From Advertising Director to Interior Stylist: Meet Carolyn McGookin

For more than 15 years, Carolyn McGookin dreamed of a career in interiors. Today, she’s an Interior Stylist at Cooper Robinson Interiors. Discover how one decision to stop wondering “what if?” led to a complete career change — and why she believes it’s never too late to back yourself.

“By my early 40s, I realised that if I didn’t give it a go, I’d always wonder… what if?”.

Get To Know Caro

🎓 Graduating Group: 29, 2025
👩‍🏫 Trainer: Petrina Turner
📱 Instagram: @elwoodandgreeninteriors
📍 Location: Melbourne, Victoria
♉︎  Star Sign: Taurus
💃🏽 Current Role: Interior Stylist, Cooper Robinson Interiors
💛 Current Colour Obsession: Dulux Bongo Drum
😍 Favourite Designer: Arent & Pyke
💭 Fav. Quote: “Clarity comes from action.”

She admired beautifully designed homes. Followed designers whose work inspired her. Saved ideas for “one day.” She could picture a different future.

But like so many people considering a creative career change, life got in the way.

She built a successful career in advertising, becoming a Business Director and spending her days immersed in meetings, PowerPoint presentations and spreadsheets.

On paper, everything looked exactly as it should. She had a stable career, years of experience and a clear path ahead. But there was one question she could never quite silence.

What if?

For years, she pushed that question aside. Until one day, she couldn’t anymore. “By my early 40s, I realised that if I didn’t give it a go, I’d always wonder… what if?”

That one thought changed everything. Instead of wondering, Carolyn enrolled at Design School. She didn’t know exactly where it would lead. She simply knew she didn’t want to spend another 15 years wondering what might have been.

Believing She Belonged

The biggest challenge wasn’t learning about interiors, it was believing she belonged in the industry.

Like many of our students, Carolyn questioned whether she was creative enough.

“I was worried I wasn’t creative enough.”

Looking at Carolyn’s work today, it’s hard to imagine she ever doubted herself.

It’s something we hear often. So many people imagine that creativity is something you’re simply born with or you're not.  Carolyn discovered something different.

Confidence rarely comes before taking the leap. It comes afterwards. Project by project, decision by decision. One small step at a time.

Discovering What Interior Design Really Means

When Carolyn began studying, she imagined interiors was mostly about selecting colour palettes, finishes and furniture.

What surprised her most was discovering that great design starts somewhere else entirely.

“Great design starts with people, not products.”

Understanding how clients want to live, how they want to feel in their homes and what truly matters to them became the foundation for every design decision.

It’s a philosophy that still guides her work today.

The Project That Changed Everything

Every graduate remembers the project where everything finally clicked.

For Carolyn, it was the Smith’s Project. Working on a brief across multiple rooms transformed everything she had been learning into something tangible.

For the first time, she wasn’t just completing an assignment. She could genuinely picture herself working in the industry. That’s when the confidence started to grow. 

Not because she suddenly knew everything.

Because she realised she was capable of figuring it out.

Designing Homes That Tell A Story

Today, Carolyn works as an Interior Stylist with Cooper Robinson Interiors, styling homes across Melbourne and helping clients create beautiful, functional spaces.

Outside of work, she also collaborates with her husband on renovation projects, designing kitchens and bathrooms that reflect the way their clients want to live.

One of the things we love most about Carolyn’s work is the way she creates spaces that feel calm, timeless and deeply personal. Her thoughtful approach to materials, colour and detail shines through in every project.

^{Concept, design and styling by Carolyn McGookin. Photography by Annette O’Brien.}

Building A Creative Career

Today, Carolyn is living the creative career she once only imagined.

No two days look the same. She might be styling a home for sale, sourcing furniture, presenting concepts to clients or working on renovation designs.

Every day looks different, but every day is built around something she once only dreamed of doing.

 ^{Cooper Robinson Styling Project}

A Full Circle Moment

One of our favourite parts of Carolyn’s story happened after graduation. When Carolyn joined Cooper Robinson Interiors, she discovered she’d be working alongside another Design School graduate, Sandy Stojkovic.

Sandy had already built her own career there and now they’re both part of the same creative team.

Watching our graduates succeed is incredibly rewarding but watching them open doors for one another is even more special.

The design industry is built on relationships.

Seeing our graduates continue to support each other long after finishing the course is something we’re incredibly proud of.

A Mentor Who Believed In Her 

Behind every graduate story is a teacher who quietly believed in them before they fully believed in themselves.

Carolyn was part of Group 29 and was mentored throughout her studies by Petrina Turner, whose generous guidance, more than 30 years of industry experience and unwavering encouragement helped Carolyn develop both her technical skills and the confidence to trust her own creative instincts.

Thank you, Petrina, for being such an important part of Carolyn’s journey. 🤎

Confidence Comes From Doing

When Carolyn reflects on what’s changed most since graduating, she doesn’t talk about software, specifications or technical drawings. She talks about confidence.

“I’ve learnt that confidence comes from doing.”

✔️ Making decisions.

✔️ Trusting herself.

✔️ Backing her ideas.

The things she once questioned have quietly become some of her greatest strengths.

Carolyn’s Advice

If Carolyn could speak to the version of herself who spent more than 15 years wondering whether she should enrol, she’d simply say:

“Don’t delay like I did. Take the leap and do it.  Whether you’re looking for a career change or personal growth, what you learn is invaluable and fun.”

Where You Can Find Carolyn

If Carolyn’s work has inspired you, we’d love you to follow her journey.

🤎 Business: Elwood & Green Interiors

🤎 Current Role: Interior Stylist, Cooper Robinson Interiors

🤎 Instagram: @elwoodandgreeninteriors

🤎 Location: Melbourne, Victoria

To Carolyn…

Carolyn, thank you for trusting us with your career change.

Watching you grow from someone wondering whether you were creative enough into a confident Interior Stylist has been such a privilege.

Seeing your beautiful work come to life, watching your career flourish and knowing you’re now working alongside another Design School graduate reminds us exactly why we do what we do.

We couldn’t be prouder of you. 🤎

Perhaps This Story Feels Familiar…

Maybe you’ve been thinking about studying interiors for months.

Maybe years.

Maybe you’ve wondered whether you’re creative enough.

Or whether it’s too late.

Or whether now is really the right time.

Carolyn asked herself those same questions for more than 15 years.

We’re so glad she finally stopped wondering “what if?”

Because today, she isn’t wondering anymore. She’s living the life she once imagined.

Are you interested in studying our Certificate IV Interior Decoration?

If Carolyn’s story has stirred something in you… Perhaps it’s time to stop wondering “what if?”

Join the 2027 Priority Waitlist 🤎