Please provide us with some more details on Callsign Design. How did you develop it, and what sets it apart?

At Callsign Design, we focus on accessible high-end design. Our challenge is to help homeowners find and achieve their design voice/style and create homes they love. Timeless design is our goal, and we do everything from complete renovations to simple swaps that elevate.

Did you remodel your entire home? If so, were there specific rooms that were more challenging than others? Why?

Our current home is the second primary residence we’ve designed and constructed together. We are approaching the end of a multi-year kitchen renovation, which is always the most challenging space when living in rooms you’re also renovating. Life still happens during renovations, and having the Christmas tree sitting next to a pile of lumber takes a bit of a sense of humor.

What led you to incorporate Grandeur Hardware?

We love the classic look of brass in our spaces, and the hardware is a statement in and of itself. Finding pieces that elevate spaces with simple swaps is one of the cornerstones of our work.

How long did this project take to complete?

The hardware only takes an afternoon to install, but the rest of the space took several nights and weekends to pull together!

Will you use this hardware again in other projects/areas of your home? If so, why?

We will definitely be using this hardware again. The quality is exquisite, and it elevates the design to a whole new level.

What is your design style, and how do you incorporate those decorating decisions within your home?

We always strive for timeless, classic design with a very Old World European flavor. We love everything from gilded antiques and chandeliers to old-world pantries with dried herbs.

Where do you find design inspiration?

There’s so much design “noise” out there focused on driving the home industry’s version of “fast fashion” that we limit who we “follow” and where we turn for inspiration. We fill our inspirational reading with period home and classic/traditional publications.

When starting a project, how do you organize and plan for it?

The first item is always a WOW piece: an inspirational statement piece that we base the entire design on. We start with an inspiration board and create a mood board from there. Then, we research different products and price points. Last-minute changes are inevitable, but we always have a plan from which to deviate.

How did/do you choose a house to buy and renovate?

It’s important to know yourself when you’re house-hunting. Don’t buy something that’s pretty if it’s not your style. We know ourselves, and when we were house hunting, we knew that being “outdated” was a plus. We like to personalize every space, so paying for someone else’s design choices and having to undo them is a silly thing to pay for. We look for good, solid bones with spaces that need to be updated and personalized. This house was perfect; it had light-filled spaces begging for our touch.

Many people want to take on large remodeling projects. What are some recommendations for readers who wish to do an extensive remodel project?

We recommend doing one space at a time (and finishing it). Break more extensive renovations into smaller, bite-sized pieces to make it easier to finish. Don’t have a hard and fast finish date, and remember to live life while you’re renovating. It’s easy to burn out.

What are some tips for readers who wish to transform their homes?

If you’re starting from zero, we always recommend starting in the powder room. It’s a small space, so the material costs aren’t outrageous, and you can really go crazy with the design. It’s a great place to start if you want to define the style for the whole home.

Are you working on any other properties or projects besides your own home?

We have done two other kitchens this year for family members, and it’s a gift of love. They’re a lot of work, but nothing makes us happier than seeing someone enjoy a space we’ve designed.

What is next?

We are wrapping up our kitchen and dining room this fall and preparing it for photography. Before we move into the next construction phase, we still have a few downstairs projects to complete (like the pantry).

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

If you’re in a relationship with someone who doesn’t share your passion (and tolerance) for renovating, look for other ways to update your spaces. Hardware swaps and paint projects can transform spaces and provide a lot of aesthetic improvement without sacrificing your relationship.

Thank you, Lisa and Walter!