Chai Style Home: More Than a Nod to MidCentury Modern

Step inside the home of gallerists Philippe and Laura Horowicz’ sanctuary as a reflection of two entrepreneurs whose lives revolve around art and architecture, alongside creating their own MidCentury Modern home.

As founders of Carousel Fine Art, they built one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing contemporary galleries, representing emerging and internationally established contemporary artists across street art, pop art, photography, and modern painting. Philippe said, “Living with art every day reminds us why we do what we do. Great art changes how you live and feel in your home, and it’s a dialogue that moves from room to room.”

Their home is a retreat from the pace of business and a living gallery. Clean lines, expansive glass, warm natural materials, and contemporary artwork create sophistication without sacrificing comfort.

Laura explained, “We wanted a home that feels connected to nature. Natural light was one of our biggest priorities … being able to see outside from almost every room while still creating intimate and cozy spaces. This is our sanctuary.”

The project marks the couple’s first home renovation together involving extensive interior and exterior redesign, with future additions already in the works. Carousel operates in Buckhead Village, West Palm Beach, Miami, Chicago and Washington D.C. area coming soon.

Marcia: Your accent is unmistakable. Share your roots.
Philippe: I was born in the Swiss Alps. My grandfather escaped Poland during World War II and settled in Switzerland, where he rebuilt his life from nothing. My mother is an artist from Holland, and I grew up around painting and creativity. I didn’t realize at the time how much that would influence my future.
I moved here at 16 to pursue a golfing career. I spoke very little English and knew almost no one. What started as an opportunity through sports became much bigger. I’ve always believed that if you’re willing to work harder than everyone else, opportunities eventually appear.

Laura and I founded Carousel Art Group in 2019 after identifying a problem in the art world: countless exceptional works were sitting unseen in galleries’ storages instead of being enjoyed. We began by partnering with luxury real estate agents to stage high-end homes with museum-quality artwork, helping properties stand out while introducing collectors to artists in a more natural setting. That simple idea became the foundation of Carousel Fine Art. Today, we represent both emerging and internationally established artists across multiple galleries, but every step of our growth has been built one relationship, one collector, and one home at a time.

Marcia: Your furniture here is carefully selected.
Laura: Some pieces were hunted for, while others found us — a modular Italian sofa, vintage Mid-Century discoveries, objects from travel. Together, they feel less like furniture and more like memories.

Marcia: Your television room feels different from the rest of the house.
Laura: This space was the biggest question mark initially. Dingy carpet and wall color made it appear stale and more confined than it actually was.
We removed the carpet, converted the opening into an open double entrance, extended the wood flooring, drenched the room in soft blue. It stopped feeling like a basement and became a quiet retreat. We used natural tones in the furniture and accents. The only other color would be the art. The built-in functions as a bar, library, sculpture display, and visual bridge. Mirrors and lighting create depth, while light oak cabinetry and a cream terrazzo top reference Mid-Century roots.
I took a bigger risk in the powder room balancing geometric marble and travertine tile creating tension between precision and softness. I love Wabi-Sabi philosophy — beauty isn’t found in perfection, but in authenticity. The electrician questioned if I wanted the pendant intentionally off-center. I absolutely did!

Marcia: Explain “intentional” artwork.
Philippe: Every piece tells a different story. Cuban-born Eric Alfaro has become one of the most exciting contemporary painters we represent. With prodigy-level technique, he transforms oil and acrylic into sensational imagery. Our favorite work from him is directly in front of our bed.
Caroline Dechamby is our most important female artist and an integral part of the Carousel story. I grew up in her atelier. She combines playful energy and feminine spirit inspired by modern masters while remaining completely “her own.”
Jean-Daniel Lorieux’s bold image at the foyer was shot in the 1970s with a bright yellow background. The model playfully sticks out her tongue out. We don’t want anyone taking themselves too seriously!

Mr. Brainwash redefines contemporary pop. His work features a young boy and girl on a swing, reminding us of ourselves as young dreamers.
Alexi Torres’ Judaica … compositions explore heritage, faith, identity, and nature themes. We acquired his painting of a portrait of Chuck Yeager, the first man to fly at the speed of sound … reminding not to limit ourselves to others’ beliefs of what’s possible.
Patrick Hughes is a conversation starter. His patented “reverspective” technique creates optical illusions appearing to move.
Between our home here and Miami, we also “live” with works by Retna, Beau Simmons, Adam Umbach, KAWS, Danielle Orchard, Onemizer, Chance Cooper, Neill Wright, Jisabr, BYC, Gregory Watin, Adam Parker Smith and Kai.

Marcia: What happens in the kitchen?
Philippe: Laura genuinely loves to cook with her spice collection, some of which grows in our yard. Dining out, we like a complete experience. Le Bilboquet is our go-to … so close to the gallery. For special times, we head to Atlas where we collaborate on rotating artwork, making the restaurant like an extension of our galleries.

Marcia: How did a Kentucky model end up marrying a redheaded Swiss?
Laura: We met in Orlando while I was modeling. Philippe wasn’t exactly making the first move.
After a few days of bumping into each other, I asked to meet for a drink. Ten years later, it worked out well.