Spring & Summer Design Projects: Refresh Your Home Without the Remodel
Spring is here and summer is around the corner—which means it’s prime time to hit reset on your space. Whether you want to make a big splash or keep things simple, we’ve got ideas to help your home feel fresh and intentional this season.
Small Projects with Big Payoff
Start with Texture, Color, and Personality
You don’t need a full renovation to make a statement. We love starting with interchangeable decor like pillows, florals, rugs, and shelf styling to reflect the season. Want something a little more impactful? Try a mural or wallpaper feature wall—you can always paint over it later!
And never underestimate the power of paint. A bold accent wall or even a small bathroom refresh can completely shift the energy of your home.
Color and Material Trends We’re Loving
Rich Meets Airy
Earthy tones are still in—think terracotta, olive, burgundy—but we’re loving how these colors pop when paired with airy yellows, pale blues, or light mauves. The result? A space that feels warm, grounded, and perfectly seasonal.
Materials matter too. Hand-thrown pottery, travertine, marble, and natural fiber textiles (like linen and cotton) help bring a soft, timeless feel to any room.
Summer Updates Without a Full Reno
Start Small, Think Big
Our go-to summer advice? Tackle your home updates in layers. Start with decor. Then move to paint or wall treatments. And if you're still itching for change, consider updates like cabinet paint, new hardware, or fresh lighting and plumbing fixtures—they pack major punch without a full remodel.
We help clients evaluate what to keep, what to refresh, and what to rethink completely.
A Current Favorite Project: Union Park Revival
We’re currently finishing a 1901 craftsman-style rehab with InvestDSM in Union Park, and it might be one of our favorites yet. Think original millwork, exposed beams, and moody Mediterranean flair with paprika-colored cabinets, patterned tiles, and timeless finishes. It’s the kind of project that reminds us how fun design can be when old meets bold.
Check out our remodel and renovation services.
Interior Design in Des Moines: ALT’s Local Take for 2025
Interior design in Des Moines has a unique heartbeat. With limited space for new construction inside the city limits, much of the work revolves around reviving and preserving the character of existing homes. At ALT Design Studio, we see design as a way to honor a home’s history while making it shine for modern living.
Why Des Moines Design Is So Distinct
Old Homes, Fresh Life
Instead of tearing down and starting from scratch, homeowners here often want to breathe new life into historic houses. From century-old bungalows to mid-century gems, we help preserve good bones and enhance them for today’s families. Our job? Celebrate the architecture and charm that already exists—and then make it even better.
The Rooms We Get Asked About Most
Kitchens, Living Rooms, and Basements, Oh My
Whether it’s someone who just moved in or a client who’s lived in their space for a decade, the kitchen and main living areas always top the list. These are the heart of every home, and clients want them to reflect their style.
Lately, basements have been having a moment—especially as people rethink how to use these flexible spaces for entertaining, working, or relaxing. We help clients figure out what makes the most sense for their lifestyle and create spaces that feel intentional and complete.
The Most Common Design Mistake We See
Playing It Too Safe
Modern farmhouse is a go-to for new builds and remodels in Iowa, but sometimes it becomes a crutch. We often find clients are hesitant to get bold—worried it won’t blend with their neutrals. At ALT, we love challenging that hesitation. Through vision boards and one-on-one exercises, we help clients define their personal style, even if it means introducing bold design elements in a subtle, strategic way.
A Project That Says It All
Reviving Historic Homes in the Drake Neighborhood
One of our favorite recent projects was a collaboration with InvestDSM on 31st Street and Cottage Grove. We took on three historic rehab projects and one new build on an open lot—and every home had to blend into the neighborhood while standing on its own. These were once grand homes that had been converted into apartments. We transformed them back into stunning, character-filled single-family homes with modern kitchens, spacious bedrooms, and thoughtful touches that honored their original architecture.
Home Staging Secrets: Sell Faster & For More in 2025
Staging a home isn’t just about making it look pretty—it’s about helping buyers see themselves living there. The right staging techniques can speed up a sale, increase the selling price, and eliminate objections before they even arise. If you’re thinking about selling in 2025, here’s how to maximize your home’s potential with expert staging strategies.
Staging a home isn’t just about making it look pretty—it’s about helping buyers see themselves living there. The right staging techniques can speed up a sale, increase the selling price, and eliminate objections before they even arise. If you’re thinking about selling in 2025, here’s how to maximize your home’s potential with expert staging strategies.
The Most Important Areas to Stage
Where Buyers Focus First
Not all rooms carry the same weight when it comes to staging. The key areas that have the biggest impact include:
Main living room – The heart of the home where buyers visualize daily life.
Kitchen and dining room – Essential for entertaining and everyday functionality.
Primary bedroom and bathroom – Buyers want a relaxing retreat.
Additional bedrooms and hall bath – Showcasing how the spaces can be used is key.
Flex rooms – Multi-purpose spaces are a growing trend, and buyers love seeing how they can function.
Seeing furniture in an open-concept kitchen or an empty bedroom helps buyers gauge scale and imagine how their own belongings will fit. A well-staged space is a space that sells.
How Professional Staging Impacts Price & Time on Market
The Numbers Don’t Lie
If you think staging is just a “nice-to-have,” think again. According to the 2023 Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of Realtors:
81% of buyer’s agents said staging made it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home.
39% of buyers found the living room to be the most important space to stage, followed by the primary bedroom (36%) and kitchen (30%).
20% of sellers’ agents reported staging increased offers by 1% - 5%.
21% of sellers’ agents said staging significantly decreased time on the market.
Well-staged homes sell faster and often at higher prices with fewer negotiations. Whether you’re in Des Moines or a smaller surrounding town, ALT Design Studio’s staging services have helped homes stand out and sell efficiently.
Home Staging Trends for 2025
What’s In, What’s Out
Staging trends have shifted in recent years, focusing on neutral, welcoming spaces that don’t feel sterile. Here’s what’s making waves in 2025:
Neutral furniture to ground the space – A blank canvas that still feels inviting.
Bold accents in art, pillows, and rugs – Adding personality without overwhelming.
Minimalism with character – Clean, comfortable, and not overly staged.
Natural materials – Think wood, bamboo, and stone for a touch of organic warmth.
Earthy tones – Rich, warm, and nature-inspired hues.
Greenery and plants – Adding life beyond just furniture.
Flex spaces – Multi-purpose rooms are in demand—buyers love seeing a home office double as a guest space or a basement that functions for both work and play.
Want to see how professional staging can transform your home? Explore our home staging services for expert guidance.
Ready to Sell? Let’s Stage Your Home for Success
Home staging isn’t just an extra step—it’s a game-changer in today’s market. Whether you’re looking to sell quickly, maximize your sale price, or simply present your home in the best light, the right staging strategy can make all the difference.
Need expert help? Contact ALT Design Studio to learn how we can make your home irresistible to buyers.