Confessions of an Interior Designer - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Confessions of an Interior Designer — Arts
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!

Copyright: © Copyright 2024 Caroline Turner

Latest Episodes:

I confess… publishing my work turned into a PR disaster Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

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 Turner
00:21: Shannon's Introduction
22:09: Shannon's vice
24:38: Confession #1 - Budget friendly design
46:57: Confession #2 - The statement sofa
58:14: Question #1 - selecting projects to feature?
62:08: Questions #2 - Design trends to get rid of
65:03: 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 TikTok
Join the conversation in our Facebook Group!
Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

📝 Credits:

Caroline Turner - Host & Executive Producer
Cory Barton - Audio Engineer & Producer
Gracie Miller - Producer
Kim Kovacik - Cover Photography

I confess… my contractor is sabotaging me Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

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 Turner
00:21: How did Dee get to where she is
20:20: Dee's vice
22:22: Confession #1 - teen angst
34:15: Confession #2 - contractor crosses the line
47:03: Audience Question #1 - questions to ask when vetting a contractor
47:50: Audience Question #2 - advice for women pursuing construction
53:04: What made Dee feel

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

📲 Building bold spaces—follow Dee for expert design and construction insights:

Instagram: @urbanehome
Website: 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 TikTok
Join the conversation in our Facebook Group!
Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

📝 Credits:

Caroline Turner - Host & Executive Producer
Cory Barton - Audio Engineer & Producer
Gracie Miller - Producer
Kim Kovacik - Cover Photography

I confess… my client is going to bankrupt me Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

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 Turner
00:21: Maddie Asebrook’s background and transition from fashion to interior design
25:29: Maddie’s vice
26:34: Confession #1 — fronting money for my client
42:06: Confession #2 — the "partner"
59:04: Audience question #1 — advice on staying inspired
62:29: Audience question #2 — balancing client preferences and yours
64:44: 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 TikTok
Join the conversation in our Facebook Group!
Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

📝 Credits:

Caroline Turner - Host & Executive Producer
Cory Barton - Audio Engineer & Producer
Gracie Miller - Producer
Kim Kovacik - Cover Photography

I confess… I’m being sued Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

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 Turner
00:16: Shannon Claire’s journey from literature to interior design
02:11: The beginnings of Shannon’s design blog and her DIY journey
08:09: Transitioning to a design business and finding her niche
09:38: Returning to writing with Substack and its creative rewards
13:40: Vices that are not quite vices
18:04: Confession #1 — the “regret residence”
20:56: Balancing work-life boundaries in design
27:15: Confession #2 — design and romance
31:54: The ethical challenges of client and contractor relationships
44:07: Audience question on employee retention
53:37: Audience question on firing clients
64:09: Things that made Shannon feel

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

📲 Stay inspired—follow Shannon for design and style insights:

Instagram: @shannonclaire
Website: 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 TikTok
Join the conversation in our Facebook Group!
Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

📝 Credits:

Caroline Turner - Host & Executive Producer
Cory Barton - Audio Engineer & Producer
Gracie Miller - Producer
Kim Kovacik - Cover Photography

I confess… my client’s forever home became their worst nightmare Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

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 Turner
00:22: Anna Knight’s career journey: from law to design
03:34: Building a team and the challenges of burnout
07:14: The importance of setting boundaries in client service
11:54: Anna's current vice
13:50: Confession 1: haunted renovation project
27:49: Confession 2: interior design feud
50:17: Listener's questions
64:07: Something that made Anna feel
66:47: Anna's social media information and website

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

📲 Transform your space—follow Anna for luxurious design inspiration:

Instagram: @annaknightinteriors
Website: 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 TikTok
Join the conversation in our Facebook Group!
Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

📝 Credits:

Caroline Turner - Host & Executive Producer
Morgan Purcell - Executive Producer
Cory Barton - Audio Engineer & Editor
Kim Kovacik - Cover Photography

I confess… my dream project became a divorce gift Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

Welcome 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 TikTok
Join the conversation in our Facebook Group!
Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Credits:

Caroline Turner - Host & Executive Producer
Morgan Purcell - Executive Producer
Cory Barton - Audio Engineer & Editor
Kim Kovacik - Cover Photography

I confess... I stole my boss's clients Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

Welcome 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 TikTok
Join the conversation in our Facebook Group!
Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Credits:

Caroline Turner - Host & Executive Producer
Morgan Purcell - Executive Producer
Cory Barton - Audio Engineer & Editor
Kim Kovacik - Cover Photography

I confess... I designed a red room Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

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 TikTok
Join the conversation in our Facebook Group!
Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here

Credits:

Caroline Turner - Host & Executive Producer
Morgan Purcell - Executive Producer
Megan Bay Dorman - Producer & Consultant
Cory Barton - Audio Engineer & Editor
Kim Kovacik - Cover Photography

I confess... my client offered me cocaine Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

Welcome 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 flags
Strategies for building rapport with challenging personalities
Tips 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: @kimberlyswedelius
Website: kswedelius.com

This 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 TikTok
Join the conversation in our Facebook Group!
Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here

Credits:

Caroline Turner - Host & Executive Producer
Morgan Purcell - Executive Producer
Megan Bay Dorman - Producer & Consultant
Cory Barton - Audio Engineer & Editor
Kim Kovacik - Cover Photography

I confess... the $50k mistake Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

Welcome 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 success
The Mouse Mansion – bizarre rules, revolting surprises, and a house manager you won’t believe
The Marble Mishap – a jaw-dropping $50K disaster with an unexpected twist
Industry Survival Tips – managing acquisitions and clients with wildly clashing tastes
Little Joys, Big Wins – what keeps us sane in a hectic industry

Find out more about Darwin Fitz:

Visit Darwin’s website: darwinfitzdesign.com
Follow Darwin on Instagram: @darwin.fitz
Request Darwin’s portfolio by emailing darwin@darwinfitzdesign.com

Got a Confession?

Your secret’s safe with us! Submit your anonymous confession here.

Connect with Us:

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok
Join the conversation in our Facebook Group!
Learn more about the podcast, guests and episodes here

Ready to hear confession? Listen now!

Credits:

Caroline Turner - Host & Executive Producer
Morgan Purcell - Executive Producer
Megan Bay Dorman - Producer & Consultant
Cory Barton - Audio Engineer & Editor
Kim Kovacik - Cover Photography

Related Podcasts