In the Ponca Hills area of Omaha, Dave and Heather Nutsch found the perfect opportunity to turn their dream of acreage living into reality. Faced with zoning restrictions that thwarted their plans to build a new home, the couple chose to purchase a property adjacent to their own. The house, with its dated 1970s interior, didn’t exactly match their vision. However, it provided a blank canvas for creating the modern farmhouse they had long envisioned.
The Nutsch family’s inspiration for the remodel stemmed from their love of the countryside. “My wife and I were inspired by the idea of acreage living, and we wanted to carry a modern farmhouse theme throughout the house,” Nutsch explained. “Our goal was to create a warm, comfortable feel, giving the impression of being outside the city, on an acreage, rather than in a typical city home.
“We connected with Alex (Trout) and our construction crew, who helped us achieve that warm farmhouse look,” Nutsch added. Instead of making significant structural changes, the Nutsch family focused on what they referred to as a “fluff and buff,” which involved making minor adjustments and reworking the existing space to fit the modern farmhouse style they desired.
To help them realize their vision, the Nutsch family enlisted the expertise of Alex Trout from D3 Interiors. From the outset, it was clear that the Nutsch family had a specific image in mind. “They had the idea for the farmhouse look—it was kind of Heather’s dream farmhouse,” Trout recalled. “It was their inspiration that they brought to me, and the builder, Pearce Construction Group, connected me with them. The goal was to tailor the farmhouse feel to their specific home.”
Trout and the Nutsch family focused on creating a home that fit their style. “With two teenage kids, they wanted it to be functional yet beautiful. We chose materials that would withstand teenagers while maintaining a cozy, welcoming feel typical of farmhouse design,” Trout said.
To achieve this balance, Trout incorporated natural elements and colors that reflected the home’s surroundings. “Given the spectacular view from the back of the house, I brought in many green features, such as green paint colors, green tile, and natural wood finishes,” she explained. “The luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring throughout has a warm, natural tone, complementing the kitchen cabinets and balancing the more modern elements like whites and blacks, creating a natural feel within the house.”
As with any remodel, the project presented its share of challenges. “There are always challenges in a project like this,” Nutsch noted. “Supply chain issues were a big one, and even with a contractor, ensuring top-notch craftsmanship was important to me. In an older house like this, we encountered unexpected problems, such as plumbing issues in the basement.” Despite these hurdles, he emphasized the importance of adaptability and maintaining a positive outlook. “With any remodel, there are unknowns; it’s about how you address and overcome them. If you think everything will be perfect, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.”
Trout echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unpredictable nature of remodels. “Remodels are always more challenging than new construction because you never know what you’re getting into—expenses can add up with surprises like what’s behind the walls,” she said. For the Nutsch home, the main challenge was working around the existing structure. “Several walls were removed to open up the kitchen to the main great room area. There was one non-structural wall that posed some issues, but the biggest changes were mainly about rearranging spaces and removing lots of '70s wood cabinetry,” Trout explained.
Despite the obstacles, the Nutsch family’s remodel ultimately resulted in a home that perfectly suited their needs and aesthetic preferences. “The great room and kitchen area were particularly important to us,” Nutsch said. “We didn’t change any window sizes but focused on making the spaces feel open and cohesive. Our kids are thrilled with how their bedrooms turned out—they feel like their own little worlds.”
The family also aimed to create a space where everyone could come together and enjoy each other’s company. “We’re adding family entertainment games in the basement, like a pool table and shuffleboard, to create a space where everyone can enjoy themselves. The open kitchen and living room area is essential to us, as it brings everyone together. Overall, moving from city living to this new space has made everyone happier,” Nutsch reflected.
Looking back, both Nutsch and Trout agreed on the importance of patience and preparation. “Choosing the right designer is vital,” Nutsch advised. “Take your time and make sure you’re comfortable with your choice. It’s also important to have a solid estimate up front, as there will always be unexpected costs and changes.”
Trout appreciated the trust the Nutsch family placed in her throughout the process. “Dave and Heather were great clients. They let me take the lead on material choices and trusted me throughout the process,” she reflected. “From cabinets and countertops down to throw pillows, everything in the house was hand-selected. It’s not often that clients fully trust the designer they hire.”
Ultimately, the Nutsch family’s remodel was a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and perseverance. By working closely with Trout and Pearce Construction, they were able to transform a dated 1970s house into a modern farmhouse that truly felt like home.
For more information, visit d3interiors.net.
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Omaha Home Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
