Confessions of an Interior Designer – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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!

Welcome to Confessions of an Interior Designer! I’m Caroline Turner, your host, here to pull back the velvet drapes on the secrets, scandals, and stories of the interior design world.

In this very first solo episode, I’m spilling my own confessions - because it wouldn’t be fair to dish out the drama without sharing some of my own. From an unforgettable under-the-desk moment during my early days working for an industry legend, to learning what it's really like to work with high profile people in the industry, I’m taking you through the wild twists that shaped my journey.

But the tea doesn’t stop there. This week’s listener confession is a jaw-dropper: high-profile clients, a $25,000 surprise, and a dinner party disaster that spirals out of control. You’ll want to grab your popcorn for this one.

To wrap things up, I’m diving into your burning questions about working with indecisive clients, navigating residential design challenges, and the tiny joys that keep me grounded in this wonderfully chaotic industry.

Get ready for an episode packed with candor, chaos, and confessions—it’s going to be a wild ride!

What to Expect This Episode:

• Office Glam Gone Wild – confessions from my newbie era with an industry legend
• The Chair Scandal – when high stakes lead to an audacious cover-up
• Meet Morgan!  – our producer makes her debut with sharp insights and a little sass
• Your Design Dilemmas  – solved
• Things That Make Me Feel – my current comforts and inspirations

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

Welcome to Confessions of an Interior Designer, the behind-the-scenes podcast that spills the juicy secrets of the luxury interior design world! I’m your host, Caroline Turner, and for our very first episode I’m joined by Paige Wassel: celebrity interior stylist, content creator, and founder of Was the Store. 

Together we dive into one of our most jaw-dropping listener confessions, “The Affair Behind the Drapes” - a scandalous story of passion, power, and an unforgettable client situation. This isn’t about a romantic date gone wrong - it’s what happens when professionalism blurs with something a little more...complicated. 

We also answer your burning questions on client trust and the role of an interior photo stylist. 

Plus Paige shares her journey from Vogue intern to powerhouse prop stylist, and now, highly successful content creator and business owner. You’ll hear about her rise to success, lessons learned from challenging bosses, and the chaotic yet rewarding reality of building a creative career.

So whether you’re an industry pro or just love juicy stories, this episode will make you laugh, gasp, and think twice about what happens behind closed doors…

What to Expect This Episode:

• The Affair Behind the Drapes – our first explosive listener confession!
• Morality Meeting – when a colleague's shocking private life becomes office gossip...
• Paige’s path from intern to celebrity interior stylist and business owner
• Insider advice on managing tricky client dynamics in luxury design
• Real talk as we answer your Industry Questions 
• Things That Make Me Feel – the moments and comforts that keep us grounded in the hectic world of design and creativity

Paige Wassel - Find out more about our guest!:

• Visit Paige's website - paigewassel.com
• Check out Paige's YouTube channel
• Follow Paige on Instagram
• Drop by Was The Store
• Sign up to Was the Newsletter

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

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. 💕

• 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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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