Leading a team of talented women in creating upscale residential spaces, Karen B Wolf speaks with passion about all facets of interior design. In this Q&A, she shares her background, inspiration, and the philosophy behind her firm, K+Co Living.
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 completed a Master’s in Integrated Marketing at Northwestern University. My background is a blend of business and art, with a strong focus on consumer behavior and understanding the “why” behind purchasing decisions.
After Northwestern, I joined Spiegel Catalog as a Consumer Trends Forecaster in the Home division. That experience taught me about merchandising, behavioral trends, and catalog marketing. I also attended High Point Market when it was just two floors in the IHFC building, and that’s where I discovered my passion for sourcing.
From there, I moved into product development for an entertainment company, scouting new products for the mass market and leading creative direction. After the birth of my twins, I pivoted to interior design, earning a certificate from Parsons. My background in fine art, marketing, product development, and merchandising has been invaluable to my career in design.
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Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?
Absolutely. My parents had a huge impact. They valued arts, culture, and creativity and always encouraged me to pursue them. When I was just ten, they even sent me alone on a train to New York City on weekends for art classes. That independence and exposure to art at such a young age shaped my passion for design.
When and why did you start your firm, K+Co Living (formerly Karen B Wolf Interiors)?
I started K+Co Living as a rebrand of my original firm, Karen B Wolf Interiors. I wanted the name to reflect the strength of my team rather than focus solely on me. Over the years, we developed a clear brand message—what we call laidback luxe. K+Co Living now represents our collective approach and philosophy as a design firm.
What does a day in the life of a creative principal look like?
My days are long—often 14 hours, seven days a week—but never boring. I love the unpredictability. No two days are the same, and we’re constantly problem-solving. Even small wins, like when a risky color choice turns out perfectly, bring me joy. That constant motion keeps me inspired.
Talk us through your process for designing amazing homes.
We start with an intake session to define a client’s style. From there, I build from the ground up—choosing tile, wood, and carpet first. Then I layer in colors, textures, and finishes. I love mixing boucle with velvet or chenille, pairing performance fabrics with woven blends, and finishing with sheers or layered window treatments. That layering has become our trademark.
How hands-on are you with each project?
I’m very hands-on. I set the creative direction at the start, check in regularly throughout the project, and return at the end to style. Those early and final phases are where my influence is strongest, but I like to stay involved from beginning to end.
Your layered use of color, pattern, and texture is stunning. Has this become your trademark?
Yes, thank you! Layering colors, patterns, textures, and finishes has definitely become a signature of mine. It creates depth and warmth that clients love.
How often do you add pops of color?
I like to introduce pops of color intentionally—usually three times in a room. Think of it like a triangle, moving the color throughout the space to create balance and cohesion.
The metallics in your interiors look incredible. What’s your approach?
We love mixing metals. Polished nickel, satin brass, and nickel complement one another beautifully. Chrome pairs well with black, while burnished metals mix nicely with high-sheen finishes. The rule of thumb: match warm metals with warm tones and cool metals with cool tones.
How can people refresh their homes without overspending?
Invest in well-made, larger pieces like sofas or sectionals. These anchor a room and need to be high-quality. For smaller accents—pillows, accessories, lighting—budget-friendly stores like Target, World Market, At Home, and HomeGoods are great. They let you update without breaking the bank.
Do you believe in repurposing?
Yes, absolutely. If a piece holds sentimental value, like a family heirloom, we find a way to incorporate it. We measure carefully and integrate it into the design so it feels intentional, not forced.
What sets your firm apart?
It’s more than our warm, layered aesthetic—it’s our culture. I’ve made tough hiring decisions to protect our core values, and that translates into how we serve our clients. Our team’s energy and integrity are as important as our design style.
Any exciting projects on the horizon?
Yes! We’re working on several developer projects that constantly challenge us to push our creativity. They keep us sharp and remind us why we love this work.
🔗 Learn more at K+Co Living.
