Paloma Contreras // On Career Pivots, The Best Design Advice Ever Received, and Following your Passion

Paloma Contreras // On Career Pivots, The Best Design Advice Ever Received, and Following your Passion

Author: Ariel Okin November 1, 2023 Duration: 34:08
Welcome to the very first episode of Talk Shop, where Ariel is joined by her friend, talented Elle Decor A-List designer, Paloma Contreras. Based in Houston, Texas, Paloma’s design sensibility is a modern take on traditional style– gravitating toward classic silhouettes and timeless pieces, paired with a touch of glamour and an infusion of color. Paloma is known for designing beautiful interiors in her signature modern-meets-traditional aesthetic, resulting in spaces that feel polished, refined, and effortless. Paloma has repeatedly been named to the prestigious ELLE Decor “A-List” of the top interior designers in the world, as well as House Beautiful's "Next Wave" list, and more. Paloma and her work have been featured in numerous publications, including ELLE Decor, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Vogue, Better Homes and Gardens, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. In addition to her timeless designs, Paloma is a sought-after speaker, author, product designer and shopkeeper. But her most important title is mother, to her beautiful daughter, Margot. You can find her lighting collection at Visual Comfort, and her curated retail shop, Paloma and Co, in Houston. Paloma’s newest book, The New Classic Home, is now available.

Behind every beautiful room is a story, and Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production uncovers them. Hosted by Ariel Okin, a House Beautiful Next Wave Designer and founder of Fenimore Lane, this podcast moves beyond glossy magazine spreads to explore the real, human elements of design. Ariel, who also writes for publications like Vogue and Architectural Digest, brings her insider’s perspective to conversations with leading interior designers, shopkeepers, and artisans from around the world. Each episode feels like an intimate chat between colleagues, where you’ll hear about the practicalities of running a creative business, the unexpected sources where professionals find inspiration, and the personal journeys that shape a distinctive aesthetic. Rather than just discussing trends, these dialogues get into the nuts and bolts-how a favorite fabric source was discovered, the challenges of launching a brand, or the philosophy behind a curated shop. It’s for anyone curious about the layers of thought and effort that create a lived-in, beautiful space. Listening to this podcast offers a masterclass in taste and entrepreneurship, straight from the voices defining the field today.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 58

Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production
Podcast Episodes
The Thread of Life: Sarah Lederman Launches Three Fates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:17
This week on Talk Shop, Ariel wraps up the season by welcoming fellow designer and friend Sarah Lederman in anticipation of the launch of her new textile and wallpaper line, Three Fates Textiles.A graduate of the New Yor…
Designing for Real Life with Lilse McKenna [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:47
This week on Talk Shop, Ariel sits down with Lilse McKenna for a thoughtful, personal conversation about designing homes that are meant to be lived in — and loved — over time.Lilse is known for creating spaces rooted in…
The Salvesen Graham Story // From Georgian Roots to Modern Living [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:07
This week on Talk Shop, Ariel sits down with the powerhouse duo behind London-based design studio Salvesen Graham: Nicole Salvesen, and Mary Graham. Established in London, their studio combines over 25 years of experienc…
How Shea McGee Built a Design Powerhouse: One Home at a Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:16
This week, Ariel sits down with Shea McGee, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Studio McGee, and one half of the powerhouse duo behind the beloved design brand. Shea shares how a single home remodel, documented cas…
Inside the World of Guy Oliver: Britain’s Master of Timeless Design [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:25
This week on Talk Shop, Ariel heads across the pond to welcome one of the UK’s most accomplished interior designers: Guy Oliver, the creative mind behind Oliver Laws in Mayfair. Guy’s path to design is anything but conve…
The Things That Matter: Nate Berkus on Home, Style, and Storytelling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:29
This week on Talk Shop, Ariel is joined by one of the most influential designers of our time, Nate Berkus. Known for his classic, layered, historically-rooted approach to interiors, Nate has spent nearly 30 years helping…