In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Paloma Contreras has a keen eye for timeless textiles. The Houston-based designer relies on a well-balanced mix of vintage patterns and contemporary colorways to create spaces that exude comfort and sophistication. “My style is built on a traditional foundation, that I love to then infuse with a touch of modernity,” she tells Business of Home.
Inspired by a century-old residential project in Chicago, her flat lay showcases an array of time-honored motifs, including floral chintzes and leopard-spotted prints. “This is both an homage to the things I love and a tangible embodiment of my design aesthetic, diluted down to the essence of a single room.”
Starting with a chartreuse-infused Pyne Hollyhock fabric by Schumacher—a favorite print of Contreras’s design hero Albert Hadley’s—she sprinkled in a handful of gradient green hues and high-contrast color combinations to energize the scheme. “I would call it feminine with gravitas, or traditional with a twist,” she says. “Just like the beautiful, old house we are renovating, it offers a modern take on something with a very classic foundation.”
Here, the designer breaks down the details, from a sisal rug to celery-colored trim.
1. PYNE HOLLYHOCK FABRIC IN GREEN TEA BY SCHUMACHER
“I chose Schumacher’s Pyne Hollyhock fabric as the hero of this design. Its beauty immediately stood out, inspiring me to create an entire space around it.”
2. JULIENNE PIPING IN CELERY BY SAMUEL & SONS
“I love how this trim complements the Holland & Sherry fabric—the colors pair beautifully!”
3. MOIRÉ STRIPE FABRIC IN EBONY BY HELENE BLANCHE
“A classic stripe adds another layer of pattern, creating balance among the other fabrics.”
4. JULIENNE PIPING IN ONYX BY SAMUEL & SONS
“This black trim enhances the custom look when paired with the striped fabric—a stunning combination for upholstery or pillows on a sofa.”
5. SPENCER FABRIC IN LEAF BY JANE SHELTON
“I love this velvet—it’s perfect for upholstering a sofa. The rich green hue adds depth and sophistication to any space.”
6. BEST KEPT SECRET FABRIC IN CELADON AND WHITE BY CULLMAN & KRAVIS AT HOLLAND & SHERRY
“This fabric introduces a modern geometric element, perfectly balancing the traditional floral pattern.”
7. HH1-0553-12 FABRIC BY HIGHLAND HOUSE
“We often design custom furniture for our clients, and I love incorporating Highland House pieces, especially with their performance fabrics.”
8. SEA GLASS WOOD FINISH BY MR. & MRS. HOWARD FOR SHERRILL FURNITURE
“I often lean toward warmer wood tones to bring a sense of grounding and warmth to a space. This maple wood finish would be a stunning choice for a buffet or console table, adding both richness and balance to the design.”
9. WHITE DOVE WOOD FINISH BY HIGHLAND HOUSE
“This wood finish provides a clean and polished look. For this particular scheme, I would use it on a coffee table or end tables to add a sleek, sophisticated touch.”
10. LES TOUCHES COTTON PRINT FABRIC IN BLACK BY BRUNSCHWIG & FILS AT KRAVET
“Brunschwig & Fils’s Les Touches fabric brings a dynamic, artistic flair with its bold spotted pattern. Its balance of structure and whimsy makes it a standout choice.”
11. STUDIO KEY RUG IN CANVAS BY FIBREWORKS
“This Greek-patterned sisal rug brings texture and warmth while serving as a versatile foundation that complements both modern and traditional styles.”
12. GRACIE SOLID STRIÉ IN IVORY BY SCHUMACHER
“A refined choice for drapery, this fabric’s subtle strié effect adds depth—perfect for an elegant living or dining space.”
13. ROYÈRE SCROLL TRIM IN BLACK BY PALOMA CONTRERAS FOR SCHUMACHER
“My Royère Scroll trim, created in collaboration with Schumacher, is a go-to. Its playful design complements both modern and traditional spaces beautifully.”
