Our History
BY DESIGN furniture + interior design was established in 1998, but our history actually goes back to 1976.
In 1976 Russell and Ruthann Clark proposed to their son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Bonita Clark, that they open a furniture store together. The first Wood Stock Ltd. store opened in December of 1976 in Des Moines, IA. It was entirely dedicated to selling unfinished wood furniture.
In 1985 we took our first steps into upholstery by opening a new concept store called Sofas by Design. It was a very early, very limited, version of our current store.
By 1999 we had become convinced that the wood specialty business no longer offered us the opportunities to serve our customers that we needed. We made the decision to close our old friend and first love, Wood Stock (and also our Sofas by Design store). We would take the best parts of both of them and combine them into a new concept.
BY DESIGN and their talented designers have been a big part of the Des Moines community ever since! We have helped so many clients create their perfect rooms and have had such a wonderful time doing it. See what our clients have to say about by Design.
About Us?
Definitely not. BY DESIGN is all about you: your dreams, your style, your home, your life. We don’t use your room to execute our style. You don’t have to buy into one signature style that we show on our floor in a few colors. It isn’t (and it shouldn’t be) about us.
Our Mission
BY DESIGN’S mission is to serve people who care deeply about their homes as a focal point in their lives: To listen, to help, to inform, to inspire and ultimately to execute a room or home that our client is proud of… and loves to spend time in.
Products & Designs
Since our mission is to help you to discover your own personal sense of style, we focus first on furniture products that are customizable. Expressing your unique sense of style with a few factory-chosen fabrics would be ludicrous. Instead, you are presented with a fabric wall that has thousands of fabrics and leathers. Dining tables are available in wood tops, tile tops, stone tops, glass tops and more — and can be finished in many wood tones and paint colors.
Policy & Warranties
We’ve built our business on taking care of our customers. We will take care of you.
Our suppliers offer the best factory warranties in the business. They are our first resort in case of any problem.
Internet Sales
At BY DESIGN, we believe good design is a conversation. Where and how that conversation happens is our client’s choice. We strive to honor that choice.
We do believe in in-person, face-to-face experiences. There is nothing like seeing and touching fabrics and finishes. Our store offers you a powerful – and unmatched – way to experience the design process.
And most important: our people. Experienced, talented & caring designers. They come in every day hoping to make some magic. To help you create your perfect room.
We welcome your inquiries by email or phone and encourage you to stop in soon to start the conversation!
Furniture Protection Program
BY DESIGN offers one the very best furniture protection plans anywhere. One warranty covers your entire purchase – a single item, two items or a roomful. Your upholstery, leather, dining room furniture and occasional tables are covered (separate plans available for area rugs). What’s covered? Just about any damage to your furniture.
Interested in Working at BY DESIGN?
For Outside Designers
Privacy Policy
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