Leading her team of talented women to create upscale residential spaces, Karen Wolf speaks with passion for all facets of interior design.
Please tell us a bit about yourself (schooling, formative years, etc.)
I attended the University of Michigan where I earned dual degrees—a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA). Later, I pursued a Masters in Integrated Marketing from Northwestern University. My background is rooted in both business and art, with a strong emphasis on consumer behavior and understanding the “why” behind purchasing decisions. After graduating from Northwestern, I joined Spiegel Catalog as a Consumer Trends Forecaster in the Home division, where I learned about merchandising, behavioral trends, and catalog marketing. I also attended High Point Market (HPMKT) when it was only two floors in one building, the IHFC, and discovered my passion for sourcing. After my time at Spiegel, I worked as a product development specialist for an entertainment company, where I was responsible for finding new, emerging products for the mass market, as well as leading creative direction and product positioning. Following the birth of my twins, I pivoted to interior design and completed a certificate in Interior Design from Parsons. My combined expertise in fine art, marketing, product development, and merchandising has been invaluable to my career in design.
Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?
My parents had a significant influence on my career path. They valued the arts, culture, and creativity, and always encouraged me to pursue artistic endeavors. At just ten years old, they sent me on a train to New York City to attend art classes on the weekends, which was a formative experience that helped shape my passion for design.
When and why did you start your firm, k+coLIVING, Interiors by Karen B Wolf?
I started K+Co Living as a rebrand of my original firm, Karen B Wolf Interiors. I believe in the strength of my team and felt that naming the company after myself was limiting and took away from the credibility that my team deserved. Over the years, we evolved as a firm and developed a cohesive brand message that we call “laidback luxe.” K+Co Living now represents that brand and reflects our collective approach to design.
What does a day in the life of a creative principal entail?
As a creative principal, my days are long—about 14 hours, 7 days a week. However, I still find joy in the small moments and successes, like when a color choice works perfectly even though it seemed uncertain when ordered online. What I love most about this profession is its constant motion and unpredictability. No two days are ever the same, and we are always problem-solving.
Please talk us through the process of designing amazing homes for your clients.
When designing homes for clients, the process begins with an intake session to define the client’s style. From there, I approach design from the ground up, starting with foundational elements like tile, wood, and carpet. Once the base is set, I layer the design with various elements, carefully balancing the space with color, patterns, and materials. This might involve pairing textures like boucle with velvet or chenille, mixing performance fabrics with woven blends, and adding window fabrics such as sheers.
How hands-on are you with each project?
I am extremely hands-on with every project. I am most involved at the beginning, setting the design direction and approving the first pass, and at the end, where I handle the styling. I also check in throughout the process to ensure everything is on track.
Your design aesthetic of layering colors, patterns, finishes, and textures is stunning. Has that become your trademark?
Yes, layering colors, patterns, finishes, and textures has become a trademark of mine. Thank you for noticing!
How often do you introduce pops of color?
I introduce pops of color intentionally and with care. I typically like to integrate a color pop in a room at least three times. Imagine it like a triangle, moving the color around the space to maintain balance and cohesiveness.
The use of metallics in your interiors looks absolutely incredible! It really adds a touch of class.
Thanks! When it comes to metallics, we enjoy mixing different metals, such as polished nickel, satin brass, and nickel. These metals complement each other beautifully. Chrome, which is a cooler metal, pairs well with black, while burnished metals like satin nickel mix wonderfully with metals that have a sheen. The key is to match warm metals with warm tones and cool metals with cool tones.
How can people create a fresh look without breaking the bank?
To create a fresh look without breaking the bank, invest in well-made larger pieces, like sectionals or sofas. These core items take up the most visual space, and it’s easy to tell when they’re poorly made. For accessories, pillows, and smaller accent pieces, look to budget-friendly, trend-forward stores like Target, World Market, At Home, and HomeGoods.
Do you believe in repurposing?
Yes, I do believe in repurposing. If a family heirloom or a specific item holds sentimental value or is a must-keep, we make sure to measure it and incorporate it seamlessly into the overall design.
What sets your firm apart from others?
What sets our firm apart is not just our warm, layered, and inviting design aesthetic, but also how we show up as individuals. Office culture is crucial to me, and I’ve made difficult hiring decisions to ensure we maintain our core values. This, in turn, benefits our clients and their experience with us.
Exciting projects on the horizon?
We have exciting projects on the horizon, particularly with our developer clients. Working with them keeps us on our toes and constantly challenges us to deliver top-notch design every time.