Confessions of an Interior Designer

Caroline Turner
Confessions of an Interior Designer

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!

  1. MAR 19

    I confess… season 1 might be over, but we’re just getting started

    Welcome 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

    1h 2m
  2. MAR 12

    I confess… the FBI crashed my install

    Welcome 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.com 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

    1h 9m
  3. MAR 5

    I confess… a single repost turned into a legal nightmare

    Welcome 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.com 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

    1h 4m
  4. FEB 26

    I confess… spit spoiled the sale

    Welcome 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.com 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

    1h 8m
  5. FEB 19

    I confess… my rebrand nearly ruined me

    Welcome 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.com 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

    1h 3m
  6. FEB 12

    I confess… publishing my work turned into a PR disaster

    Welcome 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.com 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

    1h 8m
  7. FEB 5

    I confess… my contractor is sabotaging me

    Welcome 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.com 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

    55 min
  8. JAN 29

    I confess… my client is going to bankrupt me

    Welcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! Today, host Caroline Turner chats with 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

    1h 7m

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

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!

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