Points for you to consider on your journey to creating your perfect room

The question is: How do we do modern interior design in a traditional home? Here is one answer. This beautiful, historic home is nestled off the square in a small town outside of Des Moines. It is amazing. We wanted to breathe new life into this living room while adding a modern twist. We stuck with [...]

Planning Ahead Paid BIG Dividends For This Couple How exciting to see this great organic-modern style home emerge from the hopes, dreams and ideas of a wonderful couple. We had the opportunity to start our process in the first days of the project. They came in early and just visited with us. This gave all [...]

We are finally welcoming warmer temperatures here in Iowa. It’s time to move the party outdoors with some of our favorite outdoor furniture ideas! This Canyon outdoor sectional is jaw-dropping! Woven teak, faux hyacinth, charcoal color cushions that are weather and sun-resistant scream warm and inviting! Add a few accent tables to hold your cold [...]

Now that the kids have moved out… This is an opportunity staring you in the face! Not everyone would recognize that. My clients, Melissa and Dave did. This is a lower level space in their Ankeny home. They decided that they wanted to maximize the seating and create a cozy space to watch sports or movies. [...]

This new home interior design project offered opportunities for learning and discovery for it’s Des Moines teacher and homeowner.

How one Des Moines couple discovered their personal sense of interior design style… and the choices they made in their new home. Introducing the new Melhus home! Brad & Casey just purchased the cutest Beaverdale home! They are returning customers to BY DESIGN so they knew they were in good hands when looking to furnish [...]

When I first met Rita, we found a shared fondness for color. You should consider using colors in your home’s interior design. Here’s why: Rita was looking to liven up the living room of her Urbandale home. As is often the case, her living room is the first room you see when you enter. And [...]

COMFORT SLEEPER – the best sleeper on the planet. Here are ten other reasons you should consider this amazing furniture for your home.

Sometimes clients are like old friends. You feel like you have known them for a long time. Rosa & Mel would certainly fall into that category. Their design style is what we refer to as New Classics. Modern lines, materials and colors with a nod to traditional. I have been working on their interior design [...]

Better relationships lead to better design

Angela falls for the Kaden group – a BD favorite from American Leather

Changing tastes reflect a changing life

Great design choices years ago yield a wonderful upgrade today.

Rapport makes the difference in creating your perfect room When I first met Linda in the store we connected right away. She had told me about a major remodel that her son had completed on her Pleasant Hill home. She wanted to make sure it was furnished beautifully to complete the look they had worked [...]

Deborah teaches art at Iowa State University. That could be daunting for a designer. Or… you could choose to look at it as a terrific collaboration opportunity. I choose option two! She was looking to refresh her living room. She wanted a modern, sleek update. Like so many, Deborah’s search began online. After searching BY [...]

MODERN… BUT COMFORTABLE. It’s really not too much to ask, is it? A room with modern lines, colors and textures that is so visually inviting and so physically comfortable that you love to live in it? And yet, it is a concern. Deanne, Angela and Laura took that challenge head on. Practical needs included living [...]

I’m currently in the process of redesigning our living room and thought I’d share my ideas with you…I’d love any feedback you have to give! The look I’m going for is Organic Modern…(learn more about organic modern design here) with a touch of glam. We’re adding new wood floors to the room along with a [...]

Here’s a new twist on furnishing around that fireplace with the shelves on both sides. Laura’s longtime client Shelly wanted a different look to her new Johnston home. Since we have furnished several living rooms in different homes over the years, we wanted a fresh take. She knew she wanted warm whites and the ultimate in comfort. We paired [...]

Tess came into the store to browse and fell in love with a white ceramic marble table for her dining room. Understandable – it is a stunning table. The problem was… she was not re-doing the dining room right now. But, a perfect piece changes everything. Tess’s priorities included. As we discussed her West Des [...]

Angela’s Product of the Week As a designer, I have fallen in love with many pieces crafted by American Leather. Sure enough, when our new Kaden sectional was delivered I was blown away by it’s effortless style, appealing design, comfort and craftsmanship. I shouldn’t have been surprised, American Leather is known for their innovation, expert [...]

The first rule when it comes to decorating & furnishing your home is…

Absolutely. It can be healthy. At BY DESIGN we truly care about our customers. We take the time to ensure your experience is exceptional. When starting with By Design I was thrilled to learn that all of our upholstery companies are GREEN! I’m excited to share this with all of you as it is something [...]