television recommendations, debate Nantucket’s “No Influencers” dustup, and consider the many ways money can whisper—or flex. They close with candid advice for aspiring designers: keep overhead low, hire carefully, and recognize when someone is in over their head. The Install Podcast is now on Substack. Subscribe today! YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Instagram: @theinstallpodcast Tik Tok: @theinstallpocast Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign Tik Tok: @palomacontrerasdesign ShopMy: @palomacontreras Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign Tik Tok: @carolinegidieredesignbts Shop My: @carolinegidiere Chapters 00:16 — Chicken Nuggets 06:48 — Weekly Recap 10:57 — Kitchen Comeback 13:44 — Rug Rescue 22:31 — Screen Time 30:14 — Cheer Pressure 34:22 — Influencer Wars 41:35 — Design Careers 44:44 — Smart Growth 47:32 — Costly Lessons 51:31 — Sign-Off

Caroline and Paloma battle triple-digit heat, post-surgery recovery, and a case of TikTok-certified “tech neck” before celebrating the multigenerational client relationships that make interior design feel like a family affair. Then they reveal the things truly worth the splurge—from French butter and signature fragrance to the perfect white T-shirt, an indestructible suitcase, and the workout subscription the internet loves to hate. They close with two artful new collaborations and a master class in scale, proving that when in doubt, go bigger, hide the lamp harp, and never underestimate the diagnostic powers of a cardboard box. Help us row the Podcast! We would be so grateful if you take a minute to subscribe, like, rate, review and download! Subscribe to The Install Edit on Substack! YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Instagram: @theinstallpodcast Tik Tok: @theinstallpocast Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign Tik Tok: @palomacontrerasdesign ShopMy: @palomacontreras Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign Tik Tok: @carolinegidieredesignbts Shop My: @carolinegidiere Chapters 00:13 — Heat Wave 02:44 — Highs & Lows 04:45 — Tech Neck 10:49 — Family Ties 15:45 — Install Updates 20:39 — Paloma’s Picks 27:19 — Caroline’s Picks 42:25 — Chic Collabs 44:08 — Artful Fashion 48:56 — Scale School 57:36 — Sign-Off

Fan favorite Bryan Huffman returns—gloriously uncensored—to review the seven deadly sins of polite conversation before whisking us back inside Bunny Mellon’s world at Oak Spring. He spills on no-tape gift wrapping, microscopic vegetables, Lay’s potato chips, ice in wine, Porthault linens, and Givenchy “armor,” while revealing the humor, discipline, generosity, and tenderness behind an American icon. Consider this your invitation to luncheon—just don’t discuss your sleep score, diet, or route there. Follow The Install Podcast YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Instagram: @theinstallpodcast TikTok: @theinstallpocast Follow Paloma Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign TikTok: @palomacontrerasdesign ShopMy: @palomacontreras Follow Caroline Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign TikTok: @carolinegidieredesignbts ShopMy: @carolinegidiere Chapters 00:15 — Bryan Is Back 01:18 — Social Studies 10:10 — Southern Manners 12:35 — Picky Eaters 16:54 — Inside Oak Spring 21:14 — Art Without Fuss 23:04 — Wrapping, Bunny-Style 26:36 — The Bunny Bar 30:52 — Luncheon Is Served 37:30 — The Famous Cabbage 39:13 — Bunny and the Swans 41:54 — Giving It Back 45:57 — Porthault and Old Money 50:11 — Givenchy as Armor 55:37 — Champagne for Eliza 1:02:23 — Bryan Signs Off

Paloma and Caroline take a conversational tour starting with Caroline’s one-and-done push-up and the psychological tyranny of a kitchen-island pile to the comforts of office routine, their new Substack, The Install Edit , and a heartfelt remembrance of Urban Electric founder Dave Dawson. Along the way, they celebrate couture craftsmanship, referee World Cup loyalties, review royal and Wimbledon fashion, debate marriage, motherhood, and women’s financial independence, compare an overly affectionate ChatGPT with a judgmental Claude, and issue a unanimous restraining order against men’s flip-flops. They close with a spirited defense of interior design timelines and fees—part business reality check, part closing argument. Substack: The Install Edit Instagram: @theinstallpodcast Tik Tok: @theinstallpocast YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Paloma: www.paolomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign Tik Tok: @palomacontrerasdesign Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign Tik Tok: @carolinegidieredesignbts Shop My: @carolinegidiere 00:13 — One Push-Up and Weekly Highs 02:39 — Routines, Travel, and Resetting 05:10 — Cluttered Home, Cluttered Mind 08:39 — The Install Edit Returns to Writing 12:52 — Remembering Dave Dawson 15:53 — Couture as Creative Energy 20:17 — The Beautiful Game 25:09 — Royals, Reunions, and Wimbledon Fashion 30:18 — Marriage, Motherhood, and Independence 34:52 — ChatGPT Bestie, Claude Scold 37:46 — Hot Takes and Men’s Feet 39:41 — How Long Design Takes 42:05 — You Can’t Rush Creativity 45:04 — The Real Value of Design 50:06 — Twenty-Five Hours Is Nothing 51:18 — Spicy Caroline Signs Off

Paloma and Caroline open with a moment of horticultural hubris: Caroline’s geraniums are giving English-country-house abundance, while Paloma’s are still auditioning for the role of “weed.” From there, they celebrate an anniversary and revisit a very-of-its-moment 2005 wedding dress, mourn Chanel’s decision to discontinue beloved beauty staples, confess to needing a vacation from their addiction to planning vacations, and convene a ruthless Serve or Swerve tribunal. Balloon pants are convicted on sight, oversized button-downs receive strict styling probation, tomato red and signature red nails are vigorously defended, and the dreaded “dumb-length” midi skirt is issued a restraining order. There is a plea for men to embrace gray hair and a fantasy trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They close with smart advice for design lovers who want to collaborate with a professional without turning the project into a decorative custody battle and advice on how best to use The Expert and it's time allotment. Want detes and the links? Check out our Substack . Or check out our ShopMy . YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Instagram: @theinstallpodcast Tik Tok: @theinstallpocast Paloma: www.paolomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign Tik Tok: @palomacontrerasdesign ShopMy: @palomacontreras Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign Tik Tok: @carolinegidieredesignbts Shop My: @carolinegidiere Chapter list 00:35 — The Geranium Games: Green thumbs, green envy, and a lesson from Peppa Pig 06:37 — Highs and Lows: Anniversary flowers and a 2005 wedding dress 08:28 — Chanel Has Some Explaining to Do: Discontinued favorites and makeup-TikTok alternatives 14:45 — The Anxiety of an Empty Calendar: Fourth of July plans, baseball nostalgia, and travel withdrawal 19:31 — Life in Permanent Overdrive: Cortisol, dopamine, spreadsheets, and the spa-retreat solution 22:21 — Serve or Swerve Begins: Balloon pants and silky pajama dressing 26:32 — The Proportions Department: Oversized button-downs, neutral nails, and red-nail loyalty 32:24 — Summer Accessories on Trial: Basket bags, tomato red, and the unworn red shoe 37:11 — Beware the “Dumb Length”: Midi skirts, office flip-flops, and polka-dot theory 43:44 — Men, Embrace the Gray: Mick Jagger, Stevie Nicks, and aging stylishly 49:42 — Listener Question: Loving art and antiques without becoming your own decorator 55:27 — Making the Most of The Expert: How to prepare for a productive design consultation 58:18 — Wrap-up

This week, Caroline and Paloma confess to vacation weight gain, debate whether rosé is sabotaging their summer, and compare notes on concerts, puppies, and peach ice cream. They also dive into the decline of American shelter magazines (with a passionate plea to bring back House & Garden ), discuss whether they'd trust a driverless Waymo, share their favorite places to source antiques, and celebrate America's 250th birthday with a nostalgic look back at the Bicentennial and the Colonial Revival craze. Plus: gardening tips, Wimbledon predictions, and a TV recommendation you'll definitely want to binge. Instagram: @theinstallpodcast Tik Tok: @theinstallpocast YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Paloma: www.paolomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign Tik Tok: @palomacontrerasdesign Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign Tik Tok: @carolinegidieredesignbts Shop My: @carolinegidiere Chapters 00:00 Highs & Lows 09:52 Summer Diet Confessions 15:50 Geranium Update 20:15 Magazine Hot Takes 25:30 Waymo: Yes or No? 28:50 What We're Watching 32:35 America's 250th Birthday 37:00 Americana Style 43:05 Listener Questions 49:30 Wimbledon & Royal Watch

Paloma and Caroline catch up on a chaotic week of puppy parenting, jet lag, birthday prep, travel recovery, and one truly tragic Charles de Gaulle skincare confiscation before diving into the latest design news, including Mark Sikes’s J.McLaughlin collaboration and The Hedges’ David Netto refresh. They also compare wellness routines—from lymphatic drainage to Caroline’s heroic everything-but-the-kitchen-sink smoothie—before getting into listener-submitted design hot takes on gallery walls, trend fatigue, faux chateau cosplay, scallops, baby blue, zellige tile, trim on sheetrock, recessed lighting, off-season travel, linen sheets, and chunky platform heels. Chapters -- Time Stamps 00:15 — Travel Recovery 01:09 — Puppy Drama 03:48 — Dog Wisdom 06:31 — High/Low 07:05 — Lou’s Return 08:20 — Lotion Loss 17:13 — Mark’s Collab 18:14 — The Hedges 21:26 — Wellness Overload 23:09 — Smoothie Era 27:41 — Creatine Gummies 29:13 — Hot Takes 29:48 — Gallery Walls 31:40 — Trend Fatigue 31:55 — Chateau Cosplay 35:16 — Scallop Backlash 35:31 — Baby Blue 36:13 — Wallpaper Fatigue 39:25 — Zellige Overload 41:27 — Sheetrock Trim 43:28 — Recessed Lighting 46:13 — Off-Season Travel 48:21 — Linen Sheets 52:18 — Platform Heels 54:35 — Outro Hot Takes Smoothie Recipe: Powders: IM8 Essentials Pro + Longevity Stack in Flavor Lemon/Orange Kion Creatine Gramms Clear Whey Protein Lemonade Veggies: Handful of frozen chopped kale 1/4 c shredded carrots 3 cubes frozen ginger from Trader Joes Frozen fruits: Handful each of blue berries, pitted cherries, raspberries and 1/2 frozen peach in season Liquids (totaling 1 cup): Juice of 1/2 lemon Aloe Juice from Trader Joes Coconut Water Sprinkle of Sea Salt Instagram: @theinstallpodcast Tik Tok: @theinstallpocast YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Paloma: www.paolomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign Tik Tok: @palomacontrerasdesign Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign Tik Tok: @carolinegidieredesignbts Shop My: @carolinegidiere

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 Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Paris vs. Cabo 01:14 – Why Paloma changed her original Paris plans 02:48 – Caroline on her first kid-free trip in 20+ years 06:25 – Shopping, Charvet shirts, and museum parenting 07:53 – Malmaison, Lafayette, and Josephine as ultimate style icon 11:08 – Pool days, beach reads, and vacation mode in Cabo 13:23 – Paloma’s hotel horror story and the great Cabo switch 16:52 – High/Low: trusting your instincts on vacation 18:31 – Caroline’s lows: spider bite and shin injury from hell 20:17 – Caroline’s high: beloved French chips and snack obsession 22:01 – Margot cameo! 23:34 – Glass-door mishaps and kid vacation stories 25:17 – Paris celebrates PSG into the wee hours 25:52 – Product Rec: Chris McMillan Styling Balm 30:39 – Design Question: Should a designer hire the contractor? 37:25 – When a client request becomes a red flag 41:51 – Contract redlines, process pushback, and knowing when to walk away 47:42 – Wrap-up: Notre Dame bells, cold weather, cocktails, and a meteor shower Instagram: @theinstallpodcast Tik Tok: @theinstallpocast YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Paloma: www.paolomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign Tik Tok: @palomacontrerasdesign Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign Tik Tok: @carolinegidieredesignbts Shop My: @carolinegidiere

This week, with Caroline recording from Rome, The Install Podcast takes up the subject of travel and how it inspires not just our design but encourages our creativity. This week, we explore: favorite social media accounts, have you had your colors done? are you a hotel snob? Is there a house, city, home, restuarant that stopped you in your tracks? favorite hotels abroad; favorite hotels in the US; the chicest hotel; what makes for a memorable hotel stay; are you an adventurer or a creature of habit when you travel? how design influences the way we see things or approach design; what designers see that most travelers miss; quick fire travel & design favorites: most inspiring city save or splurge on a hotel hotel chain vs boutique hotel best garden favorite design shop abroad favorite indulgence while traveling best hotel bathroom favorite antique shopping favorite local craft favorite travel souvenir one thing you always photograph Upcoming Design Events: d. Porthatul sale begins June 8 Christopher Spitzmiller Seconds Sale Starts June 12 Newport Design Week and Nantucket By Design events coming up next month, ticket are on sale now! Instagram: @theinstallpodcast Tik Tok: @theinstallpocast YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Paloma: www.paolomacontreras.com Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign Tik Tok: @palomacontrerasdesign Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign Tik Tok: @carolinegidieredesignbts Shop 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. Takeaways Dressing Appropriately Personal Preferences Social Etiquette Etiquette for party arrival Thank you notes and gifts Travel and lifestyle preferences Real estate and property preferences Friendship with Bunny Mellon Bunny Mellon's unique approach to interior design Influence of Swedish interiors on Bunny Mellon's aesthetic Chapters 00:00 Dressing Appropriately 16:15 Personal Preferences 22:22 Etiquette for Party Arrival 28:11 Real Estate and Property Preferences 33:40 Friendship with Bunny Mellon 46:49 Bunny Mellon's Aesthetic 01:00:24 Bunny Mellon's Creative Process 01:09:20 Bunny Mellon's Humor and Wit

This week Paloma and Caroline sit down with celebrated designer Heidi Callier. Heidi talks candidly about what it takes to run a top interior design firm, the importance of making time to be cretaive, balancing work life and family, finding the right team, how to manage a remote team, how she packages and presents her work, and even the timeline from start to finish. The ladies start with the weekly "High/Low" and move on to a game of "Love It or Hate It." The episode ends with a rapid fire list of questions for Heidi. Takeaways Remote design studios Challenges of managing multiple projects Impact of overhead on design business Highs and lows of the design industry Mixing patterns and textiles Challenges with delayed projects and pricing Remote client presentations and decision-making Influence of Design Trends Balancing Work and Personal Life Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Studio Setup 08:36 Highs and Lows of the Design Industry 24:51 Mixing Patterns and Textiles 45:16 Challenges with Delayed Projects and Pricing 50:44 Influence of Design Trends

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. Takeaways Gardens as Timeless Beauty Business 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. Chapters 00:00 The Chinoiserie Tour 27:35 The Magnificent Gardens 34:03 The Cost of Stately Homes 42:02 The Influence of Older Women in Culture 48:19 Music and Concert Plans 57:22 The Role of AI in Design

Stylist, Editor and Author Benjamin Rayner joins Paloma and Caroline to delve into what can make a photoshoot magical. The conversation starts with the importance of authenticity in styling and the planning and preparation required. Benjamin shares insights on the philosophy of layering, the balance between clutter and personalization, and the fluidity and evolution of spaces. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, collaboration, as well as understanding the mood and feeling of the space, and adapting to different environments. He discusses the importance of understanding the designer's aesthetic, creating a style guide, and sharing reference images to guide the styling process. The conversation covers the collaboration between styling and photography, emphasizing the importance of preparation and flexibility. The trio also touch on the expense of photoshoots and different approaches depending on whether you are just getting started or whether you are and established designer. Paloma open the episode with a discussion of their upcoming Chinoiserie tour and the selection of outfits for the trip. Takeaways Styling for Photo Shoots Creating a Layered Home Styling and Photography Collaboration Preparation and Flexibility Chinoiserie Tour and Outfit Selection Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Benjamin Rayner 05:41 Craving Personal Elements in Homes 11:08 Allowing Spaces to Evolve 16:18 Designing for Real Life 22:27 Timing and Planning for Photo Shoots 28:00 Being a Chameleon in Styling 33:26 Styling and Photography Collaboration 56:22 Chinoiserie Tour and Outfit Selection

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. Takeaways Chinoiserie design and history Met Gala fashion Bookshelf styling Mixing metals Wood finish for floors Tapestries What new skill would you love to have? Chapters 00:00 Exploring Beaver Castle and Chinoiserie Design 35:15 Desired Skills and Talents

Close friend Mark D. Sikes joins Paloma and Caroline for a lighthearted game of "Serve or Swerve," where they discuss the latest in fashion trends, providing insights into their personal fashion preferences and experiences. The conversation covers a range of topics including airport fashion, the Met Gala, Coachella, and the Kardashians. It delves into the intersection of fashion, celebrity culture, and societal influence. The three also discuss Mark D. Sikes' new fabric collection and his advice for young designers on building a brand, including the importance of hard work, the pursuit of beauty, and the value of friendship. Takeaways Fashion trends are subjective and can be influenced by personal style and body type. Comfort and practicality are important factors to consider when choosing airport attire. Airport fashion is a topic of debate, with discussions on sweatsuits, Capri pants, and silk pajamas as acceptable attire. The Met Gala and Coachella are events that spark excitement and interest, with discussions on fashion, music, and celebrity appearances. Success of the Kardashian family The importance of hard work and perseverance Chapters 00:00 Fashion Trends: Sunglasses and Windbreakers 21:04 The Met Gala and Fashion as Art 34:32 The Kardashian Influence 01:04:24 The Pursuit of Beauty and Friendship

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. Takeaways Collaboration 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. Chapters 00:00 Introducing Isabel Parra 05:13 Styling and Publications 11:04 Collaborative Approach to Projects 17:26 Stylist Recommendations and Aesthetics 23:46 Project Rejection and Fit 31:25 Consistency in Series of Shoots 37:11 Turnaround Time for Assets 45:30 Trends in Photography 53:02 Health and Lifestyle