Today we’d like to introduce you to Paloma Contreras.
Hi Paloma, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my interior design firm, Paloma Contreras Design in 2013. I majored in Spanish and Italian Studies, so for the first four years post-graduation, I worked as a high school Spanish teacher. While I enjoyed the subject matter, teaching never felt like quite the right fit. I started a design blog called La Dolce Vita 2007 and that really started to change the direction of my career. I left teaching in 2008, started freelancing or doing what we would now call being an influencer. Eventually, I was offered the role of Director of Marketing for the lighting manufacturer, Visual Comfort where I oversaw a variety of initiatives including the launch of the Aerin Lauder collection. Over time, I got the itch to do my own thing and left in 2013 to start my design firm. That relationship has come full circle as I have designed a lighting collection for Visual Comfort since 2022. I’ve written two books, Dream Design Live and The New Classic Home. I also design a textile collection for Schumacher and will be launching a new rug collection later this year. In addition to my design firm, I also own a curated home store called Paloma & Co. We have a robust e-commerce presence as well as a brick and mortar store on River Oaks Boulevard. When we aren’t working on design projects in Houston and throughout the U.S., you can catch me recording my podcast, The Install with my co-host Caroline Gidiere or hanging out with my husband and our young daughter.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Is it ever a smooth road? Of course, there have been challenges and detours along the way. Starting one’s own business is never easy. I am self-taught and because I hadn’t worked for another designer prior to starting my firm, I had to learn everything in real time. I am fortunate to have some amazing mentors who are among the best designers in the country, so they were tremendously helpful as I was starting out. To this day, I find it really helpful and important to have a sounding board of mentors or peers you can talk through challenges with. I am lucky to be part of an amazing design forum. There are 7 of us and we live in various parts of the country. Anytime we are facing a challenge or are in need of a resource, we can count on each other.
As you know, we’re big fans of Paloma Contreras Design. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Paloma Contreras Design is a design firm specializing in residential interiors. While we are based in Houston, we frequently work in other parts of the country including New York, Palm Beach, Chicago, and Atlanta. We have developed a reputation for designing beautiful interiors in our signature modern-meets-traditional aesthetic resulting in spaces that are as comfortable as they are beautiful and timeless. We work closely with our clients to draw out the essence of each home. Our firm believes that when it comes to crafting a beautiful home, there is what you see, but the ultimate mark of a great home is how it feels—both functionally and in the emotions it evokes. The interiors we design are at once timeless yet fresh– balancing attention to detail and the intersection of form and function to enhance a well-lived life. While we are known for designing beautiful spaces, but it is our seamless process that prompts our clients to return to us time and time again.
What matters most to you?
Integrity, kindness, and authenticity are key pillars in both my personal and professional lives. I believe that life is all about relationships and these qualities are of paramount importance when it comes to fostering relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.palomacontreras.com
- Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheInstallDesignPodcast
- Other: https://www.shoppalomaandco.com
