Confessions of an Interior Designer

Caroline Turner
  • 4.7 (37)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 11H AGO

    I Confess... My Client Was a Creep

    Welcome 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.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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 Connect With Us: Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes a...

    1h 27m

  2. JAN 7

    I Confess… I Was Suspected Of An Affair

    Welcome 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.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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 Connect With Us: Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes a href="https://carolineturner.co/pages/confessions" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 14m

  3. 12/17/2025

    I Confess... Someone Was Watching

    Welcome 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: Guest Questions66:20: What made Lauren feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 Stay inspired—follow Lauren for beautifully collected, timeless interiors: Instagram: @studiolalocWebsite: studiolaloc.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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 Connect With Us: Follow us on Instagram and TikTokJoin the conversation in our Facebook Group!Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes a...

    1h 11m

  4. 12/10/2025

    I Confess... Felons Are My Niche

    Welcome 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: Guest Questions63:18: What made Maegan Feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 Stay inspired—follow Maegan for bold, accessible design insights: Instagram: @bluecopperdesignWebsite: bluecopper.design 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 a...

    1h 9m

  5. 12/03/2025

    I Confess… Accessory To Death

    Welcome 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: Guest Questions50:59: What made Sarah feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 Stay inspired—follow Sarah for beautifully told design stories: Instagram: @sarahlyon9Website: sarahilyon.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: span class="ql-ui"...

    55 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    I Confess... My Client Went Rogue

    Welcome 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: Guest questions44:39: What made Abigail feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 Stay inspired—follow Abigail for cozy, crafted interiors: Instagram: @Abigail.Morris.InteriorsWebsite: AbigailMorrisInteriors.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 & Producerspan class="ql-ui"...

    49 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    I Confess… The Art That Bared It All

    Welcome 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.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...

    55 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    I Confess… I Gave My Client Bedbugs

    Welcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer! Today, host Caroline Turner sits down with Erin and Matt of Kismet House. Together, the pair share how they balance design, family, and their very different approach to both their personal and professional challenges. Erin 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: Erin and Matt’s background and industry journey20:54: Erin 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 Erin and Matt feel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 Stay inspired! Follow Erin & Matt for honest, down-to-earth design inspiration: Instagram: @kismethouseWebsite: Kismet-House.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!li...

    1h 4m
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Trailer

4.7
out of 5
37 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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