Embracing the Modern Aesthetic with Partners in Building
In our exclusive homeowner spotlight series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sandy Callisto, a talented interior designer, as she shares her remarkable journey of collaborating with Partners in Building to create her dream home in Franklin, Tennessee. Join us as we delve into Sandy's design philosophy, her experience working with Partners in Building, and the unique elements she incorporated into her home. As a seasoned designer, Sandy has explored various styles throughout her career. However, her current home design style is focused on embracing a modern aesthetic.
 |
 |
 |
How would you describe your home design style?
“As a designer I have loved and worked on many beautiful styles and architecture in residential and commercial. Clients have given me opportunities to bring their design hopes and dreams to life. My own homes have experienced several transformations through the years. My home design style today is focused on a more modern tone.
Modern design is interesting and tricky as it evolves. It seems simple, but in reality, it requires to pare down on surface elements and carefully consider what elements stay in. The use of all surface materials should have a purpose. For example, you want to steer away from finish carpentry around windows. Stay focused on a clean look in every aspect of your interior and exterior space. This takes effort. I told my husband when we reviewed casings around the windows to keep the mantra ‘stay on the modern course’. The issue isn’t necessarily about not installing these items, it’s about the quality of the near perfect drywall work required because you don’t have any layers to hide imperfections. To me that’s what modern brings to the table. Elements that can stand on their own without hiding flaws under any accoutrements. Modern can take on many faces but one thing stays constant. It takes thoughtful planning and discipline to honor a modern style keeping a close eye on comfort. It’s your home after all.”
At Partners in Building, we believe that every homeowner deserves a home that reflects their unique style and vision. We pride ourselves on our ability to create homes in any design style our homeowner's desire. Whether it's a contemporary masterpiece, a cozy farmhouse, a sleek modern dwelling, or a timeless traditional residence, our team of skilled architects, designers, and builders are dedicated to bringing our homeowners' dreams to life. From the initial consultation to the final finishing touches, we work closely with our homeowners, listening to their ideas and providing guidance and support throughout the entire process. Working with creative homeowners like Sandy allows for a harmonious collaboration, making a beautiful home.
Where do you find inspiration for home decor?
“Great question and I’m asked this a lot. There are many areas you can pull from as we all know. You can go online or watch design shows and get all the information you think you need. My first place is my environment. Nature for example. It never goes out of style. The many different rock textures, the overall colors you see at any given time in your surrounding areas. An example of this are the desert areas in California, it envelops Mid Century modern beautifully. Colors like orange, turquoise and white bring the arid mountains to life. In addition, windows and sliders are getting bigger in general so the outside has much to offer in terms of inspiration. I also love to get inspiration from older architecture. It’s amazing how you can slowly take the layers off and see how different styles evolved. Most importantly, I make sure to keep in the forefront what my clients love. When we began building, we honored not only the design but ourselves to make something we loved. It may be the hardest thing to do when making final decisions, but I believe this is what sets your home apart.”
 |
 |
 |
 |
When designing a room, what is the most important factor for you?
“The most important aspect of any space for me is to determine what the capabilities of an existing area are. If I have the chance to build from the ground up, it's very exciting to plan the function and look of reach room. You can plan the position of windows to capture a view, or you can give some extra space to a closet. Closets are housing not only personal apparel but now you see large built-in dressers and of course islands. The kitchen for me was a welcomed challenge and opportunity to create a generous sized modern dream kitchen. One of the details we wanted to accomplish was to incorporate the walk-in pantry into the cabinetry. Everyone gets a kick out of seeing you walk into a cabinet and disappear and expose a large pantry inside. Functionality is important in any kitchen, but if you decide to go a bit bigger, the function of it can be at risk. Proximity to appliances vs work areas had to be dealt with. 2 full size sinks were installed to minimize congestion at one sink.”
Partners in Building takes great pride in our award-winning design centers, which serve as a vital resource in helping homeowners bring their visions to life. Our design centers are thoughtfully curated spaces where homeowners can explore an extensive selection of high-quality materials, finishes, fixtures, and design options. With the guidance of our experienced design professionals, homeowners can navigate through various styles, color palettes, and textures to find the perfect elements that align with their unique preferences and lifestyle. They're designed to inspire creativity and provide a seamless experience, offering a one-stop destination where homeowners can see, touch, and feel the materials that will shape their dream home. Whether it's choosing the perfect countertops, flooring, cabinetry, or lighting fixtures, our design centers offer a comprehensive selection of options to suit any design style or aesthetic. With the expertise and guidance of our design professionals, homeowners can confidently make informed decisions, ensuring that every detail aligns with their vision. At Partners in Building, our award-winning design centers are instrumental in turning dreams into reality, creating homes that are both visually stunning and deeply personal to our homeowners.
Where do you get your home decor from?
“There are some great resources that I consider my go to. Quality is my highest priority. Service has become quite important too as it helps minimize the stress that comes with investing in pieces. There are a few retail stores I would like to mention. For my sofa items I relied on Crate and Barrel. I didn’t feel the need to custom order because the sizing and modular designs were on top of their game. They currently feature and work with designers that have captured what modern and comfort should mean. Arhaus is another one that I used. The Carrinna Dining Table has become my favorite furniture piece. I love the Guanacaste wood used and the artisanship that gives this table organic beginnings. I wanted the outside in. The angular edges make this table a conversation piece. I also like to stop into the local shops here in Franklin. Nest Décor was a pleasant surprise! You’ll find items that you’re sure to love that compliment many styles. The artwork is interesting and priced well too. The large artwork piece at the staircase was discovered there. You never know what hidden gems are waiting in your local stores. I love the design centers too, so if you’re working with a designer, it’s wonderful to have access to them. Online furniture shopping is now easier than ever. Vant Panels, we used for the primary bedroom, they offer interesting custom headboard panels in an array of sizes and fabrics. The installation was very easy for my husband too!”
What is your favorite thing about your PIB home & how was your experience working with PIB when you were building your home?
“My absolute favorite thing about our Partners in Building home is that I was able to build our home from the ground up. Something I thought I would never be able to fulfill. Our builder was instrumental in helping me see it through. You need a builder willing to go the extra mile but also know how to present possible limiters that you may not be aware of. You must be able to trust that who is building your home has your interest in mind. Luke Locke was our builder with PIB. He was very present and knowledgeable about the task at hand. We challenged him a bit with some of our requests, but in our experience, we can’t think of a time he didn’t step up.”
 |
 |
 |
What are some essentials you wanted in your home when building it?
“We wanted to build a home with a clearly modern vibe. Some of the interior must have items were the floating staircase, the large stone wall, wood flooring, modern kitchen cabinetry, large 2 tier island with 3” apron, a good size utility room, and large media tile use. One of the hardest items to find was the light color of wood flooring I wanted. At the time the colors were still a little too grey, dark or honey colored. The PIB design center was patient in getting this accomplished. For the exterior of our home, I wanted to repeat the interior stone on the outside. We wanted to soften the stone and emphasis certain areas of the home with long lasting wood like siding. Our builder found the perfect product for us by Diamond Kote. Finding the right materials especially for exterior use too hold up against Tennessee’ winters and humid summers was the kind of thing we came to expect and appreciate from Partners in Building.”
When it comes to building your dream home, trust is paramount, and at Partners in Building, we understand the importance of that trust. We take pride in our reputation for delivering exceptional craftsmanship and quality. Homeowners can trust us to guide them through the entire home building process, ensuring their vision is brought to life with precision and care. We believe in using the right materials to create homes that stand the test of time. From foundation to finishing touches, we source the finest materials that not only enhance the aesthetics of the home but also prioritize durability and longevity.
What did you enjoy most about the home building process?
“The best part was having a reliable builder who truly understood our desires and efficiently executed the project. Unlike many construction projects that encounter delays and setbacks, Partners in Building consistently strived to stay on schedule. The management of multiple trades working on our home can be a challenging task, but PIB's builders are actively involved throughout the entire process. Although I sometimes expressed my desire to have Luke, our builder, exclusively focused on our home, he managed to maintain regular communication and be present whenever I needed assistance. Witnessing the seamless integration of all the elements was truly exhilarating. However, the most rewarding moment was when my husband gave me a proud nod, affirming a job well done, and eagerly expressing his readiness to move in!”
Partners in Building values our commitment to excellence and homeowner satisfaction and it’s visible through the remarkable journey of Sandy Callisto and her magnificent home. From the initial design phase to the final touches, Sandy's collaboration with Partners in Building exemplifies the harmonious relationship between a homeowner and a trusted builder. Through meticulous attention to detail, innovative design choices, and a shared vision, Sandy's home became a true reflection of her unique style and personality. The process of building her dream home with Partners in Building was not only a fulfilling experience but also an enjoyable one. Sandy's unwavering trust in the team, their dedication to staying on schedule, and their seamless management of various trades made the journey remarkably smooth. With every step of the way, Sandy's excitement grew, and the end result surpassed her expectations. Partners in Building continues to shine as the #1 custom home builder in the South, creating unforgettable experiences for homeowners like Sandy, who not only love their homes but also cherish the memories made during the building process.
 |
 |
