#AllCoopedUp with Caroline Wolf, Real Estate Agent + Interior Designer
Caroline is a superstar agent on my team who’s been working with me for a few years now. Before working in real estate, Caroline was an interior designer, and still does some design projects for our clients today. I trust her taste completely, and she is the glue that holds our team together. Currently Caroline is in Chicago with her family, but she’s still hard at work helping our clients buy and sell houses in this current landscape. In fact, she has been instrumental in helping our client get an accepted offer on a house that she has only seen virtually!! We will share more about this experience soon, so stay tuned. - Jenna
What’s your profession, and what does your day-to-day work experience look like now?
I call myself a “house person” and do everything from selling real estate to home renovations, big or small. Work right now is slower day-to-day, but I can’t help but stay busy. I just sold a house to my wonderful friends and am now helping them renovate their living room and master bath from afar.
Are there objects or spaces in your house that you are newly appreciating? Or are there objects and spaces you have come to loathe?
I am quarantined in Chicago with my family, who I now get to spend an extended period of time with (more on that below). Because it’s cold here, my real saving grace is natural light. Our formal living room has tons of it, so it’s nice to do work there during the day, and then turn on the fireplace at night, which was usually reserved for the holidays.
Describe your at-home quarantine uniform.
My uniform has evolved, slightly, over the past few weeks. At the beginning, I was heavy on pieces like my Jenni Kayne cashmere sweatpants and boucle half-zip (I called it my “Space Suit”), then transitioned to my favorite Free City OG Sweats, but now I’m making a real effort to get dressed everyday in jeans, make my bed, and feel more like myself.
Who are you quarantining with? Do you feel the need to “get away”? How do you make it happen?
I’m with my family at their home. We have generally been respectful of each other’s space, so all is at peace (as of this writing). Weather permitting, I go for a long walk every day, go for drives to to get some alone time, and I’ll also go to my dad’s (empty) office downtown to break up the day. I haven’t lived here in 15 years, and aside from holidays and weekends here and there, this is the first time I have really been back at home for a prolonged period of time. I’m doing my best to remember and enjoy that.
What’s the last thing you purchased online? Regret or obsessed?
A foam roller and Laird Superfood Creamer for my coffee - this is a ritual of mine at home in LA, and I really needed it to feel settled.
Tell us the best shows, podcasts, or books you’re loving right now.
Obviously Tiger King was a great way to kick things off, and I also loved Unorthodox. My family and I watch episodes of Schitt’s Creek together at night, but in my alone time, I am utilizing MasterClass and their amazing lessons. I recently wrote the workbook for Kelly Wearstler Teaches Design, which has been really fun to watch, especially when thinking about what “home” means to all of us.
Do you have any new quarantine activities or rituals?
I’ve never played more Scrabble in my life. Taking long walks has been lovely; I hope to take that habit back to LA with me, where I can get a little lazy on that front. FaceTiming with friends regularly (all day) has been a delight. It also makes me feel popular! I am beyond grateful for my little collection of the best humans in the world - they are smart, loving, kind, and so hilarious. From summer camp on Orcas Island, WA to high school in Chicago, to college in Santa Barbara, and all the way through adulthood in LA, getting to call these people my friends is my greatest achievement.
What is your favorite quarantine snack? What restaurants are you ordering takeout from?
I’ve been eating blueberries by what seems to be the gallon - it reminds me of being in California. Thankfully, my favorite restaurant here, The Athenian Room, is offering pick-up, so we’ve been enjoying that, probably too frequently. I have regressed to my teenage years in that I have to hide my Trader Joe’s “Gone Bananas” frozen dessert from my brother.
What is the one item you’re glad you stocked up on? What do you wish you’d stocked up on?
Laird Creamer - it’s hard to find in stores, and the shipping time was outrageous. I got really lucky and found it at Costco, after calling 3 Whole Foods! I really wish I had self-tanner, now that I think of it. I miss the sun.
What is your creative outlet and how are you making space for it?
Aside from collaborating on a viral meme with my brother, not much yet. That was a really big day. I packed for this “trip” in about 10 minutes and was lucky enough to remember to bring my drawing pad and pens so I can do my doodles. Those are next up.
Describe your biggest quarantine indulgence.
SLEEP. I should start setting an alarm. Maybe next week.
What are you doing for exercise?
My mom and I tried doing the stairs in our building, but grew bored VERY quickly. When the weather is nice enough, I’ll walk or run outside. We ordered foam rollers, yoga mats, and a bizarre ab roller, though I have not used that yet. I am an awful surfer, but I miss paddling out in the water terribly.
Are you sharing recipes with friends?
Unfortunately, I am the last person anyone would go to for a recipe, though I am enjoying watching everyone make bread. I am longing for the day when I can go over to friends houses and have them make me all of their new quarantine favorites.
What’s been the biggest challenge for you throughout this?
Dealing with a Corona break-up and not being able to see my friends in the way I normally do has been really tough, as has the feeling of needing space but not actually wanting to be alone (I’m so lucky to be able to Zoom with my therapist about all of this). I find everyone’s anxiety both comforting and distressing. I want us all to feel good again. I also might want a pet now? That means the world is for sure upside down.
When this is over I cannot wait to ___________.
Hug my friends and travel (sorry, Jenna!).
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