ALT’s Take on Holiday Hosting and Seasonal Design
The holidays are here—but that doesn’t mean your house has to look like a department store display. At ALT, we believe in meaningful seasonal styling that feels natural, livable, and totally your own. Here are our favorite ways to prep your space for hosting and memory-making (without sacrificing your sanity).
It’s Not About More—It’s About Meaning
Instead of rushing to make your home look like Pinterest, pause to reflect on why you’re decorating. Hosting should be joyful—not stressful. Choose pieces that hold a story, like a handmade ornament or a family heirloom, instead of the latest big-box trend. Less truly is more.
Avoid the Cheesy, Embrace the Personal
Highly stylized inspo photos may look pretty, but they’re rarely practical. Your home should function—which means decorations that make sense for your lifestyle. A curious cat? Maybe skip the glitter garland. Our rule: If it doesn’t bring you joy or function, it doesn’t need to stay. Hot tip: skip the box stores, and go shopping through your generational decor- think Grandma’s house and your aunt’s iconic candle stick collection.
Simple Seasonal Swaps with Big Impact
You don’t need a full redesign. Swap in cozy throw pillows, vases of winter stems, and holiday prints in your existing frames. Change the scent in your diffuser—nostalgia is powerful. A little texture and a few story-driven pieces go a long way.
Guest Room Glow-Up
Our guest room go-to? Layers. Pillows, blankets, and soft lighting (lamps or overhead dimmers) create instant warmth. It doesn’t take much to make a visitor feel welcome.
Not a Fan of Red & Green? Good.
ALT loves nontraditional palettes that still feel festive—think retro mid-century colors like pinks, oranges, and blues. When holiday décor matches your existing color scheme, it feels intentional, not overwhelming.
Gift Like a Designer
Two foolproof gifts: A beautiful coffee table book on design and a great-smelling diffuser. Both are useful, stylish, and work year-round.
Our Favorite Holiday Tradition?
Jordynn adds one handmade ornament to the tree each year—often from a local artist or market. It’s a small moment that carries big meaning. (And it’s kid-friendly!)
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.