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.
