Explore every episode of the podcast The Install: Life & Design with Paloma and Caroline
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| But I Have Notes. | 29 Sep 2026 | 01:13:59 | |
Paloma reports from the Southern Living Idea House in Texas, where the rooms are ready for their close-up—and her hotel room could use a second opinion. Caroline returns from a dreamy Alexandria project visit to a sofa saga involving disappearing yardage, multiplying delays, and enough chintz to test anyone’s composure. Between a spirited debate over whether audiobooks count as reading and a fall-fashion review featuring questionable shoes, purple sweatpants, and opposing views on satin shorts, the ladies have notes. They finish with thoughtful gifts for the designer in your life—with one important distinction between a grand gesture and a measuring tape. Subscribe and FollowSubscribe to The Install Edit on Substack: https://theinstallpodcast.substack.com/ YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com Music licensed through Soundstripe. 00:16 — Texas Reveal | |||
| The Next Right Thing with This Oak House's Annie Meyers-Shyer | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:55:01 | |
Paloma and Caroline begin with September overload, tennis trauma, and the apparently unreasonable notion that opponents should hit the ball somewhere you can actually reach it. Then they welcome Annie Meyers-Shyer, whose path from Harper’s Bazaar and Chanel to the beloved This Oak House proves that a sharp eye is only the beginning—the details, collaboration, and occasional plywood mock-up make the room. Annie shares how she preserved the soul of her Gerard Colcord house, built an audience by pulling back the curtain on renovation, and learned to follow “the next right thing.” Plus: why balance is a fallacy, living rooms are underrated, and fake cutting boards should be shown the door. Subscribe and FollowSubscribe to The Install Edit on Substack: https://theinstallpodcast.substack.com/ YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com
Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: SUDAKA5LHSDHNL85 | |||
| Showhouse Secrets Part II - The Showhouse Must Go On | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:53:19 | |
Part Two strips the lacquer off designer showhouses: behind those glossy rooms are six-figure budgets, vendor favors, impossible timelines, and enough last-minute crises to qualify as cardio. Caroline and Paloma trade war stories involving rejection from the stone sponsor, rugs stuck in customs, draperies four feet too short, and 145 yards of fabric mysteriously disappearing into a valance. But there is a reason designers keep coming back: one memorable room can lead to clients, press, product collaborations, stronger teams—and some highly effective “trauma bonding.” They close with a rapid-fire guide to what to install, what to avoid, and why doing two traditional showhouses in one year might be just a little bit unhinged. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 1O1ULMY5AYH4LV7G Follow The InstallSubscribe to The Install Edit on Substack for more design talk, behind-the-scenes stories, product finds, and installments of Ask the Install. The Install Paloma Caroline 00:16 — Part Two | |||
| Showhouse Secrets Part I - Breaking Down Costs and Benefits | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:44:36 | |
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 InstallSubscribe 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 Paloma Caroline 00:17 — Heat Wave | |||
| Dorms Gone Wild | 01 Sep 2026 | 01:00:33 | |
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 Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com 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 | |||
| I Know It When I See It | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:51:37 | |
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 Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com 00:17 — Mahjong Magic | |||
| The House Tells You What It Wants with Meg Braff | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:51:58 | |
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: @theinstallpodcastYouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com 00:16 — School Days | |||
| Hard Lessons and the Pros and Cons of Design | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:51:59 | |
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 Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com 00:16 — Chicken Nuggets | |||
| If I Can See the Harp, It's Too Small | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:58:18 | |
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 Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com 00:13 — Heat Wave | |||
| Bunny Bars, Baby Broccoli, and Balenciaga with Bryan Huffman | 28 Jul 2026 | 01:03:31 | |
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 Follow Paloma Paloma: www.palomacontreras.com Follow Caroline Caroline: www.carolinegidiere.com 00:15 — Bryan Is Back | |||
| How Long Does It Take? + A Little Spice | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:52:04 | |
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 | |||
| Serve, Swerve and Design with Verve | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:58:49 | |
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 list00:35 — The Geranium Games: Green thumbs, green envy, and a lesson from Peppa Pig | |||
| The Rosé Recovery Plan | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:51:46 | |
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
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| Hot Takes, Lost Lotions & The Great Scallop Reckoning | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:55:09 | |
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 Smoothie Recipe: Powders: IM8 Essentials Pro + Longevity Stack in Flavor Lemon/Orange 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 | |||
| Bad Hotels, Good Hair & Better Boundaries | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:49:47 | |
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. Cabo Instagram: @theinstallpodcast Tik Tok: @theinstallpocast YouTube: @theinstalldesignpodcast Paloma: Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign Tik Tok: @palomacontrerasdesign Caroline: Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign Tik Tok: @carolinegidieredesignbts Shop My: @carolinegidiere | |||
| How Travel Shapes the Way We Design and How We Live | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:53:38 | |
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:
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: Instagram: @palomacontrerasdesign Tik Tok: @palomacontrerasdesign Caroline: Instagram: @carolinegidieredesign Tik Tok: @carolinegidieredesignbts Shop My: @carolinegidiere | |||
| Bunny Mellon Behind the Scenes with Bryan Huffman | 09 Jun 2026 | 01:03:54 | |
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
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| Talking Shop with Heidi Callier | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:58:49 | |
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
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| Technology & Design + Tour Recap, Beauty, Fashion & More | 26 May 2026 | 01:00:18 | |
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| Inside the Photoshoot: Next Level Styling with Editor and Stylist Ben Reynaert | 19 May 2026 | 00:59:24 | |
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
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| Chinoiserie Tour: On Location at Belvoir Castle | 12 May 2026 | 00:37:02 | |
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
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| Building A Brand with Mark D. Sikes | 05 May 2026 | 01:06:49 | |
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
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| Inside the Photoshoot: Hiring a Photographer with Isabel Parra | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:56:13 | |
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
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| Hiring A Designer | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:57:51 | |
Paloma and Caroline tackle the recurring listener question what to know when hiring a designer. The conversation delves into the process of hiring an interior designer, the role of the designer in various project stages, considerations for client involvement, and the importance of trust and understanding in the client-designer relationship. Key takeaways include the significance of trust in the designer's process and the importance of a positive client-designer relationship based on mutual trust and respect. The two also discuss the challenges in the design industry, the importance of artisan craft and craftsmanship, using lotion, botox frequency, and the impact of aging on personal care and cosmetic procedures. Chapters
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| Inside the Photoshoot: Pitching for Press with Veranda EIC Steele Marcoux | 14 Apr 2026 | 01:08:53 | |
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. Takeaways
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| Design Destination: Palm Beach | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:49:55 | |
The conversation begins with a discussion about the highs and lows of the week. The conversation then delves into Palm Beach as a design destination and its popularity post-COVID. The conversation covers a range of topics related to Palm Beach, including accommodations, dining, and design. It also delves into the concept of consignment shops as a source for unique home decor items and discusses the use of patterned sofas in design. Additionally, the conversation explores ways to enhance the design of a spec home on a budget. Takeaways
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| You'd Be Surprised to Learn: Introducing Your Hosts | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:05:35 | |
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. Takeaways
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Send your questions to questions@theinstallpodcast.com. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe and follow us on Insta @theinstallpodcast. @palomacontrerasdesign, @carolinegidieredesign | |||
| Save vs. Splurge | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:52:50 | |
The conversation covers a range of topics including family updates, highs and lows of the week, dressing and decorating aesthetics, and saving and splurging in interiors and fashion. The speakers discuss the balance of high and low in design, the importance of comfort and style in fashion, and the value of quality over quantity in design and fashion. The conversation covers a range of topics related to interior design, fashion, and personal style. Key takeaways include the importance of investing in quality upholstery and lighting, saving on trend pieces, splurging on handbags and shoes, and the significance of comfortable and timeless denim. The chapters explore various aspects of interior design, fashion, and lifestyle, providing valuable insights and recommendations for the audience. Takeaways
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