a custom chandelier by local designer Louise Gaskill adds a touch of the industrial to this elegant living room
Recently, Walter Magazine published a feature in the "Story of a House" section on the Kowalczyk house in Raleigh. It was an absolute pleasure to photograph their house and their family. Two more gracious people cannot be found: Philip Kowalczyk immediately made me feel at home and even rustled up a latte just for me, not to mention offering me a ride home after the shoot. A humble and warm spirit, his wife Gretchen made us feel welcome though the shoot ran late. The article in Walter describes the recent generous donation the Kowalcyzks made to the Green Chair Project, which strives to help those in need of furnishings in the Wake County Area.
The house was recently built in a design collaboration between the Kowalcyzks and their custom builder Dixon Kirby. It was very important for the family to have a space that has a spacious, yet cozy layout for them, their 12-year-old son, and Max, the family pup. The light in the house is beautiful, especially in the sun room off the kitchen. Another must-have of the house, only fabrics by Robert Allen Fabrics, where Mr. Kowalczyk is currently the CEO, though Gretchen mentioned that her husband merely, "works in fabric."
Although completely re-built, the clients wanted to make sure that the new house had a traditional Georgian feel. The layout of the house called for a symmetric design, that the Kowalczyks felt was important. The living room and master bedroom, are in the center of each floor, creating the heart of the home. The bright and airy sunroom off of the kitchen is directly on the other side of an outdoor patio, that helps to create the symmetry they so desired.
For a house tour and photos not seen in the publication, please see below:
All fabrics by Robert Allen Fabric