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Courtney Otte: The Creative Vision Behind The Modern Hive Interior Design
Courtney Otte, Omaha’s Premier Designer, on Building Spaces That Uplift and Inspire In the heart of Omaha’s design scene, one name stands out—Courtney Otte, founder and principal designer of Modern Hive Interior Design Studio. This year, Courtney celebrates a major milestone: 12 years of running her successful design business. What began as a passion project […]
Courtney Otte, Omaha’s Premier Designer, on Building Spaces That Uplift and Inspire
In the heart of Omaha’s design scene, one name stands out—Courtney Otte, founder and principal designer of Modern Hive Interior Design Studio. This year, Courtney celebrates a major milestone: 12 years of running her successful design business. What began as a passion project in a small home office has blossomed into one of Omaha’s most respected interior design firms, known for its innovative, client-centered approach.
Celebrating 12 years feels surreal. ~ Courtney Otte
“Celebrating 12 years feels surreal,” says Courtney. “Starting Modern Hive in 2012, I had a vision but not the full picture of what it could become. I’m grateful for every project, every lesson learned, and most of all, the trust my clients have put in me and my team. It’s been a journey of growth, both personally and professionally.”
The Modern Hive Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Design Excellence
Founded in 2012, Modern Hive has grown steadily over the past decade, expanding from its origins in Courtney’s home office to a full-fledged design studio. This October 3rd, 2024, the company will commemorate its 12th anniversary with a grand opening event at its brand-new office in the vibrant Aksarben Village neighborhood.
“We are beyond excited to celebrate this milestone with our community,” Courtney shares. “The new office symbolizes how far we’ve come as a team, and it reflects our commitment to offering a professional and inspiring space where our clients can truly experience the Modern Hive difference.”
The Modern Hive Approach: Thoughtful, Personalized, and Innovative
What sets Modern Hive apart is Courtney’s dedication to a deeply personalized design approach. Her firm’s philosophy goes beyond aesthetics—Modern Hive creates environments that are as functional as they are beautiful, and meticulously tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.
We don’t just design what looks good; we design what works well and enhances how people live in a space. ~ Courtney Otte
“We don’t just design what looks good; we design what works well and enhances how people live in a space,” explains Courtney. “Our clients trust us to understand their vision and execute it with precision, balancing creativity with functionality.”
This commitment to customization and clear communication has been a key ingredient to Modern Hive’s success, helping Courtney navigate both large-scale commercial projects and intimate home transformations with ease.
From Local Projects to Award-Winning Designs
One of Courtney’s most memorable projects stands as a testament to her skill in creating truly transformative spaces. A client approached her with the desire to completely modernize their 1990s home, seeking a fresh layout with updated finishes that would highlight the lake view and accommodate their large, growing family. The challenge was not just about aesthetics—it was about reimagining the space to make it functional, open, and connected.
“The staircase, angled and located right in the middle of the main living area, presented a unique challenge,” Courtney recalls. “We wanted to keep the space open and light, so we designed glass-doored wine and beverage storage around it. This allowed light to flow through while also enabling us to place a large rectangular island in the kitchen.”
Relocating key elements like the fireplace also proved transformative, allowing for a larger dining area that seamlessly integrated with the living space. By increasing doorway openings, adding archways, and maximizing natural light, Courtney and her team were able to create a cohesive, open layout that felt spacious, modern, and connected. “It’s projects like this where you see the magic of design,” she says. “The end result was a home that not only looked beautiful but functioned perfectly for our client’s lifestyle.”
This attention to detail and willingness to tackle challenges head-on is exactly what makes Modern Hive stand out in the industry. The firm’s work has not gone unnoticed. Modern Hive has received multiple accolades, including the prestigious ASID Impact Award in 2022 for excellence in residential and commercial design. “Winning awards like the ASID Impact Award is humbling. It shows that our attention to detail and commitment to innovative design really resonates with our clients and the industry,” says Courtney.
Image Credits: Mandy McGregor Photography
Designing Spaces That Uplift and Inspire
Courtney’s design ethos revolves around creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and welcoming. “My style is modern elegance with a relaxed vibe. I want the spaces I design to feel down-to-earth yet refined—places where people can feel at ease but still be inspired by their surroundings,” she explains.
In today’s age of social media-driven design trends, Courtney acknowledges the challenges of balancing client expectations with reality. “The amount of inspiration available online can sometimes overwhelm clients, and it creates unrealistic expectations about budgets and timelines,” she notes. “That’s why clear, honest communication from the start is so important. It helps us focus on what’s achievable and ensures the end result exceeds expectations.”
A New Home for Modern Hive: The Grand Opening of the Aksarben Village Studio
As Modern Hive celebrates 12 years of successful design, the company is also celebrating the grand opening of its brand-new studio in Aksarben Village. The move marks a significant chapter for Courtney and her team, who had been working out of her home office for nearly a decade.
“The timing just felt right,” says Courtney. “After years of working from home, the new studio gives us the space to focus entirely on our clients and our creative process. The atmosphere is light, bright, and designed to inspire. It’s a reflection of everything Modern Hive stands for—elegance, comfort, and innovation.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Interior Design in Omaha
As Courtney looks to the future, she sees exciting trends emerging in interior design, especially in Omaha. “People are becoming more focused on wellness and sustainability,” she explains. “We’re incorporating more natural elements into homes, from living walls to eco-friendly materials. There’s a growing appreciation for biophilic design—bringing nature into indoor spaces to improve well-being.”
Every project is an opportunity to create something unique and lasting. ~ Courtney Otte
Courtney also notes the increasing shift towards remodeling existing homes. “With new land becoming scarce, more people are investing in updating their current homes. It’s a trend we’re excited to be part of because it allows us to transform spaces in a way that feels meaningful and sustainable.”
A Vision for the Next Decade
As Modern Hive Interior Design Studio moves into its next chapter, Courtney remains focused on what matters most: creating thoughtful, personalized spaces that enhance the way people live. Her passion, creativity, and commitment to her clients have made her a standout in Omaha’s design scene, and with 12 years of success behind her, there’s no doubt that the future holds even more exciting opportunities.
“Every project is an opportunity to create something unique and lasting,” she reflects. “I’m grateful for the journey so far, and I can’t wait to see what the next decade brings.”
Images of Courtney Otte: 316 Strategy Group
The Modern Hive Interior Design
Address: 1512 S 60th St, Omaha, NE 68106
Phone: (402) 981-3758
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