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. 19 HR. AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. JAN 22

    I confess… I’m being sued

    Welcome 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.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 11m
  5. JAN 15

    I confess… my client’s forever home became their worst nightmare

    Welcome 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.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 ProducerMorgan Purcell - Executive ProducerCory Barton - Audio Engineer & EditorKim Kovacik - Cover Photography

    1h 8m
  6. 12/11/2024

    I confess... I designed a red room

    Welcome 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 Gigliotti Robert 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 Hell We 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 Insights We 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 Factor Robert 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 oura...

    1 hr

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
23 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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