A Study in Art & Interiors by Kaitlyn Wolfe
Blending raw landscapes with modern refinement, interior designer Kaitlyn Wolfe has built a career on creating spaces that maximize refined livability. From her Scottsdale-based studio, she brings a distinctive perspective shaped by a love of nature, sculptural forms, and the interplay of light and texture. Her recent project, Galleria Haus, is a true reflection of her design ethos - crafted with intention and flow in mind, so every space feels like a sanctuary. We sat down with Kaitlyn to hear about her journey, inspirations, and the design behind Galleria Haus.
Could you share a bit about your journey into interior design?
My journey into interior design really grew out of a lifelong love for experimenting with spaces as a child and my love for nature and the raw beauty of our landscape. Early on, I was drawn to the balance between rugged landscapes and refined, modern forms, and that became the foundation of my design philosophy.
Over time, I began blending natural materials - like wood, stone, and plaster - with bold, sculptural shapes and clean architectural lines. I also developed a passion for integrated lighting, using it to highlight textures and create depth, almost like sculpting with light. This approach allowed me to craft spaces that feel both grounded in the desert environment and elevated through modern design.
Ultimately, interior design became the perfect way to bring these elements together - to create environments that are immersive, artful, and deeply connected to the natural world around them.
After earning my MBA in Arizona, I worked in different capacities alongside architects, designers, and contractors on residential and commercial projects. I quickly saw a recurring challenge: the lack of seamless communication between design and construction. In 2016, I launched my firm to bridge that gap. What began as a one-woman studio is now a nationally recognized full-service interior design and licensed general contracting firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
I call our aesthetic “organic modern.” It’s a layered, timeless, yet edgy style that blends natural materials like plaster, wood, stone, steel, and terrazzo with bold architectural forms, vintage finds, and custom-crafted elements. It’s minimal but warm, modern yet soulful, always designed to feel collected, intentional, and deeply personal to each client.
Porto Aluminum Dining Chairs & Cove Pill Dining Table
Your studio emphasizes genuine connections and collaboration. How does this approach shape the individual style of each project?
Collaboration is at the heart of our process. We work closely with clients, builders, architects, and artisans to align on both the big-picture vision and the smallest details. By fostering open communication and trust, each project becomes a true reflection of our clients’ lifestyle and values, no two ever look the same. We also love to collaborate with artisans to commission special pieces for our clients.
Your recent project, Galleria Haus, functions as both a family home and a gallery for your client’s art collection. How did you design intentional spaces that allow the art to shine?
The home incorporates expansive wall surfaces throughout, providing generous space to display a wide variety of works. Each area of the house was envisioned to highlight a different artist, creating distinct visual narratives as you move from one room to the next.
To ensure the pieces were showcased thoughtfully, we collaborated closely with Belhaus, a local art gallery in Phoenix. Their expertise guided the curation and placement of the works, allowing us to craft an environment where the architecture and art complement one another seamlessly.
Galleria Haus also features expansive transitions between indoors and outdoors. What role do these transitional spaces play in the design of a home?
Transitional spaces are vital because they soften boundaries and encourage connection to nature. In Galleria Haus, large sliding doors, shaded patios, and layered landscaping blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. These thresholds become places of pause, where art, architecture, and the desert landscape converge - bringing balance, fresh air, and natural light into daily living.
Santorini Corner Right & Santorini Armless Single
We’re honored to have Harbour pieces featured throughout this project. What is top of mind for you when selecting outdoor furniture?
Comfort and craftsmanship are always top priorities, but equally important is how outdoor furniture integrates with the architecture and landscape. I look for pieces with clean lines, natural materials, and durability to withstand the desert climate. Harbour’s designs bring a sculptural quality to outdoor living - they feel refined enough to belong inside, yet robust enough to stand beautifully in nature.
Materiality is clearly important in your work. Which materials are you most inspired by in your projects right now?
I’m continually drawn to natural, tactile materials - plaster, exposed concrete, wood, steel, and hand-finished stone. Right now, I’m especially inspired by raw, organic finishes that patina over time. They add depth, history, and a sense of authenticity that perfectly complements contemporary architecture.
Galleria Haus balances new and old, with vintage pieces alongside contemporary counterparts to create a layered, storied feel. What advice would you give to someone looking to achieve this mix in their own home?
Start with finding vintage pieces that really resonate with you. When you find a special piece with a story and a patina, it cannot be replicated. From there, you can balance and fill the space with contemporary items. Balance is key - you want old and new to complement rather than compete. I encourage clients to collect pieces over time from travels, artisans, or vintage markets. Even one well-chosen vintage chair or light fixture can anchor a room and give it soul.
Santorini Lounge Chair & Breeze XL Teak Coffee Table
Modern outdoor design is becoming increasingly as considered as its interior counterpart. What elements do you prioritize when crafting outdoor spaces that feel as thoughtful as interior ones?
I treat outdoor spaces as true living rooms without walls, as the views are the walls. That means considering comfort, durability, lighting, and flow - just as I would inside. I prioritize layered seating, thoughtful textures, shade solutions, and greenery to create intimacy. The goal is to make the outdoors feel like a natural extension of the home’s architecture and lifestyle.
At Harbour, we see outdoor living as an extension of lifestyle. What does outdoor living mean to you personally?
Outdoor living is about connection, connection to nature, to people, and to place. For me, it’s sharing meals with friends under the desert sky, lounging with family by the pool, s’mores around the firepit or finding quiet moments in the shade. It’s about creating environments that make you want to linger outside, feeling inspired and grounded at the same time.
MLB Aluminum Easy Chairs & Pure Square Side Table
What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead?
I’m excited to expand our design portfolio with custom lighting and furniture design, pushing the boundaries of what our team can create. We’re also looking forward to sharing more of our process with the community - both through new residential projects and boutique hospitality work. Most of all, I’m eager to keep building spaces that inspire connection, creativity, and joy for the people who live in them.
