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… publishing my work turned into a PR disaster
Feb 12, 202501:08:09Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner chats with Shannon Sharpe, a Chicago-based design and lifestyle writer with nearly two decades of experience in the publishing world. Shannon shares her unconventional journey from marketing to journalism, eventually finding her passion in design writing. With bylines in Luxe Interiors & Design, Architectural Digest, and Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, Shannon dives into the behind-the-scenes world of design publications, offering insights into how stories are crafted and the ethics of editorial decisions. Plus, she reveals the challenges of balancing client expectations with journalistic integrity and the surprising ways her work has intersected with her personal life—including meeting her husband through a design feature!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:21: Shannon's Introduction22:09: Shannon's vice24:38: Confession #1 - Budget friendly design46:57: Confession #2 - The statement sofa58:14: Question #1 - selecting projects to feature?62:08: Questions #2 - Design trends to get rid of65:03: What made Shannon feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Crafting timeless stories—follow Shannon for design writing and industry insights:Instagram: @shannonsharpewriter Website: shannon-sharpe.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 contractor is sabotaging me
Feb 5, 202500:54:49Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner chats with Dee Thompson. From IT consultant to construction mogul: discover how Dee transformed her career and built Urbane Home, a thriving woman-led construction and design company. Despite initial self-doubt, Dee's journey showcases how she leveraged her IT project management skills to navigate the construction industry, turning her passion for design into a successful business venture.Learn how Urbane Home revolutionized client relationships through a methodical pre-selection process, carefully vetting potential clients to ensure perfect matches. Their unique approach includes a structured interview process and strategic presentation of options, setting clear expectations from the start.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:21: How did Dee get to where she is20:20: Dee's vice22:22: Confession #1 - teen angst34:15: Confession #2 - contractor crosses the line47:03: Audience Question #1 - questions to ask when vetting a contractor47:50: Audience Question #2 - advice for women pursuing construction53:04: What made Dee feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Building bold spaces—follow Dee for expert design and construction insights:Instagram: @urbanehomeWebsite: urbanehome.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 client is going to bankrupt me
Jan 29, 202501:06:49Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner Maddie Asebrook! Ever wondered what happens when a fashion industry professional switches lanes to interior design? Maddie's compelling journey from fashion to becoming a successful design rep in Chicago reveals fascinating insights about industry evolution and cultural shifts.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:21: Maddie Asebrook’s background and transition from fashion to interior design25:29: Maddie’s vice26:34: Confession #1 — fronting money for my client42:06: Confession #2 — the "partner"59:04: Audience question #1 — advice on staying inspired62:29: Audience question #2 — balancing client preferences and yours64:44: Things that made Maddie and Caroline feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------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… I’m being sued
Jan 22, 202501:11:27Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner welcomes Shannon Claire, a talented interior designer from D.C. Shannon shares her journey from studying British literature to becoming a successful interior designer with a small but impactful firm. They discuss the challenges of transitioning careers, running a remote team, and creating boundaries in the design industry. Plus, Shannon confesses the highs and lows of her most memorable client projects, including navigating “regret residences” and unexpected romance on-site.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:16: Shannon Claire’s journey from literature to interior design02:11: The beginnings of Shannon’s design blog and her DIY journey08:09: Transitioning to a design business and finding her niche09:38: Returning to writing with Substack and its creative rewards13:40: Vices that are not quite vices18:04: Confession #1 — the “regret residence”20:56: Balancing work-life boundaries in design27:15: Confession #2 — design and romance31:54: The ethical challenges of client and contractor relationships44:07: Audience question on employee retention53:37: Audience question on firing clients64:09: Things that made Shannon feel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Stay inspired—follow Shannon for design and style insights:Instagram: @shannonclaireWebsite: shannonclaireinteriors.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’s forever home became their worst nightmare
Jan 15, 202501:07:53Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!Today, host Caroline Turner welcomes Anna Knight, the founder of Anna Knight Interiors, based in Oak Park, Illinois. Anna shares her inspiring journey from a law career in Manhattan to creating stunning high-end residential renovations. They delve into Anna’s experiences navigating a major career transition, balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, and managing a team of talented designers. Plus, hear about a haunting Victorian renovation that left everyone with chills and the lessons Anna learned along the way.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ Timestamps:00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Anna Knight’s career journey: from law to design03:34: Building a team and the challenges of burnout07:14: The importance of setting boundaries in client service11:54: Anna's current vice13:50: Confession 1: haunted renovation project27:49: Confession 2: interior design feud50:17: Listener's questions64:07: Something that made Anna feel66:47: Anna's social media information and website-----------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 Transform your space—follow Anna for luxurious design inspiration:Instagram: @annaknightinteriorsWebsite: annaknightinteriors.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 dream project became a divorce gift
Jan 8, 202501:18:37Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! Today, I’m joined by Madison Malaga, co-owner of CM Interiors, an incredible design firm she runs with her mom. Madison brings a unique perspective on balancing creativity, business, and family in the design world. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------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 ProducerMorgan Purcell - Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & EditorKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI confess... I stole my boss's clients
Dec 18, 202401:13:21Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! Today’s episode is with Gracie Miller, an incredible interior designer and my right-hand woman at CTI. Excited for you to all love her as much as I do!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------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 ProducerMorgan Purcell - Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & EditorKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI confess... I designed a red room
Dec 11, 202401:00:27Summary readyWelcome to another scandalously entertaining episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! This week we’re serving up bold career moves, shocking client requests, and a moral dilemma that’s still haunting one designer today…I’m joined by Robert Gigliotti - the incredible content creator, model, and interior decorator - who shares so many pearls of sparkly wisdom, as well as helping me out with a brand new feature in which we decide which styles belong in Heaven, Purgatory or Hell… Do you agree with us?! Let us know on TikTok, Insta or in our special private Facebook community - we’ve been LOVING hearing from you beauties!What to Expect This Episode:Special Guest: Robert GigliottiRobert opens up about building a personal brand while balancing the worlds of content creation and interior decorating. Hear how he carved his unique niche by embracing bold aesthetics, trusting his instincts, and adapting to industry trends without losing authenticity.Listener Confessions:“The Red Room Request”: One designer’s renovation takes a jaw-dropping turn when a client’s outrageous request pushes the limits of what “custom design” should mean… “I Burglarized a Brooch”: A dazzling discovery during a home reno leads to an ethical crossroads. Would you do the right thing - or keep quiet? This confession will have you questioning what you would do in the heat of the moment.Heaven, Purgatory, or HellWe put Robert in the hot seat for our ultimate design dilemma game! From all-white kitchens to CB2 pieces, do they belong in style Heaven, Purgatory, or should they be banished to Hell?Industry InsightsWe dive into how to navigate the ever faster spinning world of trends, and pro content creator Robert tells us how we can really leverage social media to gain new clients - DON’T miss this advice gem, it’s worth its weight in GOLD!The Feel FactorRobert shares the recent joys keeping him inspired.GET INVOLVED!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.Stay inspired—follow Robert for awesome content:On Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: @robertgigs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes hereCredits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerMorgan Purcell - Executive ProducerMegan Bay Dorman - Producer & ConsultantCory Barton - Audio Engineer & EditorKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI confess... my client offered me cocaine
Dec 4, 202401:14:48Summary readyWelcome to another scandalously entertaining episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! I’m your host, Caroline Turner, and today we’re diving into the drama, creativity, and lessons that come with life as an interior designer. From a Silicon Valley penthouse project gone awry to a discount-obsessed nightmare client, this week’s stories prove that every space has its sins -and we’re here to spill the tea.What to Expect This Episode:🎨 Special Guest: Joining me is the talented Kimberly Swedelius, a prop and interior stylist specializing in still life and set design. Kimberly shares her inspiring journey from novice to pro, with invaluable advice for thriving in the fast-paced world of styling and interior design.🔑 Listener Confessions:“Lines and Designs”: A tech mogul with over-the-top demands and an unexpected (illegal!) “thank you” for creative genius...“Discount Disaster”: A Dallas dream home client whose obsession with bargains turns into a designer’s worst nightmare...💡 Industry Insights:How to navigate client negotiations and red flagsStrategies for building rapport with challenging personalitiesTips on showing your personality online without alienating clients🌟 The Feel Factor: Kimberly and I wrap up by sharing the little joys and big wins that keep us sane in the whirlwind world of design.GET INVOLVED!🛋️ Got a juicy confession or design dilemma? Submit anonymously here.📲 Stay inspired—follow Kimberly for prop styling magic:Instagram: @kimberlyswedeliusWebsite: kswedelius.comThis episode has everything: outrageous client antics, insider advice, and plenty of laughs. Don’t miss it - and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! 💌 Connect with Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes hereCredits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerMorgan Purcell - Executive ProducerMegan Bay Dorman - Producer & ConsultantCory Barton - Audio Engineer & EditorKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
SummaryI confess... the $50k mistake
Nov 27, 202400:43:11Summary readyWelcome back!! We are BUZZING with excitement and completely obsessed with all your amazing feedback since our launch. Today’s episode is packed with drama, inspiration, and plenty of laughs – and I can’t wait for you to hear it!This week, I’m joined by the endlessly talented interior design consultant and stylist Darwin Fitz. From dodging veterinary school to becoming a landscape design star and now a sought-after stylist, Darwin’s unexpected career twists will leave you inspired and ready to embrace your own unique path in the industry.And then - hold onto your tape measures - because this week’s listener confessions are next-level outrageous! In “The Mouse Mansion,” revolting rodents, a tyrannical boat captain (yes, really), and unhinged house rules combine for one designer’s nightmare project. And in “The Case of the Swapped Marble,” a $50,000 blunder takes an unbelievable turn, proving that sometimes the universe really does work in mysterious ways…But it’s not all chaos and confessions. We’re also digging into practical advice, from surviving life after a company acquisition to balancing clients with wildly clashing tastes. Plus, the tiny joys that keep us sane (and stylish) in this whirlwind industry.This episode has everything: drama, wisdom, and plenty of tea to spill. Don’t miss it! And keep those messages coming—we’re LOVING building this incredible community with you. 💕What to Expect This Episode:Darwin Fitz spills all – the exciting and unexpected path to successThe Mouse Mansion – bizarre rules, revolting surprises, and a house manager you won’t believeThe Marble Mishap – a jaw-dropping $50K disaster with an unexpected twistIndustry Survival Tips – managing acquisitions and clients with wildly clashing tastesLittle Joys, Big Wins – what keeps us sane in a hectic industryFind out more about Darwin Fitz:Visit Darwin’s website: darwinfitzdesign.comFollow Darwin on Instagram: @darwin.fitzRequest Darwin’s portfolio by emailing darwin@darwinfitzdesign.comGot a Confession?Your secret’s safe with us! Submit your anonymous confession here.Connect with Us:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes hereReady to hear confession? Listen now!Credits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerMorgan Purcell - Executive ProducerMegan Bay Dorman - Producer & ConsultantCory Barton - Audio Engineer & EditorKim Kovacik - Cover Photography
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