Design Details That Make the Difference
At ALT Design Studio, we believe the details aren’t just finishing touches—they’re the story your space tells. Our projects thrive on thoughtful choices that balance form and function with personality and purpose. Here’s a peek behind the curtain at some of the subtle (but powerful) ways we elevate everyday spaces into something memorable.
The First Thing We Notice? Paint.
Wall color is one of the biggest indicators of how a space will feel. We often opt for tone-on-tone paint treatments—where the wall, trim, and ceiling are all one color or shade—to create a unified, expansive look. It’s a simple way to add sophistication without breaking the bank. Our favorite tip? Skip the stark builder-grade white trim in favor of warmer tones that feel more inviting.
Underrated Detail: Custom Murals
Instead of defaulting to wallpaper or feature walls, we love bringing in murals. They’re completely customizable, often more affordable than wallpaper (especially when you factor in labor), and offer a creative, local artist–driven alternative that gives your space a soul. Even if the mural isn’t bold, it can echo a wallpaper pattern and be tailored to your specific vision.
Trendy vs. Timeless? Let’s Talk Strategy.
We encourage clients to invest in timeless pieces—sofas, major furniture, and key cabinetry—that can move with them and evolve. Trends come and go, but your essentials should have staying power. We layer in trends with the accents: pillows, art, curtains, and rugs. These can be swapped seasonally or whenever you’re ready for a refresh.
Mixing Eras Like a Pro
ALT’s approach to mixing styles is rooted in one thing: a unified color palette. Once we have your colors, we use them to tie together different styles, decades, and moods. Whether it’s mid-century meets boho or traditional with a splash of modern, our goal is always cohesion over uniformity.
Function + Personality = A Space That Works
Design should be beautiful—but it should also work for how you live. We choose pieces that match your lifestyle, whether that’s a washable rug in a high-traffic area or a sleek ottoman that doubles as storage and extra seating. Hidden clutter solutions (like lidded baskets or styled storage cabinets) help keep things looking polished without sacrificing livability.
Finishing Touches That Matter
We always consider the largest wall in the room first when it comes to art. From there, we’re intentional—not every wall needs to be filled. For shelf styling, we lean on books and candles for color, texture, and personality. Personal objects, heirlooms, and curated finds bring the story together.
Small Detail, Big Impact: A Nursery Transformation
In a recent new-construction nursery, we took a completely blank slate and layered in design that brought both comfort and personality. A custom cloud mural paired with warm beige trim and full wall wainscoting transformed the sterile white builder space into a cozy, serene room ready to welcome any little one.
Seamless Design Support – How ALT Makes Virtual Collaboration Work
Whether you're in Des Moines or hundreds of miles away, ALT Design Studio makes virtual interior design feel just as personal and effective as in-person service. From tech tools to communication styles, here's how we make e-design projects run smoothly.
Tools That Keep Us in Sync
Digital Platforms, Real Collaboration
We use a combination of:
Pinterest to gather and share inspiration
Canva moodboards to define palettes and materials
Zoom to present and review layout and sourcing plans
Shared spreadsheets to track decisions, orders, shipping, and updates
It’s clear, collaborative, and always updated.
Helping You Stay Organized
Project Management, ALT-Style
We keep remote clients on track with:
A shared project folder or spreadsheet
Weekly check-ins (or more, if needed)
Notes and action items assigned clearly on both sides
Two-point contact from our team for backup and coverage
We manage the process so you don’t have to chase anything down.
Sourcing & Logistics – We’ve Got It
You Decide the Involvement Level
Want to handle the ordering? We’ll send a clickable list.
Prefer us to take it off your plate? We’ll handle procurement and even coordinate white glove delivery.
We work within your budget and time frame to make the process efficient.
Keeping It Personal, Not Generic
This Isn’t Just “Design by Email”
Even virtually, we:
Talk through how you actually use your space
Customize the experience to your lifestyle and priorities
Stay involved during install and beyond if needed (even FaceTiming with contractors)
Virtual doesn’t mean impersonal. With ALT, you still get design that fits your life—not just your layout.
Design from Anywhere – Working with ALT if You're Not Local
Interior design doesn’t have to be local. Whether you're planning a vacation rental in another state, remodeling a second home, or want ALT’s signature look without living in Central Iowa, our remote design services make it possible.
Here’s how we make distance feel like no big deal.
Who Is Remote Design For?
The Best Projects for Out-of-State Clients
We’ve found remote design works especially well for:
Short-term rentals that need a full furnishing and styling plan
Second homes or vacation properties
New construction where we can influence builder selections early
Out-of-town clients who want high-level design without being on-site
Many clients choose us because they like our vibe—but they live elsewhere. With the right collaboration tools, that’s not a problem.
Getting Accurate Measurements from Afar
How ALT Builds Layouts Without Being There
We work with what you have:
Architectural plans or builder specs
FaceTime walk-throughs to call out where we need dimensions
Clients can send photos with rough measurements (we’ll redline them)
In some cases, we’ll coordinate with local contractors to take precise measurements
We also test new tools like AI room scans when appropriate. And we always source conservatively when final dimensions might vary slightly.
A Real Remote Design Success Story
Nashville Airbnb: A Hands-Off, Standout Project
One of our favorite remote projects was a bold new Airbnb in Nashville. The client was very visual and wanted a show-stopping design but couldn’t manage the details herself. We worked directly with the builder, sourced all furnishings, received the items in Des Moines, and then drove them down for installation.
She loved the process so much, she brought us back for her personal home.
ALT’s flexibility, organization, and clear communication made the whole project easy and efficient—no matter the distance.