Confessions of an Interior Designer – Episode: "I Confess... I Designed a Red Room"

Release Date: December 11, 2024

Hosts:

• Caroline Turner: Luxury interior designer and founder of Caroline Turner Interiors in Chicago.
• Robert Gigliotti: Content creator, model, and interior decorator based in Los Angeles.

Introduction and Guest Background

Caroline Turner (00:04):
Welcomes listeners to "Confessions of an Interior Designer," a podcast delving into the untold, often outrageous realities of the luxury interior design industry.

Robert Gigliotti (00:32):
Introduces himself as a content creator and interior decorator excited to share his experiences on his first podcast appearance.

Background Stories (00:57 – 03:32):

• Robert shares his journey from Connecticut, being the youngest of six children, and his mother's influence as a horticulturist and florist.
• Mentions transitioning from cosmetology and advertising to full-time content creation, emphasizing creativity on a zero budget by thrifting and DIY projects.
• Caroline relates, highlighting the importance of creativity when working within budget constraints and how it allows designers' talents to shine.

Notable Quote:

Robert (01:02): "I was always that kid. I feel like people always think that I'm meant for something bigger than myself."

Confession #1: The Red Room Request

Setup (09:21 – 12:31):
Caroline recounts her experience interning at a high-end design firm in Pennsylvania, working with a peculiar couple who requested a "red room" for their extracurricular activities.

Design Execution (12:32 – 17:59):

• Decided on deep burgundy walls, velvet paneling, custom leather seating, and moody lighting reminiscent of a speakeasy.
• Special mention of a custom Murano glass chandelier designed to be both delicate and durable.
• The shower was uniquely tiled in black marble with 14 shower heads and a large bench.

Client Reaction (17:00 – 19:29):
Despite initial confusion, the clients were thrilled with the results, though the basement project was omitted from the published portfolio.

Notable Quote:

Caroline (12:31): "The shower was another story entirely. Fully tiled in black marble with 14 shower heads and a bench the size of a twin bed."

Discussion (13:20 – 19:29):
Robert and Caroline discuss the challenges and humor in interpreting such unconventional requests, comparing it to other extreme design projects and contemplating the clients' intentions.

Penance:

• Robert (18:56 – 19:29): Suggests revisiting the storyline from "50 Shades of Grey" as penance, allowing Caroline to relive her intern days with a creative twist.

Confession #2: I Burglarized a Brooch

Setup (19:29 – 20:06):
Caroline shares a morally challenging experience where she discovered a valuable antique brooch hidden behind a built-in bookcase during a renovation project.

Incident Details (20:06 – 23:21):

• Initially considered returning the brooch but rationalized that the disinterested clients might pawn it.
• Chose to keep the brooch, wearing it once, and now seeks absolution for her actions.

Discussion (23:21 – 29:24):

• Robert empathizes, sharing similar experiences where items were taken from renovation projects with unclear ownership.
• Both discuss the ethical dilemmas and potential origins of such hidden items, pondering if they were meant to be concealed for personal reasons.

Penance Suggestions:

1. Donate a special item: Caroline proposes giving away something meaningful to restore balance.
2. Robert’s Ideas:
   • Have a friend discreetly remove an item from Caroline’s space to prompt her to realize the missing brooch and potentially return it.
   • Hide a meaningful $20 bill in a public place as a gesture of fate, encouraging others to find it serendipitously.

Notable Quote:

Caroline (22:45): "I've worn it exactly once to a holiday event. And I have to say it looked damn good."

Rapid Fire Round: Heaven, Purgatory, or Hell

Categories Discussed:

1. All White Kitchens

   • Robert (31:40): Chooses Purgatory, appreciating the clean aesthetic but reserving full approval.
   • Caroline (31:59): Agrees, noting that well-executed white kitchens can be stunning.

2. Eclectic Spaces

   • Robert (32:29): Declares Heaven, loving the mix of styles and avoiding a gimmicky look.
   • Caroline (32:46): Confirms, appreciating the balance between architecture and diverse furniture pieces.

3. Color Drenching

   • Both (33:24): Agree it’s Heaven, valuing the commitment and impactful design.
   • Notable Quote from Caroline (33:54):

     "If you're doing super color drenched, it's like commitment."

4. Jonathan Adler, Quirky Urban Outfitters Decor

   • Robert (46:10): Labels it Hell, criticizing the overly literal and trend-driven pieces that lack timelessness.
   • Caroline (46:32): Shares similar sentiments, feeling it's too literal and not functional.

Notable Quote:

Robert (32:29): "The mix... you don't shop at one place."

Listener Questions

1. Are trends moving way quicker than they used to?

   • Robert (47:58): Affirms, discussing the pros and cons of fast-paced trends, including increased individualism and accessibility to diverse styles via platforms like Pinterest.
   • Caroline (49:38): Highlights how trends help individuals in small towns access broader styles, fostering personal expression despite hyper-speed cycling.

2. How can interior designers leverage TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to gain traction?

   • Robert (53:48): Emphasizes creating content that solves problems rather than showcasing personal aspects. For example, sharing tips on maximizing kitchen storage instead of personal anecdotes.
   • Caroline (55:21): Resonates, agreeing that providing value through problem-solving content can attract clients seeking specific solutions.

Notable Quote:

Robert (53:57): "It's about making content for people."

Closing Segment

Final Reflections (57:38 – 58:31):

• Robert shares a heartwarming experience of celebrating a friend's birthday in Ojai, California, which reinforced his appreciation for meaningful relationships and home aesthetics.
• Caroline echoes the sentiment, valuing time with long-known friends as the essence of home feeling.

Notable Quote:

Caroline (57:59): "Time with your people that have known you for a long time, there's nothing more heartwarming."

Promotion and Farewell (58:49 – End):

• Robert directs listeners to find him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube under the username @robertgigsgigs, inviting them to follow and engage with his content.
• Caroline encourages listeners to rate and subscribe to the podcast, expressing gratitude and excitement for future episodes.

Key Insights and Takeaways

• Creativity Within Constraints: Working with limited budgets can enhance creativity, allowing designers to innovate and utilize unconventional resources like thrifting.
• Ethical Dilemmas in Design: Unexpected challenges, such as discovering valuable items during renovations, can test a designer's integrity and decision-making.
• Embracing Personal Style: Fast-moving trends can both empower individuals to express unique styles and create confusion, leading to a blend of personal taste and widespread influences.
• Content Strategy for Designers: Providing practical, problem-solving content on social media platforms can effectively attract and engage potential clients by showcasing expertise and offering value.
• Meaningful Relationships: Building and maintaining deep, personal connections can enhance the sense of home and fulfillment in both personal and professional realms.

Final Thought: This episode provides a candid glimpse into the unpredictable and often humorous world of luxury interior design, underscored by meaningful discussions on creativity, ethics, trends, and personal growth within the industry.