Talk Shop: Devon Liedtke // Paloma & Co.
ABOUT DEVON
One of our favorite people in the small Instagram world of design, Devon Liedtke’s taste and kindness are unparalleled. With three adorable babies (two twin girls and a newborn boy!) and juggling her job as co-founder of Paloma & Co (with another Fenimore Lane favorite, Paloma Contreras), Devon continually inspires us.
The multi-hyphenate’s love and appreciation for curating began at a young age, and started in a garden (more on that below!)Though gardening was Devon’s creative outlet, she graduated college with a business degree and worked as a CPA. But it’s no surprise that she returned to her first love and later attended design school in London and Paris. After school, Devon returned to Houston and started working for Paloma, and after working under Paloma’s wing for a few years, Paloma and Devon decided to enter the retail world as business partners in 2019 with the launch of their gorgeously curated shop. We loved hearing more about Devon’s story, and hope you enjoy it just as much as we did!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Collected, textural, tonal.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Growing up, I would garden with my dad every weekend. He even gave me a prominent spot in the garden where I could test anything I wanted to grow. (Now, that is love!) I remember testing peonies that he vehemently told me wouldn’t work in our climate. When the first peony bloomed, boy did I feel validated! This really instilled my love for nature, flowers, and perhaps most importantly, trying new things and having my own opinions. Then, as an adult, going abroad for design school really helped me to hone in on my own personal aesthetic. The exciting thing is that it is still evolving.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
My favorite thing about what I do is finding unique items we love and sharing them with our customers. The other day an artist we represent at Paloma and Co. messaged me thanking me for all of the business we have brought him. It is neat to form relationships with such talented people and share their talents.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Yes. This is actually a pretty cool story. Buckle up.
Right before I went to London for design school, I emailed a blogger I loved and I asked her to coffee to talk shop and ask about working in design. We stayed in touch while I was abroad. When I got back home, she offered me a job in her design firm. I was so excited to start my career with this blogger and designer I had so admired. Fast forward five years, and that blogger and designer is my business partner. So in my case, my mentor, Paloma Contreras became my friend and business partner.
But then, how could I answer this question without also mentioning my husband, Taylor. He has always been by my side cheering me on. When I decided to make a career switch to follow my passions, he was there every step of the way. I will always be so grateful to him to give me the nudges I have needed along the way to pursue my dreams.
What does your home say about you:
It will scream “Art is my weakness!” I think it will also tell you that I am a collector. When I love something, I buy it and I find a place for it later.
Where do you find inspiration:
Nature, travel, Instagram, Pinterest, and design books.
Who are your style icons:
Carolyn Bessette and Gwenyth Paltrow.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Good food, a beautifully set table, and most importantly, good wine!
Do you collect anything:
Yes! My walls will tell you art, my cabinets will tell you dishes, and my husband will tell you lamps!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
Always finding so many good ones to follow: Recent bookmarks: @savoygardens @jillsharpstudio, @hendersonjayne, @amandakellyinteriors, @sir_brianlamont, @arielokin and @moncxiii.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I try to live by Miles Redd’s motto and save to buy the best and only cry once. I moved a few years ago and I find myself selling all of the items that I bought just to fill my last house. This time around I am slowly purchasing items that I know I will love and want to keep forever.
What are you working on right now:
My house, always.
Wardrobe staples:
I am all about the classics. For my wardrobe, a great watch with a great pair of jeans, classic white blouse, and a pair of mules.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Buy what you love, not what others love or you think you should love.
Best career advice you ever received:
Just start somewhere. But, start.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in art and lighting. I save on rugs. With three kids and two dogs, nothing can be too precious and that lesson was learned early!
Your greatest extravagance:
Fresh flowers every week.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Auctions and Antique Markets.
Most prized possession and why:
I am very sentimental, so anything dealing with my family. Top of my mind, the watch and eternity band my husband gave me when our children were born. My photos also mean so much to me for the same reason. So, the 127,263 photos I have on my phone documenting family, travel, and inspiration over the years, also top the list.
Your interiors motto:
Buy what you love and find a place for it later.
Your life motto:
I read a quote recently and it really resonated. “Give yourself permission to live a big life. Step into who you are meant to be. Stop playing small. You are meant for great things.” I bookmarked, starred, highlighted this one. You just have to go after it!
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Think about what you gravitate towards and own it. There is a reason you gravitate towards things, these are the things you love, these are the things that define your style.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Since I have made it three times this week, I am going with Olive Oil Cake.
Drink: My quarantine trashcan says Red Wine.
Film: Sliding Doors
Hotel: Cape Kidnappers
City: London
Bedding: Peacock Alley
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): I have identical twin three year olds and a four month old baby.. who are you kidding! Tea AND coffee! Tea: Iced Green Tea, unsweetened. Coffee: Drip Coffee with foamed nut pods and a little honey.
Playlist: I always have our Sonos playing. When working: Classical, Amos Lee, Mt. Joy. When Cooking: Anything from Bonnie Raitt, The Fugees, Pearl Jam, to Elvis. We like variety around here.
Weekend Activity: Naps all around.
Design Book: So many quarantine-induced favorites right now, but currently diving back into Darryl Carter: The Collected Home
