Westshores Remodel
In-Person & Virtual
Courtney Otte | Modern Hive
Principal Interior Designer + CEO
Visit WebsiteAt The Modern Hive Interior Design Studio, we believe your home is more than just a place—it’s the backdrop of your life’s most meaningful moments.
Our design philosophy goes beyond creating beautiful spaces. We craft environments that are deeply personal, blending livable luxury with innovative functionality to reflect who you are and how you live. Every project begins with a comprehensive plan, ensuring your home isn’t just visually stunning but also thoughtfully tailored to support your lifestyle.
Creating a well-designed space takes more than just good taste. It requires careful planning, a streamlined process, and an expert eye to ensure everything comes together seamlessly. At The Modern Hive, we’ve perfected our process through years of experience. By combining our meticulous approach with a fresh, innovative design aesthetic, we make it easy for our clients to enjoy stunning, unforgettable spaces for years to come.
Our team prides itself on professionalism and extensive experience, recognizing that successful design requires not only quick problem-solving skills but also the foresight to anticipate potential issues before they arise. Clear communication, a well-defined process, and a strategic action plan are essential components of our approach.
Nicole Winters | Contracther Group
Founder
Visit WebsiteNicole Winters is the founder and principal contractor of The Contracther Group, a high-end residential construction firm serving Nebraska and Iowa. As a dual-licensed Class B General Contractor, she has built a brand defined by precision, protection, and powerfully executed results.
Nicole approaches construction as both strategy and stewardship. She leads complex renovations and structural rebuilds with executive-level discipline — aligning trades, safeguarding timelines, and ensuring every project meets the highest standards of structural integrity and code compliance under the 2018 IBC and IRC.
Known for her clarity, accountability, and uncompromising expectations, Nicole has positioned The ContractHer Group as a trusted authority among discerning homeowners and industry professionals alike. Her work reflects a rare balance of strength and sophistication — delivering spaces that are not only beautiful, but built to perform.
Nicole continues to redefine what leadership looks like in construction — elevating not just the outcome, but the entire building experience.
PRO Partners
Project Details
The Challenge
Designing Cohesion Across Phases + Partners
This lakefront home at West Shores was completed in two distinct phases, each executed with different construction partners. This required a highly intentional design approach to maintain continuity from space to space.
Phase I focused on the main level and was completed in collaboration with Highrock Design. Build. Remodel., while Phase II introduced a new layer of transformation through a women-led partnership between The Modern Hive and ContractHER Group.
Without major structural changes, the challenge became one of refinement rather than reinvention. The goal was to elevate the home’s existing architecture while thoughtfully layering in detail, softness, and cohesion across every finish, fixture, and furnishing.
A Fully Led Experience for Hands-Off Clients
As busy professionals using this as a lake home, our clients desired a fully guided, turnkey experience. Every decision, from material selections to contractor coordination, was led on their behalf. This ensured clarity, efficiency, and a seamless process across both phases of construction.
The Vision
A Lightened, Layered Interpretation of Lake Living
Set against a stunning waterfront backdrop, the vision was to transform the home from heavy, orange-toned interiors into a serene, elevated retreat. The goal was to create a space that felt soft, feminine, and quietly luxurious while still maintaining warmth.
We approached the design with a tonal philosophy:
– Soft whites and warm neutrals to reflect natural light
– Subtle pattern play through tile and wall coverings
– Refined metal finishes to introduce contrast and polish
Each space was designed to feel connected, yet individually curated.
Refined Femininity Without Trend
Rather than leaning into overt trends, we introduced personality through restraint. Arched mirrors, tailored millwork, sculptural lighting, and moments of softness, such as mauve tonality throughout and custom wallpaper, created a home that feels both timeless and distinctly personal.
The Solution
Phase II: A Women-Led Remodel with ContractHER Group
The second phase marked a deeper level of transformation and craftsmanship, completed through a collaborative, women-led partnership between The Modern Hive and ContractHER Group.
This phase included:
– Primary bathroom
– Hall bathroom
– Basement Jack and Jill bathroom
– Laundry and mudroom
Here, the design moved beyond surface-level updates into fully articulated spaces where materiality, proportion, and detailing work together to create a more immersive experience.
In the primary bathroom, a soft, spa-like atmosphere was achieved through:
– Layered marble applications
– Warm brass plumbing fixtures
– Custom vanities paired with an integrated makeup vanity
– Subtle pattern play in tile and wall covering
The laundry and mudroom balance function with beauty, incorporating:
– Custom millwork with tailored storage
– Built-in bench detailing
– A refined palette that elevates a typically utilitarian space
Across all Phase II spaces, the collaboration between designer and contractor was deeply aligned. This resulted in precise execution and a shared commitment to craftsmanship.
The Results
A Cohesive, Whole-Home Transformation
Despite being completed in phases and across multiple contractors, the home reads as a fully unified environment. Each space flows effortlessly into the next through a consistent material language and design intent. Today, the home functions as a refined lakefront retreat. It is effortless to live in, beautiful in every detail, and fully reflective of the clients’ desire for a hands-off yet highly curated result.
Before
After
