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… accessory to death
Dec 300:54:42Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner sits down with Sarah Lyon, a writer, editor, stylist, and design-obsessed creative whose work has appeared in Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, Domino, and more. Sarah shares how she carved out a career at the intersection of interiors and storytelling, why she loves highlighting real homes, and what she’s learned from stepping into countless personal spaces. Caroline and Sarah dive into the realities of styling, navigating client expectations, and the surprising emotional layers behind their work.And of course,Caroline reads two anonymous confessions from fellow designers: one about discovering a client’s literal ashes hidden inside their antique furniture, and another about stumbling upon a rare tapestry without realizing how valuable it truly was.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest introduction: Sarah’s background and path into editorial design26:01: Sarah's Vice28:11: Confession #1: Designing with the dead: Ashes hidden in a client’s antique furniture33:01: Confession #2: The rare tapestry find I didn’t know was priceless43:30: Questions50:59: What made Sarah feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Stay inspired—follow Sarah for beautifully told design stories:Instagram: @sarahlyon9Website: sarahilyon.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.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 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 went rogue
Nov 2600:49:25Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner chats with Abigail Morris, founder of Abigail Morris Interiors, known for her warm, layered spaces and thoughtful, client-centered approach. Abigail shares her journey from design school to running her own studio, what she’s learned about setting boundaries, and how she approaches projects with both creativity and clarity. Caroline and Abigail dive into unexpected client dynamics, the realities of managing budgets, and how designers cope with the emotional labor of their work.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Abigail’s design background and philosophy10:25: Abigail’s vice11:09: Confession #1 - Client paid a designer but remodeled the entire space in a weekend20:04: Confession #2 - Client turning a single mistake into multiple tragedies34:43: Questions44:39: What made Abigail feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Stay inspired—follow Abigail for cozy, crafted interiors:Instagram: @Abigail.Morris.InteriorsWebsite: AbigailMorrisInteriors.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.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 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… the art that bared it all
Nov 1900:54:55Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner sits down with Laura Lester, founder of Lester Fine Art, an advisor specializing in modern, post-war, and contemporary art. With nearly 20 years of experience in New York and Chicago, Laura has advised private collectors and interior designers, curated major exhibitions, and served on the Women’s Board of the MCA Chicago. In this episode Laura talks about commissioning art, working with high-end collectors, and the importance of clear expectations when a project involves large, statement works. Caroline also reads two anonymous listener confessions and reacts—one about a client who insisted everything be “collectible” (money no object), and the other about a dramatic commissioned artwork that caused a jaw-dropping installation moment.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Laura’s background and industry journey20:47: Laura’s vice21:47: Confession #1 - Everything must be collectible and money isn't a problem37:20: Confession #2 - Dramatic commissioned artwork of the "masculine" variety.49:14: Question #1 - What's one thing you wish every designer unstood about working with art?50:59: Question #2 - What's your advice for designers who want to establish and maintain a long term relationship with an art advisor? 52:23: What made Laura feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Discover modern & contemporary art collecting! Follow Laura for collecting & advisory insights::Instagram: @LesterFineArtWebsite: lesterfineart.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.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 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 gave my client bedbugs
Nov 1201:03:46Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner sits down with Erica and Matt Bryen of Kismet House. Together, the pair share how they balance design, family, and their very different approach to both their personal and professional challenges. Erica opens up about her journey from hobbyist decorator to the founder of Kismet House, the power of vulnerability in design, and the lessons learned from sharing her life online. Matt offers his perspective on shifting his career after a firefighting injury, and how to support your wife in her vision as a designer.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Erica and Matt’s background and industry journey20:54: Erica and Matts vice22:55: Confession #1 - The Paris trip gone wrong34:22: Confession #2 - The rug disaster41:30: Question #1 - As a passion project, at what point did it feel like it could be bigger?46:19: Question #2 - Because of how you structure your content, do you feel your followers feel more connected with you?49:58: Question #3 - What's a design risk you've taken that has paid off and one that didn't go as planned?53:23: Question #4 - What have you learned about each other through the process of designing and building as a team?57:48: What made Erica and Matt feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Stay inspired! Follow Erica & Matt for honest, down-to-earth design inspiration:Instagram: @kismethouseWebsite: Kismet-House.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.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 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 silent client took all the credit
Nov 501:00:46Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner sits down with Zoë Feldman, founder and principal designer of Zoë Feldman Design, a Washington, D.C. based interior design firm celebrated for its sophisticated, sustainable, and personality-driven spaces. Zoë opens up about her path from working under Alexa Hampton to building her own nationally recognized firm, how she balances bold design with timeless appeal, and why vulnerability has been a secret ingredient to her success. Together, Caroline and Zoë explore the emotional side of design, from managing client expectations to creating spaces that truly reflect the people who live in them.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner01:10: Zoë’s background and industry journey21:42: Zoë’s vice23:06: Confession #1 - Non-responsive client takes all the credit34:58: Confession #2 - AI client references48:23: Question #1 - What was a decision you agonized over that made a huge difference?52:29: Question #2 - Hearing more on the Give Back Program/Initiative. How were you inspired to do that and how does it work?56:33: Question #3 - How do you balance your partnership and media opportunities with the time you devote to your firm? 58:07: What made Zoë feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Stay inspired! Follow Zoë for bold and beautiful design inspiration:Instagram: @zoefeldmandesignWebsite: zoefeldmandesign.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.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 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… season 1 might be over, but we’re just getting started
Mar 19, 202501:02:02Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner wraps up an incredible first season with a compilation of some of the juiciest and most unforgettable confession moments. Caroline reflects on the journey of creating the podcast, the overwhelming support from listeners, and the incredible stories that have shaped this season. She shares her excitement for season two, with big plans and amazing guests already lined up. Caroline also invites listeners to share their feedback—what you loved, what you’d change, and what you’d like to hear more of next season. Plus, don’t miss her tips on how to stay connected during the break and make sure you’re the first to hear when season two drops!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:21: Caroline season 1 sign-off02:18: Confession #01 - The affair behind the drapes07:14: Confession #02 - The chair swap scandal11:46: Confession #03 - The mouse mansion16:55: Confession #04 - The reward21:11: Confession #05 - The red room25:37: Confession #06 - They want what they want29:59: Confession #07 - The haunted house34:48: Confession #08 - The client's crush39:56: Confession #09 - The woman on the side44:51: Confession #10 - The couch that ruined it all50:38: Confession #11 - The spit and the stone54:35: Confession #12 - The criminal empire-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Stay connected and get ready for season two:Follow and subscribe on Spotify or Apple to get season two automatically in your feed.Rate and review—it helps us so much with growth!Be part of the community—join our Facebook Group for updates and exclusive roundtable invites.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.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 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 & ProducerGracie Miller - ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI confess… the FBI crashed my install
Mar 12, 202501:09:06Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner chats with Elizabeth Kruger, the founder of Elizabeth Kruger Design. With over a decade of experience in new construction, large-scale renovations, and full home furnishing projects, Elizabeth has built a name for herself in the industry. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Luxe Magazine, among many others. In this episode, she shares her journey from working in Chicago to managing projects across the country and the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:21: Elizabeth's background and industry journey27:26: Elizabeth's vice30:14: Confession #1 - Not all money is good money49:08: Confession #2 - Being 2 places at once62:35: Question #1 - How do you balance personal and team support?63:59: Question #2 - What should people going into the industry know?65:40: What made Elizabeth feel -----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Stay inspired—follow Elizabeth for design insights:Instagram: @elizabeth.kruger.designWebsite: elizabethkrugerdesign.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.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 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 & ProducerGracie Miller - ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI confess… a single repost turned into a legal nightmare
Mar 5, 202501:03:35Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner chats with Lauren Taylor, an interior architecture and lifestyle photographer known for capturing the soul of beautifully designed spaces. Lauren shares her journey from fine art photography to working with top interior designers, the ethical challenges of sharing work online, and her thoughts on the business relationship between photographers and designers. She also dives into the impact of AI-generated photography, how it’s shaking up the industry, and why real-life texture and authenticity might be the best defense against the rise of artificial imagery.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:21: Lauren's Story08:17: Lauren's Vice10:21: Confession: posting design photos ends badly51:46: Question #1: Helping photographers thrive on a shoot55:48: Question #2: Craziest experience60:10: What made Lauren feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Capturing interiors with artistry—follow Lauren for stunning architectural and lifestyle photography:Instagram: @LaurenTaylorCreativeWebsite: LaurenTaylorCreative.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.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 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 & ProducerGracie Miller - ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI confess… spit spoiled the sale
Feb 26, 202501:08:08Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner chats with Kristin Cali Schloemer, owner and founder of Calia Stone Boutique, a Chicago-based showroom redefining the natural stone industry with glam, expertise, and sophistication. Kristin shares her journey from interior design school to running her own stone boutique, navigating the challenges of business ownership, and learning to trust her instincts. She opens up about a her thoughts on quartz, the risks of working with unreliable suppliers, and how she built a thriving business from the ground up—sometimes by making it up as she went along.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:21: Kristin's story22:14: Question #1 - Helping clients decide to go the natural stone route26:35: Traveling to Italy29:03: Questions #2 - Why no Quartz?37:57: Kristin's vice39:31: Confession #1 - Supplier sold my slabs58:30: Confession #2 - Supplier grossed out my client64:51: What made Kristin feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Bringing glam and expertise to the stone industry—follow Kristin for all things natural stone:Instagram: @calia_stone_boutiqueWebsite: caliastone.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.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 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 & ProducerGracie Miller - ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI confess… my rebrand nearly ruined me
Feb 19, 202501:03:02Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner chats with Iga Soszynska, the founder of Designed by So, a multidisciplinary design studio based in Los Angeles. With a background in interior design, branding, and business strategy, Iga helps designers build strong, scalable businesses with a focus on marketing and process improvement. In this episode, she shares her journey from working at large firms to striking out on her own, and the lessons she learned about branding the hard way. Plus, she reveals the key mistakes designers make when trying to market themselves—and how to avoid them.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:21: Iga's Introduction32:45: Iga's vice35:16: Confession - The brand refresh50:10: Question #1 - What every designer should know about marketing52:37: Questions #2 - Thoughts on AI59:43: What made Iga feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Helping designers build businesses that thrive—follow Iga for strategy and branding insights:Instagram: @designedbysoWebsite: designedbyso.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.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------💌 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 & ProducerGracie Miller - ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
Summary