Shining the Spotlight on Kathy Csatari - A Glimpse at Design

At Kay Builders, we recognize that our success as a 3rd generation, family-owned builder comes from the many members of our team who make it possible. So today we look at one member of that team, Kathy Csatari, who helps design the interiors of our model homes (in addition to many other things!)

Whether you’re thinking about buying a Kay Home or you’ve already made your purchase decision, our model homes open up a world of possibilities. As soon as you walk through the door, you’ll see what’s possible with the space… how you can customize the space to your own personal style… and how you can make that space your home.

Finding Her Way to Kay Builders

Back in 2013, Kathy started working with an interior design firm. She would do research for clients’ projects, look up fabrics and materials, and work to understand the client’s needs and their personal style.

When a position opened up at Kay Builders in 2021, Kathy was a perfect fit. Today she works with Kay’s internal team, external vendors, and a design firm to create model homes that showcase how amazing a Kay Home can be.

In addition to interior design, Kathy manages the fixtures, furniture, and decor for past and present models and arranges to have those contents moved once the home has served its purpose as a model.

Starting with Plans on Paper

Building a model home starts with the selected plans for that community. The Kay Builders team collaborates on which plan styles will be shown in the model homes, and Kathy offers suggestions based on her knowledge of what buyers want. “In this job, I get to work with nearly every department in the company,” says Kathy. “It’s great to be a part of such a dedicated team.”

Inspiration for designing the model comes not only from today’s fashions, but also from future trends. Kathy relies on interior design publications and blogs, consults with design firms, and even looks online to social media channels like Pinterest. Since designing and constructing the model home can take 12-18 months, it’s critically important to be ahead of the trend curve.

The ideas for the model remain fluid as various Kay Builders team members are consulted. As the vision becomes more clear, choices are made for colors, cabinetry, tile, flooring, lighting, and other fixtures. Kathy enjoys this part of the process, saying “I walk through the model home in my mind to imagine how it will look and feel.”

Bringing the Vision to Life

Kay Builders serves a wide variety of buyers, so the model must appeal to different tastes and budgets. “We want the model to be memorable and have a “wow” factor, but it must also be approachable.” Kathy says, “It must be affordable to our buyers so they can be inspired by what we show.”

As a result, the models typically show a blend of standard features that come with a home as well as some CUSTOM-i-ZABLE upgraded selections. This includes using cabinetry creatively, adding wall treatments and millwork, dramatic light fixtures, and custom paint colors.

Furniture is very important for the model to transform the space into a practical home. Kay Builders usually works with neutral furniture that can be repurposed from one model to another with some minor alterations or color changes. When furniture can no longer be used in the model, Kay Builders works hard to preserve the furniture and put it to good use. For example, they recently donated a few truckloads of furniture, accessories, and artwork to Habitat For Humanity’s ReStore location in Whitehall. This is all part of Kay Builders’ commitment to give back to the communities we serve.

When complete, the finished model home serves to inspire buyers. While others build model homes as “blank slates”, Kay Builders provides in-depth designs that serve as “memory points” that give buyers ideas they can use in their own homes.

“Our model homes serve to showcase what Kay Builders is capable of.” Kathy says, “We want buyers to see the finished product and imagine themselves living in this home.”

Modeling the Kay Difference

These model homes serve to show what makes Kay Builders different from other area builders. Kay Builders homes are designed to be beautiful, but you can also choose from a wide range of CUSTOM-i-ZABLE features to fit your needs and style.

Kay Builders is a local, family-owned builder who knows the Lehigh Valley and genuinely cares about the people who buy our homes. We build with quality and give you the flexibility to customize your home to make it your own. Read more about The Kay Difference here.

Kathy and the Kay Builders’ team are currently designing model homes for our upcoming communities. Follow us on social media for the latest news on the new model homes that are coming soon!

Ready to start your new home journey? Call at (484) 353-6100 or fill out our online form today. You can also browse through our floor plans and new home communities in the Lehigh Valley to find your new home.