This homeowner desired a complete transformation of their lake home—a 1990s build with a disconnected floorpan, untouched by updates—into a modern layout with modern finishes.
Our design team was tasked with remodeling the whole main level and parts of the upstairs, with the goal of creating more open, connected spaces and a bright and neutral feel to pair well with the home’s soothing lake views.
The client also wanted to provide plentiful seating options for entertaining friends and their large, growing family and make better use of wasted space.
One of the biggest impacts was made by expanding the kitchen from a 10-foot by 12-foot U-shape layout to a massive U-shape with a large rectangular island, nearly doubling the room’s size and adding counter space and storage. Because of the staircase’s 45-degree angle in relation to the rest of the home, finding a solution to squaring off the kitchen was a challenge.
Another challenge was posed by the original fireplace location. We were able to move it to the wall on the far side of the living room. This allowed us to create a larger dining room to hold a custom table with room for 12, and add a counter behind the sofa so more people could be included in the living room.
The client has an appreciation for wine and hosting guests, so we designed unique wine and beverage storage on either side of the wall needed for the staircase. The built-ins have custom glass doors, with wine bottles stocked on one side and a cabinet and cocktail supplies on the other. The glass-front storage allows for light to reflect and go through the whole space, while also providing great function utilizing wasted space.
Before the remodel, the home had several different ceiling heights. We decided to make the ceilings uniform throughout, with the exception of the dining room, where we created a coffered ceiling to house reclaimed wood beams and linear ceiling light fixtures.
We further enhanced room flow by increasing doorway size in multiple places and opening up the staircase, and adding new windows and archways to make the home feel airy and cohesive throughout.
The completed home remodel and new layout provide space and storage the client greatly needed. But equally important, the home feels more open and inviting. Each space has unique details to draw your eye and tell a story. Our mission was complete!
Courtney Otte with The Modern Hive was recognized with a Gold award for this project at the 2022 Nebraska/Iowa Chapter ASID Awards held in September.
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2023 issue of Omaha Home magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.