Podcast Summary: Confessions of an Interior Designer Episode: I confess… spit spoiled the sale Release Date: February 26, 2025
Introduction
In this captivating episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer, host Caroline Turner sits down with Kristin Kalli Schlommer, the dynamic owner and founder of Kalia Stone Boutique based in Chicago. Kristin brings over a decade of experience in the luxury interior design industry, specializing in natural stone materials. Together, they delve into Kristin’s journey, the challenges of running a stone boutique, and share intriguing confession stories that shed light on the behind-the-scenes realities of high-end design.
Guest Introduction: Kristin Kalli Schlommer
Caroline warmly welcomes Kristin to the show, expressing her excitement to discuss all things natural stone.
[00:04] Caroline: "Welcome to Confessions of an Interior Designer. I'm your host, Caroline Turner... Are you ready to hear confession?"
[00:40] Kristin: "Oh, my gosh. My pleasure."
Kristin introduces herself as the founder of Kalia Stone Boutique, highlighting her passion for natural stone and her mission to infuse glamor and sophistication into the stone market.
Career Journey and Entrepreneurial Leap
Kristin recounts her early days in interior design, admitting her struggles with traditional design roles which led her to specialize in materials.
[01:26] Kristin: "I graduated in interior design, and I'm also the worst interior designer... I ended up in the materials route in 2008."
Her initial stint at Delt provided her with invaluable customer service experience, but it was her time at Levantina that truly shaped her career. Facing unexpected layoffs and taking on expansive responsibilities, Kristin navigated through a tumultuous environment, ultimately gaining extensive knowledge about the natural stone industry.
[02:38] Kristin: "I had to cover Indiana, Wisconsin, St. Louis, and Iowa... It was intense."
As Levantina underwent changes, Kristin seized the opportunity to start her own boutique. Discussing the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, she emphasizes the importance of taking chances and building a strong support system.
[05:13] Kristin: "We have to take chances... It's either a reason why there's not a stone showroom in Chicago, or maybe it just wouldn't work."
Caroline echoes Kristin’s sentiments about the critical moment when designers decide between safety and ambition.
[07:30] Caroline: "But if you have that little thing inside of you that's telling you, I think we can do this, that's when you do have to jump and take the chance."
Building a Reliable Team and Client Relations
Kristin highlights the significance of a trustworthy team and effective communication with clients and suppliers. She shares anecdotes about managing her boutique, emphasizing adaptability and the ability to swiftly address challenges.
[08:09] Kristin: "You lose a lot. You take a chance, you put yourself out there."
Caroline and Kristin discuss the importance of saying "yes" to client requests when feasible, fostering strong relationships, and valuing quality partnerships.
[04:34] Kristin: "It's where we live. And yes, I'm sure you're with your clients and people are asking you what you can and can't."
[4:56] Kristin: "I think that's another thing. It's like putting a price on what people value."
Natural Stone vs. Quartz: A Passionate Debate
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the merits of natural stone compared to quartz. Caroline passionately shares her disdain for quartz, citing environmental and health concerns, while Kristin defends the aesthetic and durable advantages of natural stone.
[29:00] Caroline: "I dare even say that word on this podcast. I am a outspoken quartz hater... it creates silica in the air, which leads to silicosis."
Kristin counters by highlighting the timeless beauty and unique characteristics of natural stone, advocating for its sustainability and the artistry involved in sourcing each slab.
[20:16] Kristin: "Natural stone becomes a focal point... It really makes the space come to life."
They discuss the misconception that natural stone is less durable than quartz, with Kristin offering insights into maintenance and longevity.
[31:24] Kristin: "There is a billion dollars in an industry that is meant to scare people out of natural stone."
Caroline reinforces the emotional connection and enduring quality of natural stone in design projects.
[30:34] Caroline: "I love that part of the home... it’s a reflection of a well-lived life."
Confession 1: Slabs Sold Amidst Rivalry
Caroline recounts a harrowing experience where reserved slabs for her project were sold to another designer due to a feud between stone reps. This incident underscores the importance of reliable communication and professional ethics in the industry.
[40:31] Caroline: "I immediately called my stone rep... I was told that they had been sold... It was so caught up in their personal rivalry."
Kristin responds by condemning such unprofessional behavior, emphasizing that teams should prioritize client needs over internal conflicts.
[42:48] Kristin: "And that's how you lose the trust of all designers... rep's supposed to aid you in making the sale."
They discuss strategies to prevent such issues, including establishing clear communication protocols and building strong relationships with trusted fabricators.
[44:04] Kristin: "Communication is key... We have to communicate effectively to avoid releasing holds unnecessarily."
Confession 2: The Licking Stone Rep
In another confession, Caroline describes an uncomfortable encounter with a stone rep who unprofessionally licks her finger during a demonstration, leaving her and her clients appalled.
[58:46] Caroline: "The rep licked her finger and ran it down the slab... My clients were horrified."
Kristin finds the behavior unacceptable and reinforces the importance of professionalism in client interactions.
[63:11] Kristin: "I have never licked my fingers to show... It’s something we don't do on our team."
They humorously discuss the incident, underscoring the necessity for reps to maintain professionalism to preserve client trust.
Final Thoughts and Personal Connections
As the episode winds down, Caroline and Kristin share personal anecdotes and discuss the importance of maintaining work-life balance. They celebrate each other's successes and reinforce the value of supportive professional relationships.
[65:27] Kristin: "I got to do in a patience for just a nature."
[67:17] Kristin: "I'm always in Elk Grove Village... Our inventory is beautiful."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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[04:19] Kristin: "I felt like, yeah, that's pretty much what it was. But Houses learned a lot about accounting..."
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[07:30] Caroline: "If you have that little thing inside of you that's telling you, I think we can do this, that's when you do have to jump and take the chance."
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[29:00] Caroline: "I am a outspoken quartz hater... it creates silica in the air, which leads to silicosis."
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[40:31] Caroline: "I immediately called my stone rep... It was so caught up in their personal rivalry."
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[58:46] Caroline: "The rep licked her finger and ran it down the slab... My clients were horrified."
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[63:11] Kristin: "I have never licked my fingers to show... It’s something we don't do on our team."
Conclusion
This episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer offers a raw and honest glimpse into the complexities of the luxury interior design industry. Through Kristin’s experiences and Caroline’s confessions, listeners gain valuable insights into the importance of professionalism, effective communication, and the enduring appeal of natural stone in creating timeless, beautiful spaces. Whether you're an industry insider or an enthusiast of behind-the-scenes design stories, this episode delivers both laughs and lessons that resonate deeply.
Connect with the Hosts
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Caroline Turner Interiors:
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Kalia Stone Boutique:
Whether you're navigating the challenges of interior design or simply enjoy intriguing industry stories, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform to join Caroline and Kristin in their engaging conversations.