Confessions of an Interior Designer

Caroline Turner

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. 4D AGO

    I Confess... Nepo Baby Nightmare

    Welcome to the final episode of Season Two! Caroline takes the mic this week for a solo episode, sharing this season's final confession and reflecting on her journey as a designer and business owner. She answers questions about starting your own business, what risks are worth taking, and what the best (and worst) bosses can teach you. Plus a bonus round of Red Flag, Beige Flag, Green Flag. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Announcements06:16: Confession: Nepo Baby Nightmare17:47: Questions27:27: Red Flag, Beige Flag, Green Flag34:19: What Made Caroline Feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription.Designer Receiving ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 Connect With Us: Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📝 Credits: Caroline Turner - Host & Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & ProducerKim Kovacik - Cover Photography

    36 min
  2. APR 29

    I Confess... Accomplice To An Affair

    Welcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! Today we’re joined by Kelsey Kline Haywood, founder of Chicago-based Kline Interiors. Raised in a family of builders, Kelsey brings a grounded, intuitive approach to design—valuing structure, restraint, and the reality of daily life. From her own 1920s Chicago bungalow to her client work, her spaces are made to be beautiful yet livable, shaped by her deeply personal approach. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Kelsey's Background25:23: Guest Vice29:34: Confession #1: Accomplice To An Affair42:10: Confession #2: My Client Ghosted Me51:59: Guest Questions65:37: What Made Kelsey Feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 Socials: Instagram: @klineinteriorsWebsite: klineinteriors.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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription. Designer Receiving ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 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

    1h 9m
  3. APR 22

    I Confess... Install Day Surprise Party

    Welcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! Today we are joined by Tom Stringer, founder of Tom Stringer Design Partners and a 25-time award winner of the American Society of Interior Designers’ Design Excellence Awards. Known for his blend of classic style and worldly sophistication, Tom creates interiors that are personal, elegant, and vibrant. His global travels inspire projects from mid-century estates in Beverly Hills to Georgian homes in Dublin—and even 50-meter motor yachts. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Tom's Background20:50: Guest Vice21:39: Confession #1: Architect Kicked Me Off The Project29:26: Confession #2: Install Day Surprise Party39:53: Guest Questions61:59: What Made Tom Feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 Socials: Instagram: @tomstringerdesignpartnersWebsite: tomstringer.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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription. Designer Receiving ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 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

    1h 4m
  4. APR 15

    I Confess... Scammed By My Contractor

    Welcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! Today we are joined by Chandler Prewitt, a New Mexico–based designer whose work is deeply rooted in place, materiality, and art. After formative years in San Francisco working alongside leading designers, he returned to the Southwest in 2013 to establish his own studio. His background spans interior design, home staging, project management, furniture design, fine art consultation—shaping a practice grounded in curation, with a strong sensitivity to architecture and craftsmanship. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Chandler's Background24:49: Guest Vice26:10: Confession #1: Discovery Call Took A Dark Turn44:09: Confession #2: Scammed By My Contractor59:42: Guest Questions64:46: What Made Chandler Feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 Socials: Instagram: @chandler_prewittWebsite: chandlerprewitt.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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription. Designer Receiving ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 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

    1h 8m
  5. APR 8

    I Confess... I Hired A Kleptomaniac

    Welcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! Today we’re joined by James Hunter, design director for The Wiseman Group. With formal training in art education and textile & surface design, he brings a strong sense of scale, color, and proportion to his work, and a perspective shaped by extensive travel and time spent living all around the country. He has been widely published, is a two-time Luxe Gold List honoree, and has been recognized as part of Architectural Digest’s AD100. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: James' Background21:52: Guest Vice23:30: Confession #1: Kleptomaniac38:42: Confession #2: Drunk On Site48:51: Guest Questions58:16: What Made James Feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 Socials: Instagram: @the_wiseman_groupWebsite: wisemangroup.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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription. Designer Receiving ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 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

    1h 2m
  6. APR 1

    I Confess... Undercover To Save $50k

    Welcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! Today we’re joined by Diana Wagenbach, founder and principal designer of Studio W, a full-service residential architectural and interior design studio based in Hinsdale, Illinois. With a background in business and years of experience in the design industry, she launched her firm in 2020 and has since built a reputation for her timeless, bespoke approach to design, and is recognized as a Feature Designer in the AD Pro Directory. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Diana's Background24:45: Guest Vice25:53: Confession #1: I Went Undercover to Save $50k42:01: Confession #2: Fossilized Hoarding House50:15: Guest Questions56:01: What Made Diana Feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 Socials: Instagram: @studiow_chicagoWebsite: studiowchicago.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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription. Designer Receiving ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 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

    58 min
  7. MAR 25

    I Confess... I Was The Other Woman

    Welcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! Today we’re joined by Jenny Brown, founder of Chicago-based Jenny Brown Designs. She launched her studio in 2010 after nearly a decade working with high-end residential design firms in both Chicago and San Francisco. Since then, she’s worked on a wide range of residential and commercial projects, and is known for interiors that feel traditionally rooted yet fresh, creating spaces that are both chic and inviting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Jenny's Background19:00: Guest Vice25:41: Confession #1: The Other Woman42:07: Confession #2: Design to Daycare55:56: Guest Questions73:32: What Made Jenny Feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 Socials: Instagram: @jennybrowndesignsWebsite: jennybrown.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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription. Designer Receiving ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 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

    1h 17m
  8. MAR 18

    I Confess... Held Hostage by a Smart House

    Welcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! Today, host Caroline Turner is joined by Zoe Lowres, co-founder of Programa, our amazing partner and sponsor. Zoe originally started her career in marketing before following her creative side into interior design, studying at Billy Blue College of Design and going on to work in both residential and hospitality design in Melbourne, Australia. With experience both inside design studios and now building tools for the industry, Zoe brings a unique perspective on the creative and operational sides of running a design business, and we’re excited to have her here today. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00: Intro and welcome with Caroline Turner00:22: Guest Introduction: Zoe's Background20:04: Guest Vice21:37: Confession #1: The Lockdown Leak28:07: Confession #2: A Hostage Situation47:13: Guest Questions67:12: What Made Zoe Feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 Socials: Instagram: @programahqWebsite: programa.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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✨ Sponsored By: Programa, "Use code 'CONFESSIONS25' at checkout for 25% off an annual subscription. Designer Receiving ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 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

    1h 12m

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
40 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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