There were a few times over the past two years of renovations that Des Moines-based decorator Ruthie Jackson might have had doubts about buying a 1935 Colonial that needed major updates. Like the time water from the upstairs shower rained through the ceiling onto her toddler son below (who clapped with joy). Or when carpet was lifted to reveal termite-damaged floorboards. Or when the HVAC needed fixing during a hot Iowa summer.
But the home had the ZIP code, floor plan, and architectural detail of her dreams, plus only two other owners in its 80 years. Ruthie, husband Greg, and