Confessions of an Interior Designer

By: Caroline Turner
  • Summary

  • 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 2025 Caroline Turner
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Episodes
  • I confess… my client is going to bankrupt me
    Jan 29 2025

    Welcome to another episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer!

    Today, host Caroline Turner 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.

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    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

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    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.

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    💌 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

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    📝 Credits:

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

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • I confess… I’m being sued
    Jan 22 2025

    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.

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    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

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    📲 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
    • Kim Kovacik - Cover Photography

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • I confess… my client’s forever home became their worst nightmare
    Jan 15 2025

    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.

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    ⏰ 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

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    📲 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
    • Cory Barton - Audio Engineer & Producer
    • Kim Kovacik - Cover Photography

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins

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