Jan Zabel Jan Zabel

Renovating Your Space, One Room at a Time

When it comes to home renovations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the cost and scale of a full remodel. But at ALT Design Studio, we believe you can achieve a beautiful, personalized space without breaking the bank. Instead of renovating your entire house at once, we focus on transforming your home room by room, allowing you to work within your budget and timeline.

A Budget-Friendly Approach to Remodels with ALT Design Studio

When it comes to home renovations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the cost and scale of a full remodel. But at ALT Design Studio, we believe you can achieve a beautiful, personalized space without breaking the bank. Instead of renovating your entire house at once, we focus on transforming your home room by room, allowing you to work within your budget and timeline.

By breaking up the project into smaller chunks, homeowners can focus on the rooms they use most, and gradually work their way through the rest of the house. This strategy offers several benefits:

  • Budget Flexibility: You can start with one room, such as the main living area, and add others when the timing and budget align. No need to commit to renovating the whole house at once.

  • Tailored Timeline: If you’re not ready to start construction right away, that’s okay! ALT’s process allows you to begin with the initial planning phase — the design, drawings, and preparation — and then revisit the work later when you're ready to begin.

  • Staggered Costs: Instead of a large lump-sum fee, ALT offers hourly billing, meaning you can manage costs more effectively and at your own pace. This means your initial planning costs are put to good use, giving you a clear overview for future projects.

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Commercial and Residential Projects Done Right

One standout example of ALT’s budget-friendly approach comes from a real estate office that wanted to create a welcoming atmosphere for employees and clients. Instead of overhauling the entire space, we started with the lobby, focusing on affordable updates like durable, easy-to-clean furniture, rugs, and pillows. For large, empty walls, we commissioned a muralist to create a bold, temporary piece, adding personality without the high cost of custom art. This approach allowed the office to stay within budget while creating a space that felt inviting and professional.

On the residential side, we helped a couple who had recently relocated from Florida to Iowa. The husband wanted to surprise his wife with a remodel, but they had limited time and budget. We began with the basics: updating floors, walls, lighting, and hardware. After living in the space for a while, we returned to help with a kitchen remodel. This gradual approach allowed them to spread out the costs and enjoy each phase of their home’s transformation without feeling overwhelmed.


Budget-Friendly Design Strategies 

Here are some budget-friendly design strategies that can make a big impact:

  • Lighting: Adjusting the wattage of lightbulbs or swapping out outdated fixtures can instantly shift the atmosphere of any room. Softer, warmer lighting can create a more welcoming and cozy vibe, perfect for setting the right tone.

  • Simple Hardware Upgrades: Updating cabinet hardware, faucets, or door handles is a quick and affordable way to modernize your space. Even small changes like these can make a room feel fresh and customized, adding a personal touch to your home.

  • Fresh Paint & Temporary Wallpaper: A new coat of paint or peel-and-stick wallpaper can completely transform a room, bringing in new colors or patterns that fit your style. It’s an easy and reversible update that doesn’t require a major investment.

  • Unique Decor: Adding one-of-a-kind pieces to your home, like vintage finds from thrift stores or treasures from local marketplaces, can inject personality and charm into your space. These unique decor items can help create a distinctive look without breaking the bank.


The ALT Design Studio Approach: Creativity, Flexibility, and Affordable Solutions

Whether you're renovating a home, updating a commercial space, or enhancing a short-term rental, ALT Design Studio offers creative, flexible solutions that fit your needs and budget. With a focus on incremental updates, thoughtful planning, and making the most of existing features, ALT helps you transform your space without the stress of overwhelming costs or timelines. Start with one room, make a few changes, and let ALT help bring your vision to life, one step at a time.

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The Benefits of Unique and Niche Short-Term Rental Design

When it comes to short-term rentals, the competition is fierce. Guests have countless options at their fingertips, and while cleanliness is crucial, it’s not the only thing that leaves a lasting impression. At ALT Design Studio, we believe that a unique or niche design can elevate a rental experience from mundane to memorable.

When it comes to short-term rentals, the competition is fierce. Guests have countless options at their fingertips, and while cleanliness is crucial, it’s not the only thing that leaves a lasting impression. At ALT Design Studio, we believe that a unique or niche design can elevate a rental experience from mundane to memorable. 

Creating a Memorable Experience

Have you ever stayed somewhere that felt just... average? Perhaps the decor was generic, and the ambiance bland. Now, think about that one time you visited a place that had a unique flair—maybe it had quirky murals, themed rooms, or striking accent walls. That’s the magic of unique design!

From our experience managing short-term rentals, we’ve noticed that properties with standout designs create a buzz. Guests love to share their experiences with friends and family, leading to valuable word-of-mouth referrals. After all, who doesn’t want to rave about a place that has something truly special? Unique design elements not only elevate the guest experience but also inspire guests to share their positive feedback—many of our ALT-designed rentals consistently receive high praise and appreciation!

Attracting the Right Audience

When you tailor your rental to a specific theme or design aesthetic, you attract guests who are genuinely interested in that experience. For instance, if you create a cozy retreat with rustic decor, you'll draw in nature lovers seeking a weekend getaway. This thoughtful approach not only resonates with guests but also encourages repeat bookings.

One standout example from our portfolio is a charming rental in Windsor Heights, Iowa. After redesigning the space, it quickly became a hot spot for families and friends celebrating special occasions. The previous owners recognized the value of our unique design and even sold the property at a premium because of its rental success!

Boosting Occupancy Rates

A well-designed short-term rental can lead to higher occupancy rates, and here's why: guests are more likely to choose a property that stands out. When we revamped a property in the Drake neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa, the owner had struggled for years to attract visitors. After collaborating with ALT Design Studio to refresh the decor and layout, the rental quickly regained popularity, receiving numerous bookings and glowing reviews. 

Merging Functionality with Aesthetics

The best designs don’t just look good; they also serve a purpose. At ALT, we love to marry form with function. When creating a short-term rental, we ask ourselves essential questions: Who will be staying here? How many guests do we need to accommodate? What kind of amenities will enhance their stay?

For example, our design for a recent rental included fun, multi-functional spaces perfect for gatherings, ensuring guests had both comfort and entertainment options. Murals and wall accents play a significant role in our designs, offering unique talking points without the need for extensive art collections. Just one standout wall can set the tone for an entire room!

The ALT Design Process

So, how do we create these stunning transformations? It all starts with understanding the specific needs of the property and its location. Here’s a quick look at our design process:

  1. Onboarding Call: We dive deep into your vision and requirements.

  2. Needs Checklist: We cover essentials, from bedding configurations to kitchen essentials.

  3. Space Planning: Measuring and laying out furniture to ensure optimal flow.

  4. Regular Check-Ins: We maintain communication throughout the process, ensuring everything is on track.

  5. Rapid Turnaround: We know timing is everything. Our quickest project wrapped up in just four weeks!

We’ve designed everything from modern new builds to charming century-old homes, proving that every property can shine as a short-term rental with the right touch.

Ready to Stand Out?

If you’re ready to transform your short-term rental into a unique experience that guests will rave about, reach out to ALT Design Studio! We’re passionate about crafting spaces that not only meet the needs of your guests but also reflect the character and charm of the local area. Fill out our design inquiry on our website (https://thealtdesignstudio.com/design-client-form), and let’s start creating something remarkable together!

Remember, in the world of short-term rentals, it’s the unique designs that create unforgettable experiences. Don’t blend in—stand out!

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Jan Zabel Jan Zabel

Creating Unique and Functional Workspaces: A Guide by ALT Design Studio

At ALT Design Studio, we believe that every commercial space should be more than just functional—it should inspire creativity, foster productivity, and reflect your brand's unique identity. As experts in commercial interior design, we employ a blend of strategic planning and creative flair to craft workspaces that stand out. Dive into some insights into our approach!

At ALT Design Studio, we believe that every commercial space should be more than just functional—it should inspire creativity, foster productivity, and reflect your brand's unique identity. As experts in commercial interior design, we employ a blend of strategic planning and creative flair to craft workspaces that stand out. Here are some insights into our approach:

Discover ALT Design Studio's Strategies for Crafting Unique and Functional Workspaces in Commercial Properties

Designing a workspace isn't just about choosing furniture and colors; it's about understanding your business's character and workflow. We start by conducting thorough consultations to understand your company's culture and operational needs. This insight guides our selection of furniture that balances aesthetics with ergonomics, ensuring comfort and functionality for your team. From versatile workspace configurations to strategic color schemes that promote focus and creativity, every detail is curated to enhance productivity and elevate your brand's image.

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How ALT Design Studio Tailors Commercial Interiors to Your Business's Unique Needs and Branding

Alignment with your business's branding is crucial for creating a cohesive and impactful workspace. Our design process is transparent and collaborative, ensuring that every decision—from initial concepts to final installations—aligns with your vision and values. We integrate your brand colors, logo elements, and unique style preferences into the design development phase, fostering a space that not only meets your functional requirements but also resonates with your clientele. Customer satisfaction is at the core of our approach, and we strive to exceed expectations by delivering spaces that inspire pride and productivity.

At ALT Design Studio, our commitment goes beyond aesthetics; we aim to transform commercial spaces into dynamic environments that support growth and success. Whether you're revitalizing an existing office or planning a new venture, trust us to tailor a design solution that reflects your business's spirit and ambitions.

Discover more about ALT Design Studio's services and explore our portfolio of successful projects. Connect with us at hello@thealtdesignstudio.com or visit our website to schedule your consultation.

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