Home Remodeling and Design Blog

Most homes weren't designed for how families live today. Kitchens are too small for gathering. Bedrooms double as offices. Basements sit unfinished while square footage is desperately needed upstairs. A well-designed addition solves those problems,...

February 26 was a big night for Compelling Homes and our Founder, Rusty Green.

When homeowners think about remodeling projects, they usually hope for increased aesthetic appeal, better flow, and maybe a boost to their property value. These things do matter, but after nearly two decades in the business, I've seen homeowners...

Most home remodeling projects start with design. (Yes, you do need a professional designer.) But who do you hire to do the design work? For most projects, your main choices are between hiring an interior designer or a full-servicedesign-build firm...

Transforming a home into a bespoke masterpiece is the ultimate goal for many luxury homeowners. And it's not just about aesthetics but elevating everyday life through exceptional design and comfort. Even further, luxury renovations significantly...

When you're upgrading your living space, the right approach can make all the difference. Whether you're dreaming of making over the whole space at once or considering room-by-room remodeling, understanding the benefits and challenges of each method...

There's no doubt that a finished basement can add a lot of financial value to your home, but, even more importantly, it can dramatically improve your quality of life. Unfortunately, I see too many basement remodels with cookie-cutter design -- a...

When planning a remodel, it's common for people to quickly turn their attention to finding a general contractor (GC). But before jumping headlong into hiring someone, homeowners should make sure that they fully understand what they're getting when...

Before beginning a kitchen remodel project, it's important to identify the best kitchen remodeler for you. Each kitchen remodeling project is a little different, and the ideal remodeler for one set of homeowners might not be ideal for another.

Long delays. Shoddy work. Escalating costs. Finger-pointing among designers, contractors, and subcontractors.

For some home renovations, just upgrading your existing layout won't cut it. Instead, you may need a home addition that expands your floor plan and completely revitalizes the feel of your home.

Kitchen upgrades come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes all a homeowner needs is to install new appliances and make some basic cosmetic improvements, and that's enough to have a meaningful impact on their day-to-day quality of life.

A great guest bathroom can be a showpiece for your home, allowing anyone you host to enjoy an inviting space that's functional and stylish. But in most cases, a guest bath is a smaller bathroom with less room to add classic luxury features like a...

Many homeowners have a vision for upgrading their home but don't know exactly how to bring that vision to life or who is the best person for the job. Based on my long history in the industry, I can confidently say that while there are all types of...

Every remodeling project requires both design and construction services. With traditional project delivery methods, these services are provided by separate entities. In contrast, the design-build method integrates all of the work into one contract....

When you’re planning significant work on your house, you want to hire a great remodeler who can bring your vision to life. Whether you're planning a kitchen upgrade, a bathroom refresh, or a full-scale basement overhaul, remodeling is about creating...

For many people, the word "basement" conjures up images of a place that's dark, damp, and dingy. While there are plenty of unfinished basements that fit that description, finished basements can actually be bright, warm, and inviting.

Not every bathroom can be an expansive master bathroom that's decked out to the nines. Sometimes we have to work within a compact bathroom floor plan. Although most primary bathrooms are larger than 5 feet by 7 feet (5x7), it's not uncommon to find...

When thoughtful interior design and quality craftsmanship come together, the impact can be astounding. From small bathroom remodels to whole house renovations, your existing space can be transformed, improving your home's functionality and...

Converting your deck into a sunroom is one of the best ways to create additional living space in your home. With a three-season or four-season room, you can enjoy a versatile area filled with natural light, without worrying about the weather.

A new...

Whether you're refinishing a basement from scratch or remodeling an already finished basement, adding a basement kitchen can be a huge upgrade. Convenient access to a kitchen can enhance your basement's living space while also increasing the value...

A heated bathroom floor can be a remarkable antidote to cold mornings. As you brush your teeth, dry off after a shower, or otherwise get ready for the day, a heated floor can provide cozy comfort and a true sense of luxury.

There are two main approaches to hiring professionals for a home remodeling project. Under the traditional model, you hire a designer, then get bids from general contractors, and then hire one of those contractors to do the construction work.

Out of all the things that go into finishing a basement, the color of the ceiling might seem low on the list of concerns. While it may not be as critical as the floor plan or electrical wiring, the appearance of your basement ceiling can have a huge...

Ask any homeowner who has completed a significant renovation and they'll tell you the same thing: finding the right contractor makes all the difference. Doing the job right requires experience, expertise, organization, and communication skills.

Budget concerns are one of the biggest barriers for homeowners considering a remodeling and construction project. In many cases, it's not the cost itself. It's actually the process of getting bids, understanding them, and determining if they are...

Most homeowners have a big vision for upgrading their home but only consider doing the work room-by-room, gradually advancing toward their ultimate goal.

Why let your spare bathroom fade into the background when it can shine as one of the most impressive spaces in your home? With a little creativity and smart design choices, you can turn that unassuming space into a stylish retreat that’s equal parts...

Kitchen remodeling isn't just about style and aesthetics. While those are important, you also want to ensure that your remodeled kitchen is as safe as possible for you and your family.

Converting a deck into a sunroom creates an outdoor living area that you can enjoy throughout the year. Whether it’s a chilly winter morning or a rainy spring afternoon, a sunroom provides a cozy retreat to bask in natural light and take in the...

As a long-time remodeler, I've seen almost every way you can upgrade a bathroom and give it an entirely new feel. Although I don't pick favorites, I have to admit I have a soft spot for a particular bathroom upgrade: replacing the generic...

Lighting is a central component of any bathroom remodel. Ambient and task lighting make your bathroom usable, and light fixtures contribute to the bathroom's design and aesthetic.

A basement renovation is one of the most impactful ways to rejuvenate your home, turning an often neglected space into a dynamic new area for you to enjoy.

When I ask clients to describe their dream remodel, many wishlists include a home theater with comfortable seating where they can bring the whole family together.

For many homeowners, getting an itemized estimate makes a remodeling project seem that much closer to reality. An itemized breakdown lets you see each step and what it costs, and we tend to assume that seeing all of those details makes it easier to...

When you're looking for bids for a home remodeling project, contractors may offer different types of proposals.

Kitchen remodeling is in vogue. Whether for everyday meal prep, entertaining, or mastering advanced cooking techniques, we're hearing from more and more homeowners who want a new kitchen that meets high standards for functionality and style.

In casual conversation, it's common for people to treat "interior design" and "interior decorating" as the same. But when it comes to home renovations, there are major differences that any homeowner should understand.

Beautiful and functional kitchens can be built from the ground up, and what flooring homeowners choose for their spaces makes a difference. From what they're made of to how they look, there's much to consider when deciding on kitchen floor tile....

The ceiling in any room provides an open canvas to further express the design vision for your home. In basements, what to do with the ceiling is not always simple. The look and function of a finished basement may be impacted by how the ceiling space...

One of the most popular ways to enhance a finished basement is with a home bar. Whether you're doing a complete basement remodel or looking to level up your existing basement, creating a basement bar area can complement and round out the entire...

When it comes to bathroom remodels, the master bathroom rightfully tends to take center stage. Unfortunately, too often this leaves other bathrooms as nothing more than an afterthought.

Kitchen remodelsare often at the top of the list for home improvement projects. Whether it's a full-scale renovation or a smaller touch-up, kitchen remodeling can breathe new life into one of the most central and active spaces in your home.

The master bath, now more frequently called the primary bathroom, is the largest of the bathrooms in your house. This full bath connects directly to your master bedroom, so, unlike a guest bath or powder room, you use it every single day. For these...

When getting ready to remodel your basement, one of the essential decisions is about flooring. Many clients have told us that this feels overwhelming since there are many different options, each with its own pros and cons.

If you look around online, you'll find there's absolutely no consensus about how much it costs to finish a basement. My advice: don't worry about the national average or the cost per square foot or per linear foot of basement wall. What's more, the ...

Not so long ago, kitchen lighting was mostly about function rather than style. A combination of fluorescent lights and powerful spots was considered to be enough to light your way through meal preparation and cleaning, and aesthetics were largely...

Embarking on your first major home renovation can feel like setting sail in a storm: exhilarating yet intimidating.

Every fall, residents of Central Iowa have the opportunity to take a firsthand look at a wide array of remodeled homes completed by some of the best home builders in Des Moines. Compelling Homes is back again this year with not one but two tour...

Every homeowner’s journey is unique, marked by distinct events, milestones, and life stages. At Compelling Homes, we believe your home should evolve along that journey, reflecting your lifestyle and aspirations through thoughtful design of your...

Is now the right moment for a Des Moines home remodel? Welcome to Compelling Homes’ latest video blog, where our visionary Rusty Green shares his insights on remodeling in captivating bite-sized nuggets. As a design-build remodeling company,...

Are you going to tolerate the status quo? Can you live with a layout that doesn’t work or a ho-hum gathering the next time you host? Is it insane to think of putting a bar in your basement? Crazy to host your son's graduation on a beautifully...

For many of us, our homes are more than just buildings with rooms where we spend our time. They're repositories of love, life, and countless cherished memories. From the warmth of family meals in the kitchen to quiet evening soaks in the bathroom,...

During the early stages of planning your basement remodel, one of the first things you’ll have to determine is how much you want to spend on the project.

So you might be ready to remodel your bathroom? Congratulations! Your opportunities for the perfect new bathroom are endless! However, there are more than a few potential pitfalls during the planning process alone. Prepare for a wild ride through...

Are you tired of feeling like you’re living in someone else’s home? Do you find yourself daydreaming about a space that truly reflects your personality and more modern touches? If you’re getting the icks from every angle, a few strategic upgrades...

What the heck is a main floor scramble? Maybe the term out of context reminds you of golf or puts you in the mood for eggs. Succinctly, it's an extensive first-floor remodel that updates your home's layout. Compelling Homes does these projects in...

Ultimately, every home improvement project, including a bathroom renovation, is an investment, and it’s normal to wonder if it’s worthwhile. Understanding the project cost and total cost of a bathroom remodel is crucial for setting realistic...

We've turned the calendar to 2023, and we're so excited about everything on the horizon for the new year. However, we'd hate to miss the opportunity to celebrate our 2022 achievements. Compelling Homes created some fantastic spaces, and we're really...

Your bathroom is likely one of the most used rooms in your house; it’s where you get ready every morning and wash the day off every night. So, your bathroom remodel needs a design that makes you feel good, both in the way that it looks and the way...

It’s time to ditch the awkward first-floor layout, reimagine your kitchen, or create safe and accessible bathrooms. You’re committed to remodeling, but you’re not sure what steps to take next. If you love a good renovation show, you’ve likely heard...

Each year, design nerds, fashion enthusiasts, and artists alike wait with bated breath for the announcement of Pantone's Color of the Year, and it's officially here! In artful contrast to last year’s serene Digital Lavender, Pantone is ready to turn...

There’s a remodel somewhere in your near future; you’re just not sure when. It’s hard to figure out the right time when you don’t know what to expect. You don’t want to start too early, but you also don’t want to start too late and learn that your...

Nothing compares to the feel of sunlight on your skin. Its sweet warmth, honey-colored energy emanating from a star over 92 million miles away and settling onto your upturned face – or into your newly-remodeled home. Exposure to natural light...

If you're investing money into a home renovation project, it's natural to wonder how your investment will benefit you in the future, and quite understandable to wish you had a remodeling ROI calculator to do the math. Don't worry, we don't judge!...

No kitchen lasts forever. Daily use, frequent spills, and heavy foot traffic take a toll over the years in the form of cracked tiles, dirty grout, banged-up cabinets, and a million other blemishes. Eventually, your once beautiful, brand-new kitchen...

Finding someone you trust to provide design and construction services is one of the most crucial aspects of remodeling your home. You want the best team for the job, and there are plenty of contractors out there. How do you choose which one is right...

Ready to give your home a makeover? Are you wondering what's next after farmhouse decor? Whether you're eager to adopt a new style or consciously trying to purge your home of an old-fashioned look, you can lean into growing trends to upgrade your...

Summer in Iowa is full of possibilities. There are extra hours of sunlight to spend, warm weather to enjoy, and a thriving Des Moines Metro area offering fun things to do in July, August, and beyond; this begs the question: what are you going to do...

Dreaming of a brand-new kitchen? Want to transform some outdated features with state-of-the-art designs, kitchen innovations, and features that optimize your use of space? If so, there's never been a better time to start planning your kitchen...

Adding value to your home is about more than just money. It’s about leveling up your lifestyle by improving the look, feel, and functionality of your home. Imagine, for example, a high-end outdoor living area with comfortable couches, a glowing...

You’re not happy in your current home. You know you need a change, but you keep asking yourself: 

It’s natural to want to give your kids the best — especially when they’re going through a life transition as massive as moving. Since school is where they spend most of their time outside the home, pick a Des Moines area public school with the...

Remodeling a kitchen takes up a lot of your time, energy, and money. In the back of your mind, there may be the terrifying possibility that, after all that work, you might not end up liking the end result. We're here to nip that in the bud – because...

Do you know the feeling of being “in the zone”? Where your efforts are flowing, seamless, and easy? In positive psychology, this is known as flow; a mental state in which you become fully absorbed in a task – energized and focused on the completion...

Working from home can be challenging, especially if your office space isn’t ideal. But with an estimated one in four Americans working from home in 2021, there are plenty of tips out there to help you optimize your office space and your productivity.

Did you spend more time at home in 2021 than in previous years? It’s safe to say that's true for many of us. And all that time inside is making people realize how much their home environment can impact their mood, lives, and even health. That’s why...

At Compelling Homes, we know how important picking the right cabinetry is — we believe nailing down the cabinet design is the first step in building your kitchen palette! But, we also know you have a ton of different cabinet styles to choose from. 

Short, cold days can make winter a bummer, but Compelling Homes specializes in creating interiors that help you stay energized, refreshed, and comfortable all season long. Add in some festive holiday decorations and your home should have you feeling...

Get to know Compelling Homes! Sit down and grab your popcorn for a one-way video chat with Rusty and Denise Green to learn more about the people behind Compelling Homes, what we do, how we utilize the design-build process, and more. Check out our...

Design trends are always changing, andkitchen trends can feel as though they are the most fleeting. The best part about kitchen remodeling is that you can (and should!) remodel to suit your personal style. If you hope to increase the resale value...

When designing your dream home, it is important to reach an understanding with your builder, but also within yourself, about your design vision. Every family has its own design language, with colors, shapes, textures, and accents that speak to them. 

The summer is fantastic while it lasts, but before you know it there's a chill in the air and fall is breathing down your neck. Autumn is a truly beautiful time of year, as the world transforms around you, but this time of year calls for a time out...

Rusty & Denise Green here! Like you, we've been stuck in our homes for much too long over this past year and went a little stir crazy. We couldn't wait to get out and about – it really made us stop and appreciatewhere we live, and just how many...

If you’ve been bitten by the kitchen remodeling bug recently, you’ve probably been roaming around Pinterest and other kitchen design sites. In the process, you may have encountered the term “kitchen triangle rule” and wondered, “What the heck is...

If there's one thing we can count on in life, it's change. Whether it's a choice we make or the outcome of unforeseen circumstances – if you're living, you're changing! So, what happens when you decide you're ready for a change in scenery in your...

Just about everything has become more expensive over the past year. From buying a vehicle to staying in a hotel, prices in most industries have surged.

Kitchen remodeling projects are a great way to boost your home's value, increase your family's enjoyment of your home, and optimize the way in which you all live, connect, and grow. It's no small feat, kitchen remodeling, and the journey leading up...

Remodeling your home is exciting and fulfilling, albeit a bit stressful! Between finding a contractor you can trust, planning your budget, choosing your materials and features, and making sure your project is everything you dreamed of and more upon...

Remodeling your home is an investment, and if there's one thing we all know about investments, it's that protecting them is extremely important. So, how do you protect the investment you're making into your home? It starts with knowing what questions

The design phase is the main focus of every remodeling project for homeowners, because it’s the most fun part! You’re pinning, hearting, and saving all of the ideas you find online. You’re researching materials, patterns, trends, and all the design...

As you prepare for your kitchen remodel in Des Moines, Iowa, it can be easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of having the project finished and being able to use your new and improved space. However, getting from Point A to Point B requires a...

Once you’ve selected a remodeling team, there is plenty to look forward to as you begin designing the plans for your home improvement project in Northern Iowa.

Remodeling your basement is an effective way to create new livable space in your home and increase its overall value.

Finishing your basement is an effective way to make new livable space in an area of your home that is often underused or uninhabitable.

Once you’ve made the decision to remodel your bathroom, there’s often a growing excitement to get the project completed as quickly as possible so you can enjoy your new space and its enhancements.

Telecommuting, or working from home, has several associated benefits—and since the pandemic, it’s become the status quo for professionals. Many Iowans are working remotely at least a couple of days a week.

Schooling at home sounds easy enough, but without the right setup, staying productive and focused can be a real challenge for parents and young learners.