Behind The Scenes: Sherman Hill Renovation Sneak Peek

The wait is almost over! The Sherman Hill triplets have reached install stages and we are sharing a sneak peek of 829 19th St. to celebrate! Everything old is new again after we fully restored this Queen Anne Victorian house into a gracious home with classic details. We were so in love with the Sherman Hill triplets when we first saw them. From their original architectural details to their beautiful demeanor. Our goal was to create an elegant residence with good bones and revive it with simple, modern touches. Our challenge was maintaining the historic charm of the house but we also make it youthful and fresh.

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Here’s a little blurb from the developer.

Built in 1891 by contractor, Charles Doudna and O.F. Smith, this fully restored Queen Anne Victorian home has the character and original architectural details of a 130-year structure, alongside modern amenities, a new poured concrete foundation, and updated infrastructure to accommodate families of today.

The Doudna family lived in the home for its first two years. After changing hands several times, it was occupied by the See family, who’s daughter Cora attended nearby Drake University. According to a Des Moines Register article, Cora was married in the home in September 1896: “At the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. See, on Brattleboro avenue, their daughter, Miss Cora May, was married to Mr. Bert Dodge Van Meter Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. o’clock. . . The guests were received at the foot of the stairs by Misses See and Katherine Van Meter, who announced them to the receiving party. . . the bride and groom, attended by the father and mother. . . took their places in front of the fireplace, which was a bower of greenery. Suspended from above were red roses, which were showered at the close of the ceremony. . . The parlor decorations were red and white roses. The refreshment room was decorated in green and white and was presided over in turn by the Misses. . . “ (Des Moines Register, September 12, 1896)

In 2019, the Charles and Edith Doudna House was transported from a neighborhood near Drake University to its current location in Sherman Hill, Des Moines’ oldest neighborhood. It is within walking distance of coffee houses, restaurants, shops, downtown offices, and more.
— Laneways Development

This home features:

  • 2700 sq. ft.

  • 4 bedrooms

  • 2 1/2 baths (plus plumbing stubbed for an extra full bath in basement)

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Inching closer and closer to the full reveal.

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We are so thankful that the stressful parts of the renovation are all behind us. As you can see, we are all very busy putting the final touches together! We can’t wait to share the final shots will all of you!

Our Fall Favorites: Bring On The Color!

Happy week everyone!

Depending on where you live, you may or may not feel the cold-front getting closer and closer. In our little corner of the world, we have already noticed the crisp smell of autumn in the air. In light of the leaves changing, we decided to put together a mood board to feed our fall fever and inspire those of you who are wanting to introduce some fall concepts into your homes!

Keep scrolling for a good dose of inspiration!

Timeless & Moody

Warm & Modern

If you can’t get enough of our mood boards, don’t forget to follow us on our social so

you never miss any of our design favorites, current projects, and more!

Among the Trees

—Warning! This May Cause Serious Adult Treehouse Envy —

Last year, my Mom told my Dad she wanted a treehouse made of all antique windows up high in the trees. My Dad, being the logical man he is, immediately came up with every reason why this sounded like a bad idea - Up high? Alll old windows? How big? How much is this going to cost? Etc. However, being the good guy he never stopped working behind the scenes to make it a reality.

My husband hooked my Dad up with one of his friends - Durwin Sauer. He’s an amazing carpenter and owner of Cutting Edge Construction. Plans were drawn up and materials were sourced all over Iowa. Old telephone poles hold up the structure, railroad ties help frame it out and the antique windows create a charactered wall of glass open to nature. Her dream became an reality and she’s had her sanctuary among the trees since late last Fall.

Special thanks to my Dad and Durwin for making this a reality. My Dad spends just as much time as my momma out there. Plus, friends and family love a glass of wine or two out there too :)

Hope you enjoy this just as much as we do. Adult treehouse for the 2020 win :)

“Time spent amongst the trees is never wasted time” - Katrina Mayer

Photos by Justin Myer Photography; Built by Cutting Edge Construction