Des Moines, Iowa, has a rich architectural history, with many homes dating back to the early 1900s, reflecting the area’s craftsmanship and historical significance. Among these, four tiny homes stand out for their blend of classic charm and modern updates. These craftsman bungalows and cottage-style homes feature timeless hardwood flooring, original woodwork, and distinctive architectural elements. Despite their centuries-old foundation, these homes have been thoughtfully updated with chic, minimalist designs and modern touches, offering a perfect balance of heritage and contemporary living. Beautiful, functional, and full of character, these homes are truly a piece of history.
1. 1922 Craftsman-Style House in Des Moines
This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is located in Des Moines, IA, and is listed for $195,000. Built in 1922, this Craftsman-style residence features a thoughtful layout and eye-catching updates, including gorgeous hardwood floors. The home’s green exterior complements the vibrant and welcoming theme, while the front porch overlooks beautifully landscaped surroundings. The private, partially fenced backyard and the garage add both functionality and appeal. With a new roof and updated windows, this home offers modern efficiency in a timeless, cozy setting.
Where is Des Moines?
Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa, located in the central United States. Historically significant, it played a crucial role in the westward expansion, serving as a trading and transportation hub. The city’s architecture reflects its rich history, with a blend of classic Colonial, Victorian, and modern styles. Des Moines is known for its well-preserved historic districts, offering beautiful architectural homes. Today, it is a thriving center for business, culture, and government, with a growing housing market that attracts families, young professionals, and retirees seeking a blend of urban amenities and suburban tranquility.
Modern Living Space
The living room boasts sleek, light gray walls that balance the vibrant art and decor, bringing an inviting, spacious feel. Dark hardwood floors and a strategically placed area rug add contrast and warmth. The open layout flows seamlessly into the adjoining areas, creating an airy, open feel. Decorative shelving and wall-mounted art display personal touches, enhancing the room’s character. Large windows fill the room with natural light, highlighting the space’s modern yet cozy design. The soft, minimalistic furniture offers comfort, making it perfect for relaxation or entertaining guests.
Sleek Kitchen Design
This modern kitchen offers clean, bright white cabinetry with gray countertops, creating a sleek and functional space. The white subway tiles in the backsplash add a classic touch to the design. Stainless steel appliances and hanging pot racks contribute to the contemporary, professional feel. The room features an open layout with a connection to the living area, ideal for entertaining or family meals. Thoughtful organization, such as open shelving, enhances accessibility while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. The space is both practical and stylish, designed for both efficiency and enjoyment.
Trendy Bedroom Nook
This bedroom features bold green walls that create a cozy, vibrant atmosphere. The flooring is dark, polished hardwood that complements the neutral tones of the space. A custom-built shelving unit efficiently organizes clothes, books, and decor, enhancing both function and style. The large windows invite natural light, offering views of the backyard and filling the room with warmth. Thoughtful details like the rich curtains and tasteful accessories add a modern, personal touch, making this space a perfect blend of comfort and chic design. The room maximizes its space with smart storage solutions.
Functional Basement Laundry
This practical basement laundry area is equipped with all the essentials. The space is spacious, with concrete flooring and industrial-style piping that adds a raw, utilitarian charm. The washer and dryer are conveniently placed for easy access. The room has plenty of space for storage, making it ideal for additional items or a home gym. Despite the straightforward design, the area’s functionality is key for maintaining organization and cleanliness in the home, showing that even a laundry room can have a practical, no-nonsense aesthetic.
Contemporary Bathroom Style
The bathroom is modern with white subway tiles, offering a clean, fresh look. The walls are adorned with neutral shades, creating a calming atmosphere. A simple yet elegant floral shower curtain adds a splash of color and personality to the space. The vanity and fixtures are sleek and functional, with plenty of storage to keep the space tidy. The small mirror adds a chic touch, while the bathroom’s efficient use of space makes it both stylish and practical for everyday use. The overall design maintains a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance.
Source: Century 21 Signature via Zillow
2. 1915 Bungalow Style House in Des Moines
Listed for $200,000, this charming bungalow is located in Des Moines, IA, offering 2 beds, 2 baths, and 648 sqft of living space. Built in 1915, the house showcases a cozy bungalow style with a modern touch. The exterior features a soft gray color, complemented by newer siding and a roof. Inside, the updated interior boasts LVP flooring throughout, quartz countertops, and a spacious kitchen. The finished basement adds a non-conforming bedroom, along with additional living space and a bathroom. Conveniently located near highways and downtown Des Moines.
Where is Des Moines?
Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa, located in the central United States. Historically significant, it played a crucial role in the westward expansion, serving as a trading and transportation hub. The city’s architecture reflects its rich history, with a blend of classic Colonial, Victorian, and modern styles. Des Moines is known for its well-preserved historic districts, offering beautiful architectural homes. Today, it is a thriving center for business, culture, and government, with a growing housing market that attracts families, young professionals, and retirees seeking a blend of urban amenities and suburban tranquility.
Bright Living Room
The living room of this bungalow is perfect for relaxing or hosting guests, featuring hardwood floors and bright natural light. The neutral-colored walls and modern furniture create a timeless appeal. A stylish wooden coffee table complements the comfortable beige sofas, offering a cozy seating area. The large windows with soft green curtains enhance the overall welcoming atmosphere, providing plenty of natural light. Additionally, the wall-mounted TV offers a space-efficient entertainment option, while the entryway door with a charming arch adds character.
Sleek Kitchen
The kitchen is both functional and stylish, featuring quartz countertops that contrast beautifully with the wooden cabinetry. The stainless steel appliances, including a microwave, dishwasher, and stove, provide modern convenience. The hexagonal tile backsplash adds a touch of texture and design, while the large windows offer plenty of natural light. The green curtains bring a fresh pop of color and complement the overall neutral color scheme. This kitchen is perfect for both casual cooking and entertaining, offering a clean, well-organized layout.
Cozy Bedroom
This charming bedroom offers a comfortable, peaceful retreat with a bright and airy feel. The light-colored walls and ceiling fan help to maintain a cool atmosphere. The wooden dresser and gray shelving provide ample storage space while adding a touch of modern elegance. The bed is adorned with soft floral bedding and plush pillow accents, bringing a playful and cozy touch to the room. Large windows allow plenty of natural light, creating a bright ambiance that complements the clean, inviting aesthetic.
Updated Bathroom
This modern bathroom features a new sink and countertop, creating a sleek, clean aesthetic. The wooden vanity adds warmth and storage, while the neutral walls maintain a minimalist vibe. A large mirror reflects natural light, enhancing the bright, airy feel. The bathroom’s compact layout maximizes the space, making it both practical and stylish. A framed piece of artwork above the toilet adds personality, while the upgraded fixtures ensure both comfort and functionality. This bathroom provides a perfect balance of modern design and everyday convenience.
Spacious Backyard
This spacious backyard offers a peaceful, private retreat with a fenced-in area perfect for outdoor activities or gardening. The two-car garage adds convenience for storage or parking. The well-maintained lawn provides plenty of room for relaxation, while the tall trees in the background create shade and privacy. This outdoor space is perfect for entertaining guests, enjoying family time, or simply unwinding after a long day. The neat driveway provides easy access to the backyard, enhancing the home’s functionality.
Source: EXP Realty, LLC via Zillow
3. 1923 Bungalow Style House in Des Moines
Listed for $123,500, this house offers 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom in 680 sqft of living space. Built in 1923, the home features a bright and cheerful yellow exterior complemented by blue trim. The bungalow-style layout provides a cozy, compact feel with a spacious kitchen and an updated interior. Recent upgrades include a new furnace, new air conditioner, and fresh exterior paint. The home also offers a large backyard and a detached two-car garage, ideal for additional storage or parking. Perfectly situated in a vibrant neighborhood with easy access to local amenities.
Where is Des Moines?
Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa, located in the central United States. Historically significant, it played a crucial role in the westward expansion, serving as a trading and transportation hub. The city’s architecture reflects its rich history, with a blend of classic Colonial, Victorian, and modern styles. Des Moines is known for its well-preserved historic districts, offering beautiful architectural homes. Today, it is a thriving center for business, culture, and government, with a growing housing market that attracts families, young professionals, and retirees seeking a blend of urban amenities and suburban tranquility.
Classic Living Room
The living room in this home is designed with a blend of classic and modern elements. The light oak flooring creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the arched doorway leads to additional living spaces. The neutral-colored walls complement the simple light fixture above, offering a minimalist aesthetic. The large windows allow for ample natural light, brightening up the space and offering a clear view of the outside. This cozy, functional living room is ready for personalization and modern living.
Vintage Kitchen
This kitchen maintains its classic charm with oak cabinetry and a tile backsplash that adds character. The large windows allow natural light to stream in, highlighting the smooth countertops and offering a spacious cooking area. The double sink ensures practicality, while the modern dishwasher and gas stove provide contemporary conveniences. The wooden trim around the windows and baseboards ties together the rustic aesthetic, creating a perfect balance of vintage appeal and modern living.
Cozy Bedroom
This cozy bedroom features carpeted floors and light-colored walls, creating a calm, comfortable environment. The large window lets in plenty of natural light, ensuring the room feels airy and bright. Built-in storage and overhead cabinets provide ample space for organization, making the room functional and clutter-free. The ceiling fan adds an extra touch of convenience and comfort. This room is perfect for anyone seeking a private, peaceful space to relax and unwind.
Fresh Bathroom
This bathroom brings a nostalgic retro vibe with its yellow tile walls and classic pedestal sink. The white bathtub with its clean lines offers a timeless look. Wooden cabinetry above the toilet provides handy storage for toiletries, while natural light pours in through the window. The vintage mirror adds to the retro charm, making this bathroom a blend of practicality and style. It’s a space that combines functionality with timeless appeal.
Charming Backyard
This spacious backyard is a blank canvas ready for customization, featuring plenty of room for outdoor activities. The detached two-car garage is painted in a matching yellow and blue theme, complementing the home’s exterior colors. The concrete pathway leading to the garage offers convenient access while ensuring the backyard remains tidy and functional. With mature trees and open space, this backyard provides the perfect environment for gardening, relaxing, or hosting gatherings.
Vibrant Garage
This spacious garage offers an ideal space for storage or workspace with wooden panel walls and exposed ceiling beams. The large floor area is perfect for organizing tools, equipment, and other items, as seen with shelves and storage bins neatly arranged along the walls. Bright lighting ensures clear visibility, while the wooden shelving provides extra storage options. The open floor layout offers flexibility for future projects or parking, making it a functional and spacious addition to the property.
Source: RE/MAX Concepts via Zillow
4. 1918 Cottage Style House in Des Moines
Listed for $109,999, this cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers a perfect blend of modern updates and classic charm. Built in 1918, the cottage-style house features fresh white trim and modern LVP flooring, providing a clean, polished interior. The inviting blue door stands out against the neutral exterior, offering curb appeal. Inside, the home is compact yet functional, with a spacious layout. The large backyard provides ample space for outdoor activities or gardening. A delightful option for those seeking a quaint, move-in-ready home in a friendly neighborhood.
Where is Des Moines?
Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa, located in the central United States. Historically significant, it played a crucial role in the westward expansion, serving as a trading and transportation hub. The city’s architecture reflects its rich history, with a blend of classic Colonial, Victorian, and modern styles. Des Moines is known for its well-preserved historic districts, offering beautiful architectural homes. Today, it is a thriving center for business, culture, and government, with a growing housing market that attracts families, young professionals, and retirees seeking a blend of urban amenities.
Bright Living Room
This open-concept living room features beautiful wooden flooring, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The light gray walls complement the modern ceiling fan and recessed lighting, enhancing the overall brightness of the room. Arched doorways lead to other parts of the house, offering both accessibility and a stylish touch. The large windows bring in an abundance of natural light, making the space feel larger and more inviting. This room offers a perfect balance of comfort and style for everyday living.
Functional Kitchen
This compact kitchen is designed for both style and efficiency. The white cabinetry provides ample storage, while the simple countertops give the space a clean, uncluttered feel. The stainless steel appliances — including a gas stove, fridge, and sink — ensure modern convenience. The neutral tile flooring and white walls complement the clean lines of the cabinetry and appliances. Perfect for cooking and prepping meals, this kitchen is a bright, efficient space that offers both functionality and charm.
Spacious Bedroom
This light-filled bedroom showcases new wooden flooring, which enhances the warm, cozy feel of the space. The neutral gray walls offer a clean canvas, allowing for easy customization with décor. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, creating an airy, inviting atmosphere. The white trim around the windows and baseboards adds to the polished look of the room. This versatile space is ready to be transformed into a comfortable retreat, offering both peace and practicality.
Stylish Bathroom
This updated bathroom features a neutral gray wall color, paired with a sleek, modern vanity and mirror that create a contemporary and clean aesthetic. The stone-look tile flooring adds durability while enhancing the overall style. The bath area is well-designed, with a walk-in shower and classic white fixtures. Natural light from the window provides brightness, making the bathroom feel spacious. It’s a perfect blend of function and modern design, offering a refreshing space to start or end your day.
Laundry Space
This functional laundry room offers the convenience of new, white appliances, including a washer and dryer placed side by side. The neutral walls and wooden trim complement the simplicity of the space, which also features natural light from the window. The white door leading outside adds accessibility to this utilitarian room. Ideal for daily chores, this laundry room is both practical and easy to maintain, providing the perfect space for keeping up with laundry while maintaining a clean, organized home.
Generous Backyard Space
This spacious backyard offers plenty of room for outdoor activities or gardening. The lawn is well-maintained, surrounded by mature trees that offer shade and privacy. The fenced-in yard ensures security and creates a private retreat, while the paved walkways lead to various areas, perfect for creating your dream outdoor space. Whether for family gatherings, relaxing, or outdoor hobbies, this backyard provides the ideal environment for enjoying fresh air and sunshine.
