Behind the Design: How ALT Brings Interior Projects to Life
Working with an interior designer doesn’t have to feel intimidating. At ALT Design Studio, we love pulling back the curtain and walking clients through our process, step by step. Whether you’re redesigning your living room or tackling a whole-home remodel, here’s what to expect—and how we combine aesthetics, function, and a lot of collaboration to make it all happen.
Working with an interior designer doesn’t have to feel intimidating. At ALT Design Studio, we love pulling back the curtain and walking clients through our process, step by step. Whether you’re redesigning your living room or tackling a whole-home remodel, here’s what to expect—and how we combine aesthetics, function, and a lot of collaboration to make it all happen.
Step One: It All Starts with a Call
The Interior Design Process, Simplified
When a new client reaches out, our first move is a 20-minute onboarding call, typically within a week of your initial contact. Jess will guide you through what to expect, what kinds of materials or tools you might need, and how the next steps will unfold.
From there, we schedule a consult and on-site measurement visit within 1–2 weeks. Whether it’s furniture placement or a full remodel, we need to see the space to understand how to best support your goals. After that, the team builds out a scope of work document to clarify the vision and create alignment before diving in.
Step Two: Helping You Define Your Style
How to Find Your Interior Design Style
Not sure how to describe your aesthetic? You’re not alone. One of our favorite parts of the process is helping clients discover and define their personal style. We encourage people to create moodboards using Pinterest, flip through magazines, or even screenshot artwork and fashion that inspires them.
It doesn’t have to be interiors-specific—sometimes a photo or texture speaks volumes. We help clients sort through what they love and what they don’t, then build a clear direction from there.
Step Three: From Scope to Visuals
Design Concept Development in Action
Between the consult and the big mood board presentation, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Nearly every ALT project includes a mood board phase. Before we present anything, we create a scope of work document that lays out the plan, including any subcontractors or trades we may need to bring in.
Next comes 2D space planning, which helps us design the best layout for the room’s function and flow. For major remodels, we also create 3D renderings or elevations so clients can truly visualize their space—especially in bathrooms and kitchens where details matter.
We even begin product sourcing during this phase to ensure the mood board is grounded in real, actionable ideas.
Step Four: Making It Work Beautifully
Function + Form = Good Design
Design is about more than how things look. Our 2D space planning ensures that every piece fits with purpose—whether it’s dual-purpose furniture for a small space or building in more storage for a growing family.
We also tailor every plan to your lifestyle. Got kids? Let’s skip the sharp-edged coffee table. Have pets? Let’s talk performance fabrics. ALT makes sure your home works for you.
Step Five: Seeing It Come to Life
Interior Design Visualization Tools
To help clients see the full picture, we use tools like Photoshop and SketchUp for renderings and elevations. This helps bring wallpaper, art, and surface materials to life.
We also use platforms like Pinterest and Canva to build interactive moodboards—and we’re not shy about sharing edit access when it makes sense. Our goal is to keep communication clear, visual, and inspiring.
Step Six: Smart Sourcing
Affordable Interior Design That Doesn’t Cut Corners
Design is all about balance. We talk openly with clients about where to spend vs. save. For example, we usually recommend investing in seating since it sees the most use. We also have trusted retailers that we return to again and again because of their quality-to-price value.
Sourcing is collaborative—we save items to shared Pinterest boards and walk clients through the options that best fit their goals.
Step Seven: Expect a Few Surprises (The Good Kind)
What Clients Didn’t See Coming
One of the most common surprises? How easy it becomes to make decisions. Most of our clients are coming to us after battling decision fatigue. Once the vision comes together through visuals and moodboards, the momentum picks up—and clients feel confident making choices that reflect their style.
We’re not just here to decorate—we’re here to guide and validate every step of the way.
Step Eight: Proud Moments All Around
Why We Love What We Do
We’re most proud when we hand over a space and hear, “I didn’t think I could do this without you.” Whether it’s a major transformation or a refresh that lifts someone’s daily mood, we take pride in removing roadblocks and revealing possibility.
And yes, we love a good photoshoot too. It’s our chance to celebrate the before and after—and the collaboration that made it all possible.
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.