Home Remodeling and Design Blog

I'mRusty Green, founder of Compelling Homes and 2026 dsm Magazine Home Design Professional of the Year. As a remodeler serving the Des Moines area since 2009, I get more questions about pricing than anything else. Here's the straight 2026 answer for...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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 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.

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...