A View to Remember
OmahaHome ENTRYWAY
The Season of Home
The season of pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and roasted Brussels sprouts is upon us, and for many, that means opening their homes to family and friends for special dinners or other festivities. This edition of OmahaHome gives readers a relaxing space with lots of creamy late-fall or winter colors, a professional gift wrapper, and more.
Our “Spaces” article this edition is a living room, and home, three years in the making. Homeowner Summer Slechta created her dream home with the help of Larry Peterson Construction and Mandy Lassek of Interiors by Joan, and the end results are stunning.
Wrapping gifts is not my forte, but I know several people who love finding the perfect buttons, bows, and other pieces of flair to cover a package they spent time finding for a loved one. Alixandria Wayne Weiland’s business, Little Something, gives people great options such as compostable paper, recycled satin ribbons, and more.
Stacey and Beau Reid’s amazing lakeside home in West Shores offers a peaceful scene of wildlife and lake views. This blended family couldn’t be happier with the results of their dreamy home, our first feature in this edition.
The other feature is a modern farmhouse owned by the Nutsch family, which was inspired by their ideal of living on an acreage. This home glows with sage green walls, lots of interesting woods, and bright lighting throughout the home.
These are just a few of the articles you will find in this edition of OmahaHome , but we hope you enjoy them all.
Daisy Hutzell-Rodman Interim Editor-In-Chief, Omaha Home
daisy@omahapublications.com
OMAHAHOME ENTRYWAY
SPACES A Healing Haven with a View
MAKER A Little Something
FEATURE A View to Remember
AT HOME Gage Made Home
FEATURE A Modern Farmhouse Dream Come True GREEN Sustainable Santa
Style Meets Function
Stacey and Beau Reid created the perfect California-Costal-vibe with their home remodel: reconstruction by Kent Therkelsen with KRT, and interior by Clarissa Tuxhorn and Kinley Shallberg with Lee Douglas Interiors. Story page 12.
Editorial
EDITOR EMERITA
SANDY MATSON
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KIM CARPENTER
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CLAUDIA MOOMEY
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ISABELLA M C ATEE
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JESSE D. STANEK
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CREATIVE DIRECTOR
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NICKIE ROBINSON
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SARAH LEMKE
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
SARAH LEMKE
MANDY M CGREGOR PHOTOGRAPHY
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SANDY MATSON
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BILL SITZMANN
A Healing Havenwith a View
The Slechtas' Modern, Elegant Living Room
"The pandemic was hard, but 2021 was also the year I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer,” Summer Slechta said. She talks about her diagnosis, which was discovered while she was seeking fertility treatments, the way she talks about everything from that period as something she’s already overcome. “Soon after, I was experiencing what was diagnosed as hemiplegic migraines, but one day I woke up completely paralyzed on one side.”
SPACES
STORY Sara Locke | PHOTOGRAPHY
Sarah Lemke | DESIGN
Nickie Robinson
Two years later, the remnants of what turned out to have been a stroke haven’t slowed Summer down.
“I’m still experiencing residual numbness from my knee down, but for what this could have been?” Summer said. She breezes by her heroic overcoming of the health crisis and speaks instead to the healing effects of creating a dream home in Valley, Nebraska.
“My home is where I can just exhale and unwind at the end of a hard day,” Summer said. “I love my career in medical sales, but my home is my sanctuary.”
A sanctuary she built brick-by-brick.
Summer and her husband, Jeremy, purchased a tree-lined lot in Valley, Nebraska, in 2021, but construction of the home took
longer than expected. Between her health battle, COVID setbacks, the wild swings in material prices, and the building supply chain collapse, the Slechtas were unable to move into their home until February 2024.
The east-facing windows in the main living space offer a nearly unobstructed view of the lake, with natural light and neutral tones throughout to subtly draw the eye to the home’s most striking feature.
“You can see the entire lake from where our home sits.” Summer said. “It’s so calming and peaceful to wake up to. I grew up in the country, and loved the lakes in Western Nebraska. I knew I wanted to live on the water, and wanted to bring some of my country-girl roots to the living room design, but to be very intentional to stay very modern and elegant.”
Summer included rustic elements in the otherwise contemporary living room build, including a reclaimed stone mantle she sourced from a defunct barn, and bold, unique light fixtures to offer a sophisticated contrast to the muted tones of the room.
The built-in shelving is painted in a subtle shade of repose gray, creating a warm space that Summer mindfully utilizes to display an assortment of objects and images that are meaningful to the family.
Summer took her time to ensure that the space they had was utilized in the most beautiful and efficient way possible. The neutral tones throughout the interior rely heavily on natural materials to evoke warmth against the sleeker elements in the home.
While she was decisive about the energy and aesthetic she wanted for her home’s design, Summer quickly credits Larry Peterson Construction and Mandy Lassek of Interiors by Joan for making the dream a reality.
Lassek’s 20 years of experience were put to the test on this project, as no amount of know-how can overcome the instability the construction industry was experiencing at the time.
“We had a freight line go bankrupt, it was the wild west, and Summer’s attitude is really what made this project possible,” Lassek recalled.
That attitude is why Lassek glowed about her client, stating, “Summer and Jeremy are just wonderful people. The way they kept their positivity, regardless of what they were facing at that time that’s what makes this home beautiful.”
STORY Katy Spratte Joyce
PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Lemke DESIGN Nickie Robinson
A Little Something
Inventive Wrapping Atelier Makes Waves in Omaha
"I'
ve always enjoyed gift giving, giving that tangible beauty of a perfectly wrapped package,” explained Alixandria Wayne Weiland, co-founder of Little Something, an Omaha-based gift wrapping atelier. The road to this bespoke gift wrapping experience was an interesting one. Weiland fell into the gift wrap world with a part-time retail stint at a local department store. She and husband Nicholas, an engineer, both hop on board for the seasonal holiday swing each year. “A shift there is like living through an episode of the Golden Girls; it’s the funniest six hours of your life,” she laughed. Through this diverting side hustle, Weiland noticed a niche market, where customers wanted gift wrapping for their own packages, as well as their department store finds. Enter the seed of an idea for Little Something, as there’s just nothing like it in the Omaha market.
"I’ve always enjoyed gift giving, giving that tangible beauty of a perfectly wrapped package."
Alixandria Wayne Weiland
an art print.” Weiland came across it, loved the nod to Bronco’s Hamburgers, where she and Nicholas met as teenagers, and proposed a collaboration to feature the design on her wrapping paper for the holiday season. “It was an incredible honor to have my artwork featured in this way, and knowing that families used it to wrap gifts for their loved ones was truly heartwarming,” said Omaha-based Frolio.
After starting small wrapping pieces for select friends and family, the couple felt strongly that there was room to grow into a small business. “I’m really interested in giving people a better gift wrapping option than what they can find at a retail store,” she said. That starts with interesting wrapping paper, including hard-to-find limited editions sourced from around the world. In fact, some of their chosen wrapping paper is even compostable, as another tenet that sets this operation apart is its embracing of sustainable materials. Little Something’s ribbon is all premium recycled satin, made from water bottles. Most of their product lines come from the U.K. or Australia, because they’re printing in more climate-friendly ways than what’s available stateside.
Beyond seamless, sustainable beauty, Little Something also works with local artists and prints some products locally. Digital artist and graphic designer Carly Frolio was their first partner. She shared, “Last summer, I designed a piece celebrating Omaha’s iconic neon signs through the years, which I sold as
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Little Something is their signature verdant gift wrap trolley or display trolley. “I was lucky to have an engineer husband with a family of machinists so we could make this very labor-intensive project happen,” Weiland said. The custom-designed and crafted cart features Valspar’s Poker Green shade, “a vibrant, fun color,” she added. Brass accents are beautiful but still clean, “because we are selling aesthetic, and we wanted to draw people in,” she explained. The addition of this mobile gift wrapping station has allowed for growing clientele beyond their immediate circle. These days, due in part to the gorgeous gift wrapping trolley, most customers come from various pop-up and makers markets, such as Omaha’s Hutchfest (now Midwest Fest) and Love, the Locals in Lincoln.
As for the future, it’s looking bright, because there will always be the need to “show someone you love them with the perfect gift,” Weiland said. “Going forward, I’d love to have a small retail space and continue to collaborate with more local designers and artists,” she shared. Add that pretty, recycled satin bow to the top of a lovely, bespoke package, and Weiland truly does have a little something special.
For more information and to see their seasonal pop-up schedule, visit littlesomethingatelier.com.
M
STORYLindaPersigehlPHOTOGRAPHYSarahLemke DESIGNNickieRobinson
A View to Remember
The Reids Transform a Lakeside Home Into Modern Bliss
"T
hat’s half the fun of living out here,” Stacey Reid declared one late afternoon, swiftly steering her gaze to an eagle soaring above outside her dining room picture window. “Sometimes they swoop right by the house.”
“There are a lot of geese, fish…but the bald eagle is the super star,” added husband Beau.
It’s the serene lake views and nearby wildlife of West Shores, a 640-acre residential lake community in Waterloo, that won the couple’s hearts and prompted their blended family’s move there in 2019.
“Beau was in Des Moines that day (it was listed for sale) and I said, ‘You need to get home. We need to go look at this right away,’” said Stacey, a real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens. Beau, who works in employee benefits for Holmes Murphy, obliged.
While Stacey walked through the home, “I sat there on the deck the whole time,” Beau remembered. “She came back and said, ‘You kinda missed the tour,’ and I said, ‘We’re doing this, right?’” Enamored with the scenery, he was all in.
“Then COVID hit. It was perfect timing,” Stacey added.
The home’s bright southern exposure (without the sun’s intense glare) and gorgeous vistas of the lake community just couldn’t be better, asserted Beau. Its location on the north side of the neighborhood with easy access to the exit and West Dodge Road, making for a quick work commute was a bonus.
Outside, a private boat dock, a 100x40-foot sand beach with a fire pit, and beautifully landscaped berm with a babbling brook sweetened the pot.
Inside, however, was a quirky main-floor layout and modern farmhouse design that really did not suit the couple’s modern, unfussy tastes. But busy with college kids and managing careers, remodeling was not on their radar. Then, in July 2023, they decided to do away with the cumbersome layout.
“It wasn’t practical for us,” Stacey said. “There was a small kitchen island running the other way, with little seating that faced away from the lake. And there were angles everywhere.”
Added Beau: “The (kitchen) ceiling dropped down and came across at a diagonal to the entrance. There was a fireplace that came out at a weird 45-degree angle, and a little triangle pantry.”
“Maybe in 2004 when this (house) was built everyone didn’t go to Costco and buy a ridiculous amount of food!” Stacey said, joking about her grocery habits.
The couple brought in the design team of Clarissa Tuxhorn and Kinley Shallberg with Lee Douglas Interiors to help reconfigure the main level and create a relaxed California Modern vibe. KRT Construction was hired to complete the remodel.
“The remodel design came from Clarissa. She was amazing,” Stacey raved. “She had a lot of great ideas. Sometimes it would take me a while to get there…”
“It takes someone special to have that vision,” confirmed Beau. “And Kent (Therkelsen) with KRT has been great to work with. We’d throw out an idea and he’d say ‘Yeah, we can do that’ and figure it out. He’d get up there in the attic, checking the trusses. We’re lucky…this house has good bones, so there wasn’t much we couldn’t do.”
Among the changes made were creating direct access from the kitchen to the garage/ basement steps, installing a large quartzitetopped kitchen island offering seating for six with lake views, and raising the ceiling for an airy feel, keeping the view at center stage.
“We
chose rift cut white oak cabinetry that shows off the grain and used a natural stain to get that coastal feel.”
—Clarissa Tuxhorn
“We chose rift cut white oak cabinetry that shows off the grain and used a natural stain to get that coastal feel,” Tuxhorn explained. Engineered white oak replaced the diagonal red oak flooring, and four panel windows off the dining room were replaced with a huge, single picture window offering unobstructed views of the lake.
“The light fixture above the island was a key design piece that Stacey found…we waited about 18 weeks for that light,” Tuxhorn said of the draped rope-style fixture. Its antique gold finish informed other hardware choices throughout the main floor, she said.
The odd fireplace was torn out, moved, and redesigned with a limestone surround and a faux limestone feature wall. “We do a lot of faux,” Tuxhorn said. “It’s a good way to give texture and control the color, and it's cheaper than stone. We went tone-on-tone for that coastal look.”
A bar area was moved and reimagined using one of Stacey’s favorite design elements a fluted stone backsplash with a marbled effect. A wall rack now displays the couple’s burgeoning wine collection.
Beau’s office saw a dramatic makeover. “It used to be closed off, with just a table and four chairs, and a barn door on a track,” he said. Two office walls received a Venetian plaster treatment and inky paint for a luxurious, modern aesthetic; the others were torn down and replaced with glass walls and a glass slider, which afford Beau both the privacy and lake views he desired. An espresso desk with a raised checkerboard front by Four Hands Furniture adds texture to the space.
The glass solution proved the project’s biggest challenge, Tuxhorn declared. “There’s a structural post on the corner, so we were able to run a steel header to there and chunk it up to support the heavy glass.”
“The glass company was reluctant to do it, but now they’ve put pictures on their website and they’ve gotten several inquiries,” Beau explained.
One element the team went back and forth on was replacing the great room’s arched windows with modern floor-to-ceiling, black-clad ones. Tuxhorn advised against it. “With all new windows, the design wouldn’t have flowed well to the outside,” she said. Instead, they chose to paint the interior window frames black to make them pop. “And oddly, arched windows are coming back in style.”
In all, the Reids couldn’t be happier with the makeover, which finished in March. They share the renovated home with two miniature Aussie labradoodles Finley and Honey. “Honey ‘came with the house’…He was a COVID dog,” Beau quipped.
The couple love hosting their grown-and-flown kids and friends and taking the occasional sunset cruise. But Beau especially loves lake living this time of year. “I think we like it even better out here in the winter...the lake frozen over,
“I think we like it ever better out here in the winter... the lake frozen over, just the solitude of it.”
—Beau Reid
At Home
Gage Made Home
STORY Jesse D. Stanek
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sarah Lemke
DESIGN
Nickie Robinson
California Transplants Make A One-of-a-Kind Home in Millard
Nestled comfortably in a cul-de-sac amidst West Omaha’s sprawling neighborhoods of winding streets and neatly manicured lawns, California transplants Brittney and James Gage found the house they could turn into their home. From the outside, the house resembles many of its neighboring abodes. However, the décor and style found inside is one of a kind: simple, clean, and favoring comfort and vintage aesthetic over convenience and modern gloss.
The Gages’ journey to Omaha came shortly after the Southern California natives married and began a life together. They agreed to help some college friends relocate to the Omaha area and the trip opened their eyes to the possibility of making a home somewhere else. California’s steep cost of living, high human density, and unpredictable weather events weren’t the best for raising a family.
From left to right: Brittney, James, and Hazel Rose Gage.
“It was kind of funny,” James said with a chuckle. “When we were first out here, I saw a billboard for an IT position. It was in my field and with a company I was a little familiar with. A year later, I was applying for that job.”
There would be several scouting trips to Omaha to assess neighborhoods, first as a curious couple entertaining a whim, and later as serious potential residents. As dedicated foodies, the area’s plethora of top-rated and diverse dining options was a huge plus. Brittney recalls specifically coming to visit during each of the four seasons and falling in love with the change of weather and Omaha’s comparatively laidback feel. “The slower pace is something I just love,” she said. “Plus everyone here was just so nice. I was back in Santa Barbara last weekend and I was thinking about how much I missed Omaha. We’re settled, we love it out here.”
"I was back in Santa Barbara last weekend and I was thinking about how much I missed Omaha. We’re settled, we love it out here."
Brittney Gage
"I love a home that feels lived in but also has intentionality in its décor."
—Brittney Gage
Besides securing gainful employment and housing, one of the harder parts of pulling up anchor and relocating halfway across the country is leaving family behind. This hasn’t been an issue for the Gages, as most of their immediate family has followed them to Omaha, with more on the way. Brittney’s younger brother and parents are already located in the area, as are two of James’ siblings. His parents are currently in the process of relocating to Omaha.
The couple spent their first year in an apartment while searching for a home that felt right. “We first started looking at newer builds. Everything was wide open and we kept on looking because nothing felt right. Then this one popped up and it just felt right, it felt homey. It felt more unique than most of what we’d been seeing.” The couple wasted no time after spotting the property on the popular website Redfin: they toured the property 30 minutes later, put in an offer, and got the house. “It was just meant to be,” James added.
Prepare Your Home for the Heating Season. AT HOME
• Have natural gas appliances, heating system, chimney and venting systems inspected every year by a qualified heating contractor.
• Use a clean filter. Standard furnace filters need to be cleaned or changed more often in winter. Check the owner’s manual for frequency.
When the Gages first moved into their split level, it resembled many other suburban households in terms of floor plan and available space; roughly 2,400 square feet including the basement, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms. However, with Brittney’s eye for detail and love of DIY projects, the couple were able to create a one-of-a-kind home atmosphere to welcome their now 18-month-old daughter, Hazel Rose. Brittney has since created a website titled Gage Made Home, where she offers decorating advice, fun DIY activities, tips on everyday living (like which credit card is best for accumulating free airline tickets), and an interesting forum to trade ideas, anecdotes, and recommendations.
“When we first moved out here, thinking about Nebraska, I wanted it to have that farmhouse feel,” Brittney said. “But as we looked at more and more places, I was drawn to the more vintage modern feel. I love a home that feels lived in but also has intentionality in its décor. It makes us feel nostalgic. We were fighting to find a house between that cold museum feel and something comfortable.”
• Gas appliances and furnaces need fresh air for proper combustion. Combustion products need to be vented to the outdoors. Keep flues, ducts and vents attached to appliances and heating systems in good condition and clear obstructions.
• Do not use gas ovens to heat a room or for any purpose other than cooking.
• Check batteries in carbon monoxide detectors.
• Teach children about safety around all household appliances.
Comfort certainly lies at the heart of the Gages’ home vision. As you enter, a half staircase to your left takes you up into one of the living rooms. A relaxing, yet modern couch sits across from the spacious front windows for lazy neighbor watching, with a roll-up screen hanging, ready to go for movie nights. The room’s main attraction, however, is the beautiful DIY shelving the couple designed and built for the space. Overflowing with books the family loves, an old typewriter sits on one of the top shelves, lending a rustic look. Brittney was able to partner with Lowe’s through her website as a way to help keep costs down.
The two knew they’d be building a family and wanted a space they could grow into. Little Hazel’s bedroom is small and snug-
gly; simple, yet relaxed. They designed shelving online to fit the closet space and came up with a cool and efficient storage system: lots of places for diapers, dirty clothes, books, and other kiddie essentials. Simple wooden letters that spell “hazel rose” hang above the crib on the far wall. Just down the hall is the play room, an open and inviting space that can easily convert into a second bedroom when the time comes. The playroom hosts a time-honored childhood tradition and a favorite toy of Hazel's, the toy kitchen.
Another must-have for the Gage family was space to entertain. The family loves hosting friends and family for game nights and casual hangs, going as far as to start their own tradition with a “Friendsgiving” gath-
ering in the late fall. Brittney’s vision, and simple, yet elegant touch have transformed their suburban home into a unique, lived-in place to grow with plenty to look at and lots of seemingly effortless style.
As an added bonus, along with the house’s spacious back yard came the old red barn the couple first envisioned when pondering a move to Nebraska. The mini barn-shed sits quietly in the corner, serving both functionality and design aesthetic. These simple touches have earned Gage and her website national attention from publications like People and Splendeur. A simple reminder of just how easily personal touch and simple style can turn any house into a home.
ELITE GLASS SERVICES
Elite Glass Services, a La Vista-based company, has been providing interior glass applications for both residential and commercial properties throughout Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa since 2001.
“Our ‘one-stop glass shop’ is staffed by glass experts with years of experience in custom fabrication and installation, co mmitted to delivering high quality
craftsmanship and extraordinary customer service,” says owner, Ben Alba.
“We specialize in heavy glass shower doors, glass handrails, custom mirrors and framed mirrors, cabinet glass and shelving, glass backsplashes, back painted glass, glass furniture tops, niche areas and more.”
Along with homeowners, they also partner with local builders, remodeling companies and interior designers to create beautiful and unique spaces.
Elite Glass invites you to visit their showroom for design ideas and inspiration for your next project. We offer a wide variety of glass patterns and styles, mirrors, hardware and more. Walk-ins are welcome or you can also schedule a visit by calling their office.
The company moved into their new construction building on the Northwest corner of 108th & Giles along with their sister companies Elite Glazing Services and their newest company Elite Commercial Services.
Elite Glazing Services offers commercial glazing services, including aluminum store fronts and curtain walls, aluminum and automatic doors, windows, skylights and metal panels..
Elite Commercial Services offers services and repairs for hollow metal frame and doors, commercial glass and door replacements, commercial door hardware, bathroom partitions and accessories and more.
S 109th Street #200
8207 S 109th Street #300 Elite Commercial Services (402)598-1183
8207 S 109th Street #100
A Modern Farmhouse Dream Come True
Story Brandi Long-Frank • Photography Sarah Lemke • Design Nickie Robinson
The Nutsch Family's Remodel in Ponca Hills
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 topnotch 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.”
“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.”
Alex Trout
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 base ment, 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 ev eryone together. Overall, moving from city living to this new space has made everyone happier,” Nutsch reflected.
“Remodels are always more challenging than new construction because you never know what you’re getting into can add up with surprises like what’s behind the walls.”
Alex Trout
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.
"They had the idea for the farmhouse look— it was kind of Heather’s dream farmhouse.” —Alex Trout
Green STORY
Claudia Moomey DESIGN
Nickie Robinson
SustainableSanta! How to have an Eco-Friendly Holiday
e are officially into the last months of the year, the holidays are upon us! Here are some tips on how to celebrate while keeping an eye on the health of the environment.
1. Trees
There have been lots of debates as to whether real evergreen or synthetic Christmas trees are more sustainable. Getting a live conifer tree from a tree farm is a fun family activity and provides not only that lovely, natural evergreen scent, but also fresh oxygen. Real trees can be the eco-friendly option if they are recycled when January rolls around. If dumping a dried-out Tannenbaum in a landfill is your only option, consider going for a synthetic tree. These not only conserve waste by being consistent in your home every year, but also save money in the long run since you won’t have to buy a new one annually.
2. Decorations
Decorations are always easy to splurge on. Try using the same decor year after year, asking relatives and friends if they have any old decorations they’re tossing out, or even make your own! Christmas crafting is another family activity that will give you both a festive experience and memories for years to come. If nature-themed decor is your style, try using natural elements like leaves and twigs you can find in your backyard instead of plastic ones. If you prefer classic bright lights, use LED bulbs instead of traditional.
3 . Gifts
We’ve all gotten gifts that we don’t care for. One way to avoid this is simple: by emulating Santa and making a list, you can let all your loved ones know what you’ll appreciate and what you won’t. If making a list of gifts you want takes the fun out of the surprise, try inverting the idea and making a list of things you definitely don’t want. This way you’ll avoid the sure-todisappoint gifts that will inevitably go to waste while still not knowing what’s under that pretty bow.
When shopping for gifts for others, think of things that will be useful to that particular person instead of trinkets that are bound to be forgotten. Also consider buying an experience rather than an object; paying for a night out or a dinner date is always appreciated by families and couples.
4 . Wrapping
Many consider wrapping gifts one of the best parts of holiday celebrations. However, all that paper, plastic, ribbon, tape, and so on can fill up garbage cans faster than your kids’ unwanted toys. Look for recyclable wrapping paper or stick to gift bags instead, which can be saved and reused each year. There are also other options like making the wrapping part of the gift, or using cloth instead of paper. There are even ways to wrap boxes without using any tape so you can save on sticky plastic.
Style
Meets Function
A MODERN REMODEL
Transforming a beloved space is never just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a home that feels like a sanctuary, a place that resonates with who you are today while allowing you to cherish memories without comparison. When our clients came to us, The Modern Hive Interior Design, they wanted their main level to embody this transformation a complete overhaul that would not only brighten their home, but also make it more functional and uniquely theirs.
Mandy McGregor Photography DESIGN
Nickie Robinson
The home had solid bones, the kind of structure that promises potential. The challenge was to craft a design that aligned with the clients' personal style, distinct enough from their previous home in another state, a place they had cherished. They didn’t want to constantly measure their new home against the old one; instead, they sought a fresh start with a familiar sense of comfort.
Our vision for this remodel was to create a soft, serene atmosphere, where every corner invited conversation. We aimed for a bright, neutral palette that would evoke a sense of calm and offer the comfort of home and luxury. The clients expressed a desire for ample seating to host family and friends and an improved layout throughout that would enhance the functionality of key spaces like the pantry and mudroom.
"Our
vision for this remodel was to create a soft, serene atmosphere,
where every corner invited conversation." —Courtney Otte
This project presented us with a series of unique challenges, each requiring a blend of creativity and practicality. The most significant hurdle was reimagining the space around the large, centrally located fireplace. It dominated the main level, creating a hallway behind it that was more of a waste of space than a useful area.
To solve this, we opted to close off the hallway, transforming the space into a functional entry area complete with a storage bench, a stylish focal fireplace, and a much-needed storage closet behind the fireplace. This redesign not only maintained the integrity of the fireplace location but also introduced new functionality and an updated aesthetic featuring reeded marble tile, a unique metal surface, and a limestone surround that enhanced the fireplace’s overall appeal.
Another challenge was the floor plan itself. The client wanted a larger butler’s pantry, which meant reconfiguring the existing layout that housed a small powder bath, a cramped mudroom, small pantry, and an outdated beverage service pantry an allin-one ill-proportioned space. The original design failed to meet the clients’ needs, both in terms of size and utility.
ASID
By eliminating the old beverage service pantry and relocating the powder bath, we were able to double the size of the new butler’s pantry, turning it into a standout feature of the home. The new layout now offers a functional butler’s pantry complete with several amenities, including a full-size fridge, ice maker, under-counter wine fridge, a 32” sink complete with a dishwasher and pull-out trash, two undercounter fridge drawers, and so much space for pantry food storage!
The kitchen, while spacious, also needed a makeover. Its previous layout was aesthetically lacking and didn’t serve the clients’ needs. The redesign brought in a modern, functional flow that now perfectly complements the clients’ lifestyle. Features include a gorgeous checkered pattern marble floor surrounding the island, a unique island design that complements the mitered angles of the fireplace surround, a service ladder that is removable and relocatable throughout the kitchen, and a feature cooktop and hood design centered in the kitchen.
In every part of this home, from the unique selections in materials, the reclaimed wood and iron beam installed for space definition between the living room and kitchen, to the thoughtful amenities placed within the kitchen, we infused thoughtful details that not only draw the eye but also invite people to linger and appreciate the beauty of each carefully considered element. This remodel was not just about changing a space; it was about creating new inspiration for the clients within their home, one that blends the best of the past with the promise of the future.
Architecture
STORY Claudia Moomey
PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Lemke
DESIGN Nickie Robinson
“One of the cool things is how the house is on a different angle.”
—Matt Ramm
for a New Look Angling
Dudzinskis' Dream Home Features Unique Elements
Atop a hill on 150th Street sits a new home with unique features. Britt and Jordan Dudzinski moved into their new house in August after its completion by Echelon Homes.
“Echelon is the only company we interviewed, and we loved them,” Britt said. “They were just the easiest to work with. I can confidently say we had just the best experience.”
The location was ideal for the Dudzinskis, who live near St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and close to a main road in Omaha. “We had bought a lot on the Elkhorn River, but we got married at St. Wenceslaus, our kids go to school there, we go to church there, so it made sense to be here,” Britt explained.
The project began in 2023 when the Dudzinskis partnered with Echelon Homes after hearing of them via word-of-mouth. Matt Ramm, vice president of Echelon Homes, expressed his interest in this house because of its unique features, including a large arched window at the front of the house.
“That’s actually the biggest arch window we could fit in that series without using a center mold to give it more strength, which kind
of takes away from the look,” Ramm said of the eye-catching glass on the wall of Britt’s home office. “That window was a definite must, it’s just so beautiful,” Britt insisted.
“One of the cool things is how the house is on a different angle,” Ramm said in reference to how the home almost resembles two buildings that come together at an angle. “The angle changes, but we kept the wood floor running the same throughout the house…so, when you get to a certain point in the house, there’s a change of direction.”
“We were kind of going for a Texas-hillcountry vibe with the stone and the stucco,” Britt said. The white exterior is contrasted by black accents on the windows and doors. Numerous large windows throughout the house allow ample natural light to flow through the spaces inside. In the great room, a cozy fireplace sits in between two tall windows. Originally, the Dudzinskis had planned to put it on a different
wall in the room. “(My partner) and I like to provide insights from our experiences by making suggestions,” Ramm said. “We thought it would be such a cool feature to move the fireplace in between those windows, because you have so much natural light that I don’t think it would really take away from that…it really kind of anchors that back side of the house and gives it that front elevation feel.”
The backyard includes a modern stone patio done by Washa Landscaping that Britt uses to entertain when the weather is amiable. “I love being able to have the space to host everyone here,” she reflected. Structur Design + Interiors provided interior and exterior design elements and finishes on the home. With plenty of space for three children to play and grow, and enough room to host the occasional party, the Dudzinskis have built their perfect home.
To learn more, visit echelonhomesomaha.com .
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