Podcast
Confessions of an Interior Designer
Hosted by Caroline Turner · EN
Welcome to Confessions of an Interior Designer, the weekly podcast that uncovers the hilarious, chaotic, and downright shocking realities behind the luxury interior design industry. I’m your host, Caroline Turner—luxury interior designer and founder of Caroline Turner Interiors in Chicago. With over 10 years in the field, I’ve gathered stories from every corner of the design world, and now, I’m sharing them with you.
This isn’t about design trends or technical advice—it’s about the real experiences you never hear about. In each episode, my guests and I react to anonymous listener confessions, swapping outrageous stories that reveal the unexpected challenges and joys that come with designing for high-end clients. From chaotic installs to deadline disasters, it’s the kind of gossip we usually save for happy hour.
Whether you’re an industry insider or just love juicy behind-the-scenes stories, Confessions of an Interior Designer will make you laugh, gasp, and feel like you’re right there in the thick of it with us.
What to Expect:
* Anonymous confessions from the design world, discussed and dissected.
* Candid conversations with interior designers and industry insiders.
* Real, funny, and raw moments you won’t hear anywhere else.
Where to Listen:
Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Got a Confession?
Your secret’s safe with us! Submit your anonymous confession here: https://carolineturner.co/pages/confessions
Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confessionsofid/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolineturnerinteriors
Join the conversation in our Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/confessionsofid/
Learn more about the podcast, guests, and episodes: https://carolineturner.co/pages/confessions
Ready to hear confession? Listen now!
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
I Confess... Why Designers (& Divorces) Exist
Feb 2501:00:16Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner is joined by Sarah Annand, an artist and textile designer, and founder of OAT Studio. Her textiles are created with an architectural influence, and designed and made in Australia. With a background in art, photography, and over a decade in the textile industry, her work reflects a lifelong fascination with design, Canberra’s modernist and brutalist structures, and a thoughtful, considered use of color.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Sarah's Background19:33: Guest Vice22:36: Confession #1: The Reveal That Revealed Too Much30:38: Confession #2: Why Designers (& Divorces) Exist41:49: Guest Questions57:10: What Made Sarah Feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Socials:Instagram: @oat_studioWebsite: https://oatstudio.com.au/Got a juicy confession or design dilemma? Submit anonymously here.Help others find us! Give us a quick rating or review on your pod platform - we appreciate every one of you.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📝 Credits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI Confess... I'm Leaving
Feb 1800:54:49Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!This episode is a special one. Gracie and Caroline have a candid (and a little bit emotional) conversation about the past, present, and future. Favorite memories, least favorite memories, and everything in between.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Gracie Returns08:09: How It Started17:17: Advice32:01: Gracie Asks Questions38:17: Memories & The Future42:25: Final Thoughts-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Got a juicy confession or design dilemma? Submit anonymously here.Help others find us! Give us a quick rating or review on your pod platform - we appreciate every one of you.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📝 Credits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI Confess... Frenemy Sabotage
Feb 1101:04:09Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner by Hema Persad, founder of Sagrada Studio. After starting her career as an attorney, Hema transitioned into fashion, spending years styling A-list celebrities and major campaigns before moving into interior design in 2021. She now leads residential and commercial projects across the country through Sagrada Studio, a practice rooted in the belief that our homes and creative spaces are sacred, and designed with a focus on culture, luxury, and comfort.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Hema's Background17:43: Guest Vice19:33: Confession #1: Frenemy Sabotage44:06: Confession #2: The Wallpaper Nightmare54:04: Guest Questions62:00: What Made Hema Feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Socials:Instagram: @hemaapersadWebsite: SagradaStudio.comGot a juicy confession or design dilemma? Submit anonymously here.Help others find us! Give us a quick rating or review on your pod platform - we appreciate every one of you.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📝 Credits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI Confess... My Project Went Up In Flames
Feb 400:56:35Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner is joined by Corey Lohmann, principal designer and founder of Corey Lohmann Design. With more than two decades in luxury interior design, and an international portfolio, Corey draws a unique inspiration from her travels, infusing global influence with a deep appreciation for historic details.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Corey's background18:58: Guest Vice20:01: Confession #1: My Project Went Up In Flames26:38: Confession #2: The Ex-Wife Erasure36:14: Guest Questions55:06: What Made Corey Feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Socials:Instagram: @corey.lohmann.designWebsite: coreylohmanndesign.comGot a juicy confession or design dilemma? Submit anonymously here.Help others find us! Give us a quick rating or review on your pod platform - we appreciate every one of you.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📝 Credits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI Confess... My Clients Were Cats
Jan 2800:57:43Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner is joined by Tyka Pryde — an interior designer and Emmy-nominated production designer with eight seasons as lead Art Director on Netflix’s Queer Eye and credits across every major network. Tyka approaches interiors through beauty, wellness, and individuality, working across television, residential, and commercial projects while sharing industry insight with designers through her online platforms.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Tyka's background09:43: Guest Vice & Questions25:00: Confession #1: Daddy's Girl35:02: Confession #2: My Clients Were Cats42:25: Guest Questions55:43: What made Tyka feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Socials:Instagram: @tykaprydeWebsite: tykapryde.comGot a juicy confession or design dilemma? Submit anonymously here.Help others find us! Give us a quick rating or review on your pod platform - we appreciate every one of you.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📝 Credits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI Confess... I Painted the Town Red
Jan 2101:03:48Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner is joined by Meghan Jay, a designer who blends bold color, global inspiration, and a love for pieces with real history. She’s the founder of her namesake studio, known for interiors that are joyful, personal, and full of whimsy. When she’s not designing, you’ll often find her hunting for vintage treasures around Chicago with her kids in tow.This week's confessions feature a client whose actions bordered on identity theft, and a typo that almost ruined one designer's project.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Meghan's background13:59: Guest Vice18:58: Confession #1: The single-digit mistake29:24: Confession #2: The copycat client42:06: Guest Questions60:37: What made Meghan feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Socials:Instagram: meghanjaydesignWebsite: meghanjaydesign.comGot a juicy confession or design dilemma? Submit anonymously here.Help others find us! Give us a quick rating or review on your pod platform - we appreciate every one of you.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📝 Credits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI Confess... My Client Was a Creep
Jan 1401:26:34Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner chats with Jenna Peffley, an interior, lifestyle, celebrity, and travel photographer, as well as a an artist and brand strategist. Jenna’s work has been featured in publications such like Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Veranda, andVogue Living, showcasing her expertise in photography, brand strategy, and creative direction.As always, this episode features two confessions that prove once again that the wildest design stories never make it into the portfolio. From a celebrity project nearly derailed by an overreaching assistant to an unsettling client request that crossed personal and professional boundaries, this episode dives headfirst into the uncomfortable, unbelievable, and very real moments designers face.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Jenna’s background12:45: Guest Vice14:10: Confession #1: The Assistant-Designed Disaster29:33: Confession #2: My Client Was a Creep52:46: Guest Questions85:03: What made Jenna feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Follow Jenna for refined interior photography that captures the story behind the space:Instagram: @jennapeffleyWebsite: jennapeffley.comGot a juicy confession or design dilemma? Submit anonymously here.Help others find us! Give us a quick rating or review on your pod platform - we appreciate every one of you.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📝 Credits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI confess… I was suspected of an affair
Jan 701:13:37Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner chats with Audra Kiewiet de Jonge, founder of Art/Artefact, a nationally recognized art advisory and design practice that places exceptional art collections at the heart of every project. Audra brings a unique art-first perspective rooted in her training as a painter and art historian, curating interiors and collections that feel thoughtful, unexpected, and deeply personal.Caroline also reads two anonymous confessions packed with drama: the first involving a client’s girlfriend who became convinced the designer was crossing personal lines, and another about a project where artwork raised more questions than it answered.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest introduction: Audra’s background and founding Art/Artefact15:37: Vice: Audra’s indulgence and how she unwinds19:33: Confession #1: Suspect of an Affair39:07: Confession #2: The Missing Heirloom55:27: Guest questions71:17: Things that made Audra feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Elevate your passion! Follow Audra for thoughtful, innovative design:Instagram: @art__artefactWebsite: artartefact.comGot a juicy confession or design dilemma? Submit anonymously here.Help others find us! Give us a quick rating or review on your pod platform - we appreciate every one of you.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📝 Credits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI confess... someone was watching
Dec 1701:11:07Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner chats with Lauren Lothrop Caron, founder of Studio Laloc, a Seattle-based interiors firm celebrated for its richly layered, timeless spaces. Lauren shares how she transitioned from fashion to interiors, why she believes every home deserves soul and depth, and how she balances classic design principles with real-life client needs. She and Caroline explore the emotional rhythms of long-term projects, the power of patience, and the magic that happens when clients lean into trust.Caroline also reads two shocking anonymous confessions — first, a designer whose client discovered hidden cameras planted in her walls by her husband, and second, a story about an architect who told a client she didn’t need a designer at all… because Pinterest exists.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest introduction: Lauren’s path from fashion to interiors12:19: Vice: Lauren’s personal indulgence20:23: Confession #1: Cameras hidden in the walls32:09: Confession #2: Architect dismisses designers in favor of Pinterest54:39: Audience questions66:20: Things that made Lauren feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Stay inspired—follow Lauren for beautifully collected, timeless interiors:Instagram: @studiolalocWebsite: studiolaloc.comGot a juicy confession or design dilemma? Submit anonymously here.Help others find us! Give us a quick rating or review on your pod platform - we appreciate every one of you.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📝 Credits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI confess... felons are my niche
Dec 1001:09:19Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner chats with Maegan Blau, founder of Blue Copper Design, a Phoenix-based designer known for her vibrant, modern take on accessible and inclusive spaces. Maegan shares her journey from navigating her own wheelchair-accessible home renovation to building a design philosophy rooted in creativity, adaptability, and the belief that accessibility can still be beautiful. Caroline and Maegan dive deep into advocating for clients, redefining what “livable design” means, and designing spaces that honor every stage of a person’s life.Caroline also reads two anonymous confessions — the first from a designer who kept hearing voices in an old home, and the second involving a client who, during a site visit, revealed an unexpected surprise… an ankle monitor.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest introduction: Sarah’s background and path into editorial design18:03: Maegan Blau's Vice20:37: Confession #1: Voices in an old home27:52: Confession #2: Client with an ankle monitor37:07: Questions63:18: What made Maegan Feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Stay inspired—follow Maegan for bold, accessible design insights:Instagram: @bluecopperdesignWebsite: bluecopper.designGot a juicy confession or design dilemma? Submit anonymously here.Help others find us! Give us a quick rating or review on your pod platform - we appreciate every one of you.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 Connect with Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📝 Credits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
Summary