> 2027 Home Design Award Entries
2027 Categories
New Construction:
Please submit your latest new build projects here. These can be whole homes or new additions to existing homes. Submissions should show off creative or innovative architecture and design, or unique use of materials. We’re looking for a variety of sizes and price points, but all entries must be located in Iowa. These entries should list the main architect or firm that designed the project. *See “co-entrant” clause for more information. No remodel or renovation projects are allowed in this category.
Historic Renovation or Restoration (50 years or older):
Share how you’ve transformed a historic home here. Submissions should show off how a renovation has made an old home more lively, welcoming and modern, or how you have restored it to its former grandeur. Entries can consist of an entire home or an individual room. Provide before and after photographs, ideally at matching angles. *See “co-entrant” clause for information on contributing parties.
Exterior Transformation:
Please submit your outdoor projects that highlight a home’s exterior upgrades, including roofing, siding, paint, driveways, garages, or proches in this category. Submissions should show off your best outdoor refresh or creative ways you have enhanced a home’s curb appeal. Please provide before and after photos, ideally at matching angles.
Outdoor Living & Entertainment: ”
Outdoor living has become even more popular over the past few years. Submissions in this category should show off how you have enhanced an outdoor space for entertaining and everyday enjoyment, including outdoor bars, pools, decks and other outdoor living spaces. *See “co-entrant” clause if significant design, landscaping or construction was contributed by another party.
Landscape Design:
Sometimes, beauty is on the outside. Submissions in this category should show us how you have enhanced a yard’s natural beauty with gardens, vegetation, trees, florals, or prairie restoration. Highlight why your outdoor oasis is worth a spotlight. *Horticulturalists, landscape designers and home gardeners alike are all welcome to enter, see “co-entrant” clause for information on multiple contributors.
Indoor Living Space:
How have you reinterpreted traditional living spaces for today’s modern families? Submissions in this category can include lofts, family rooms, sitting rooms and other gathering spaces. Highlight how you have used furniture, artwork, lighting and other decor to help establish the look or design style your client wanted.
Indoor Entertainment:
Families are making the most of their homes with spaces that are functional and fun. Submissions here can include movie rooms, game rooms, home bars, basements, and other entertainment spaces. Highlight how you’ve customized the room to fit the client’s entertainment goals and personal style.
Kitchen & Dining:
The kitchen is known as the heart of the home. Here we’re looking for recent projects devoted to kitchens, dining rooms, breakfast nooks and other cooking or dining areas. Highlight how you have capitalized on the latest trends, technology and aesthetics to make these hard-working social hubs into works of art. Submissions should show off smart use of space, unique materials and appliances, and creative design. *See “co-entrant” clause for clarification on design and construction contributions. This category will be divided based on room size.
a. Large space (201+ square feet)
b. Small space (under 200 square feet)
Bedroom:
Bedrooms are our personal oases from the outside world. How have you added comfort and style to this most-used space in the home? Submissions should showcase creative use of decor to enhance a room, homeowner personality or incorporation of current trends.
Focus Space:
Home libraries, pocket offices, meditation rooms, study corners and dens can enhance the sophistication of a home. Share your most innovative designs that blend work, play and elegance.
Bath:
Submit recent bath projects of any size here. Submissions should share how you’ve capitalized on trends and aesthetics to bring style to these utilitarian rooms. Highlight colors, finishes, cabinetry, storage, amenities and functionality. *See “co-entrant” clause for details on how to list multiple contributors to a project. This category will be divided based on room style.
a. Half bath
b. Full bath
Utility Zones:
We’re looking for creative uses of space that add versatility or storage to the home, including garages, home gyms, mudrooms, and more. Show us your best designs that incorporate smart solutions with style and utility.
Remodel Under $50k:
Show off how you’ve transformed a room using a limited budget and unlimited creativity. Submissions can be of any room in the house, but must include before and after photos and proof of budget in the form of an invoice or final bill furnished to the client. *See “co-entrant” clause if significant work came from another party.
Use of Custom Furniture:
Use this category to highlight a project that required custom furniture in the build out. Have you created a built-in buffet table in a kitchen, or a custom bed for an ornate bedroom remodel? Submit photos of the furniture in the space and share why this custom piece was created, how it’s unique and how it adds to the room.
Art Display:
Art in a room is like the jewelry of an outfit. Show us your best use of art in any recent project, and share how the piece(s) were curated and why they were chosen to enhance the room.
Lighting:
Submit any recent project that highlights a creative or stylish use of lighting here. How have you made this ubiquitous design element unique for the space?
Wallpaper:
Wallpaper can be polarizing, but when it’s used right, can bring big personality and charm to a room. We’re looking for recent projects that incorporate the best use of wallpaper.
> 2027 Home Design Professional of the Year
2027 Home Design Professional of the Year
dsm magazine is delighted to introduce a new honor for 2027: the Home Design Professional of the Year Award. Created to spotlight an individual who exemplifies innovation, craftsmanship, and leadership in Iowa’s home design scene, this notable recognition will be presented during the dsm Home Design Awards.
Honorees will be recognized for their achievements at our 2027 dsm Home Design Awards. Event details will be announced later this year.
We welcome your help in nominating leaders who deserve recognition. Nominees for the Home Design Professional of the Year should meet these criteria:
- Proven excellence in residential projects through a portfolio of high-level creativity, functionality, and innovation in home design.
- Client satisfaction through strong testimonials that demonstrate positive client experiences and long-term satisfaction.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience practicing in residential architecture, interior design, and other design-related fields.
To nominate an individual, click here.
Nominations are due August 15, 2026.