Confessions of an Interior Designer: Episode Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: Confessions of an Interior Designer
- Host: Caroline Turner
- Description: Hosted by Caroline Turner, a luxury interior designer with over a decade of experience, this podcast delves into the unspoken, often chaotic realities of the high-end interior design world. Each episode features candid conversations and anonymous confessions from industry insiders, revealing the humorous and challenging aspects of designing for luxury clients.
Episode Title: I Confess… My Dream Project Became a Divorce Gift
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Guests: Madison Malaga, Interior Designer at CM Interiors
Introduction
Caroline Turner [00:04]:
“Welcome to Confessions of an Interior Designer. I'm your host, Caroline Turner. Here we talk through the crazy stories that they certainly don't tell you in design school, because, let's face it, every space has its sins. Are you ready to hear confession?”
In this episode, Caroline welcomes Madison Malaga from CM Interiors, highlighting Madison's impressive online presence and creative design style.
Guest Introduction
Madison Malaga [00:47]:
“I'm so excited. Thank you so much for having me.”
Madison shares her excitement and nervousness about being on the podcast, setting a relaxed and conversational tone for the episode.
Madison’s Journey into Interior Design
Madison Malaga [01:13]:
“I work with my mom, and growing up, she's so creative and was always doing DIYs...”
Madison discusses her background, growing up in a creative household, frequently moving, and being encouraged to design her own spaces. Her passion for design was initially complemented by her love for photography, which eventually led her to formal design education and collaboration with her mother.
Madison Malaga [02:14]:
“But I've always been drawn to design...”
Eventually, Madison transitioned from a general studies degree to design school, partnering with her mother to build a growing interior design business.
Confessions: Dream Project as a Divorce Gift
Caroline Turner [18:47]:
“Let me tell you about one of the most complicated and shocking projects I've ever worked on...”
Madison recounts a particularly harrowing project where she designed a home for a couple who appeared to have a harmonious partnership. Halfway through, Caroline narrates how the wife discovered her husband’s affair, leading to a tense working environment.
Caroline Turner [23:10]:
“...this house is her divorce gift.”
Timestamp: [22:57]
This revelation—where the husband intended the house to be a divorce gift—turned the project into an emotional and ethically complex situation. Madison and Caroline discuss the impact on the designer, the client’s relationship, and the emotional toll of such projects.
Challenges with Client Credit and Ethical Practices
Caroline Turner [43:02]:
“They have all been wronged. They all hate him. They're taking it out on the man who's living in their home.”
Madison and Caroline delve into the frustration of clients who take credit for the designer’s work, sharing personal experiences where clients either undervalued their contributions or outright credited themselves for the design.
Caroline Turner [46:43]:
“...if you hire a designer that is a luxury service, why aren't you telling people that you did that?”
They emphasize the importance of proper credit in the industry, advocating for designers to protect their work and reputation through contracts and clear agreements.
Managing Workload and Social Media
Caroline Turner [63:29]:
“I always hired earlier than I technically should have... managing people.”
Madison shares strategies for hiring help, stressing the importance of expanding the team when workload increases and the benefits of gradual scaling. They discuss the critical role of social media in attracting clients.
Madison Malaga [67:37]:
“Having a dedicated person for that, if you can, is awesome.”
Both guests agree that delegating social media tasks to dedicated team members or hiring specialists significantly enhances business growth and client acquisition.
Strategies for Handling Difficult Clients
Caroline Turner [53:15]:
“That's what I love the idea.”
Timestamp: [53:15]
Madison provides practical advice on dealing with clients who attempt to exploit or undervalue the designer’s work. They highlight the necessity of setting boundaries, maintaining professionalism, and the importance of contracts to prevent such issues.
Caroline Turner [62:42]:
“Or you do the designer, I'll do the client.”
Timestamp: [62:42]
They humorously suggest penance for unethical clients and designers, reinforcing the podcast’s lighthearted yet insightful exploration of industry challenges.
Insights on Photographer and Designer Relationships
Caroline Turner [47:04]:
“Yeah, we're going to do a photography one too also.”
The conversation shifts to the intricate relationship between designers and photographers. They discuss the challenges of crediting designers appropriately and the financial dynamics involved when designers pay photographers to showcase their work.
Caroline Turner [48:14]:
“...but if you didn't pay them to shoot it.”
Timestamp: [48:14]
They critique the current system where designers invest heavily in photography but often do not receive proportional credit, advocating for better recognition and equitable agreements.
Effective Workload Management
Caroline Turner [63:29]:
“How do you know when it's the right time to hire help?”
Madison and Caroline explore effective strategies for managing business growth, balancing workload with personal time, and the importance of having dedicated roles within the team to handle various aspects of the business, including social media and client management.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Madison Malaga [75:49]:
“Yeah. It really is. And I think everyone who is in the design industry, like, I'm continually impressed with everyone.”
Caroline and Madison conclude on a positive note, celebrating the artistry and personal fulfillment that comes with interior design. They emphasize the deep emotional connections designers forge through their work and the tangible impact they have on clients' lives.
Caroline Turner [77:54]:
“Thank you so much for having me. This was so much fun.”
Timestamp: [78:06]
They express gratitude towards each other and their listeners, reinforcing the supportive community within the interior design industry.
Notable Quotes
-
Madison Malaga [04:16]:
“I had to pry the mattress off the ground. Cause it was covered in dirt... It was so gross.” -
Caroline Turner [12:42]:
“That was really, really good. So much easier to just be like, I'm so sorry, but the equation doesn't add up.” -
Madison Malaga [55:45]:
“...we can say a whole home tour or just certain tours in certain areas and not mention anything.” -
Caroline Turner [77:22]:
“It's kind of a private and, like, special thing... no one knows the literal blood, sweat, and tears that it took to get you there.”
Key Takeaways
- Collaborative Growth: Working alongside family can be both rewarding and challenging in the interior design industry.
- Emotional Impact of Design Projects: Projects can intertwine deeply with clients' personal lives, creating complex emotional narratives.
- Importance of Credit and Ethics: Designers must advocate for proper recognition of their work to maintain professional integrity.
- Strategic Business Management: Hiring strategically and delegating tasks like social media are crucial for sustainable business growth.
- Navigating Difficult Clients: Establishing clear boundaries and robust contracts are essential to protect designers from exploitative practices.
- Value of Photography in Design: Equitable arrangements between designers and photographers are necessary to ensure mutual benefit and proper credit.
Connect with Caroline Turner and Madison Malaga:
-
Caroline Turner:
- Instagram: ConfessionsofID
- TikTok: carolineturnerinteriors
- Podcast and Show Notes: Confessions of an Interior Designer
-
Madison Malaga:
- Instagram: adisonmalaga
- TikTok: adisonmalaga
- Joint Instagram with CM Interiors: CM Interiors
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Whether you're an industry veteran or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes stories of luxury interior design, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the personal and professional challenges faced by designers like Madison and Caroline. From unexpected personal dramas to ethical dilemmas, "Confessions of an Interior Designer" ensures listeners are both entertained and enlightened.