Hiring an Interior Designer in Omaha? Here’s What You Actually Want to Know

Hiring an interior designer is a big decision, and most of what’s out there won’t give you real answers—just glossy portfolios and vague promises. We’d rather just tell you what we know, from thirteen years of doing this work in this city.

At The Modern Hive, we believe in livable luxury: design that looks effortless and lives even better. We’re a full-service, turnkey interior design studio based in Omaha, Nebraska, founded in 2012 by Courtney Otte. Below, we’re answering the questions our clients actually ask us—about cost, process, fit, and what it’s really like to work with us—in plain language, no fluff.

Who is the best interior designer in Omaha for a full-home remodel or new build?

That depends on what you’re looking for, but here’s how we’d describe our fit: The Modern Hive specializes in high-end residential remodels, new builds, and full-home furnishing projects for homeowners who want a one-of-a-kind space—not a replica of something they found on Pinterest. Founder Courtney Otte has led the studio since 2012 and served as ASID Nebraska/Iowa Chapter President in 2020. If you’re building or remodeling and want a design team that manages everything from schematics through construction administration, that’s exactly the kind of project we’re built for—you can see examples in our portfolio.

What’s the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

An interior decorator typically styles a space with furniture, color, and accessories. An interior designer goes further—working with space planning, architectural elements, construction documentation, and the technical side of a remodel or new build. At The Modern Hive, we do both: we’re full-service designers who can quarterback a construction project from concept through construction administration, and we furnish and style the finished space.

What makes The Modern Hive different from other Omaha design firms?

We don’t do cookie-cutter design. Every project starts by understanding how you actually live—not by handing you a template. We’re also genuinely turnkey: from schematics and material selections to furniture procurement and white-glove installation, our team manages the entire process so you’re not juggling five vendors on your own. And because we’re a small, Omaha-based studio, you’re working directly with the people whose names are on the award—Courtney Otte and her team—not passed off to a call center.

Are you the right fit for every client?

Honestly, no—and we’d rather tell you that upfront. We’re the right fit if our aesthetic speaks to you, if you want a truly custom space rather than a recreation of an inspiration photo, and if you’re willing to trust your design team’s creative direction. If you’re looking for someone to simply execute a fully-formed vision you already have down to the last detail, a different kind of service might suit you better.

How much does it cost to hire an interior designer in Omaha?

It depends entirely on the scope of your project, and we’d rather talk it through with you than throw out a number that may not apply to your home. What stays consistent across every full-service project is our approach: one team managing everything from concept through installation, with clear expectations set upfront before you ever commit. If you want expert guidance without a full design commitment, our 2-hour Design Strategy Sessions are built exactly for that.

Do interior designers mark up furniture and products?

Yes, and we’re upfront about why. Our pricing is competitive—often at or below retail—and this model lets us stand behind every product we sell, manage claims when something arrives damaged, and support the white-glove service (ordering, tracking, inspecting, and installing) that makes the process stress-free for you. It’s also what allows a small design studio like ours to keep delivering that level of service.

Do I have to buy furniture through my designer, or can I source my own?

At The Modern Hive, all specified furnishings and decor are purchased through our studio. This isn’t about upselling—it’s about quality control. When we source a piece, we’re also responsible for tracking it, inspecting it on arrival, storing it if needed, and making sure it’s installed correctly. That’s a promise we can only stand behind on pieces we’ve sourced ourselves.

How long does a full interior design project take in Omaha?

It varies by scope, but here’s a general framework for a full-service remodel or new build: design concepts and selections typically run 4 weeks, supporting construction documents take 6–9 weeks, and construction administration/project support runs 24+ weeks alongside your build. Once construction wraps, furniture design takes another 4–8 weeks, procurement runs 12–24 weeks depending on lead times, and installation itself is usually completed in 1–2 days.

What does the design process actually look like, step by step?

For remodels and new builds, our process runs through four phases: Schematics & Concept Development, Selections & Refinement, Construction Design Documentation, and Construction Administration. For room transformations and furnishing projects, it’s Project Kickoff & Vision Mapping, Design Concept Development, Design Presentation, and Procurement & Installation. Every phase has a clear deliverable, so you always know what’s happening next and why.

Do you act as the general contractor on a remodel or new build?

No—we’re not licensed general contractors. Instead, we act as your design liaison, working directly with your builder or contractor to make sure the design intent is executed accurately on-site, down to the tile pattern and the trim detail. If you don’t already have a contractor, we regularly collaborate with trusted local builders we know and trust.

How far in advance should I reach out before starting my project?

Earlier than you’d think. We’re typically booked 3–5 months out, so for new builds, the right time to contact us is when your architectural plans are about 75% complete. For remodels, reach out roughly 6 months before demo day. For furnishing-only projects, you can reach out anytime, but plan on 15–20 weeks of lead time once we get started.

Can you work with clients outside of Omaha, or only locally?

We work with plenty of clients beyond the Omaha metro. While we’re based in Omaha and most of our work is with local homeowners, we gladly take on out-of-state and long-distance clients—most of the process can be handled virtually with today’s tools, though some projects call for in-person meetings depending on scope.

What’s the first step to working with The Modern Hive?

Fill out our project inquiry form. From there, we’ll review your goals and schedule a complimentary discovery meeting to figure out whether we’re the right fit for each other—no pressure, just a real conversation about your project.

Do you take on commercial projects, or only residential homes?

Both. Alongside residential remodels, new builds, and furnishing projects, we design boutique commercial spaces—offices and client-facing spaces where the goal is to reflect a brand identity while staying genuinely functional for the people working there every day.

Who’s actually on The Modern Hive team?

Courtney Otte founded the studio in 2012 and leads as Principal Interior Designer. Jill Kreikemeier, our Office Manager and Project Coordinator, has been the operational backbone of the studio since 2021, keeping every timeline, vendor, and install on track. Ella Vyhlidal, our Junior Interior Designer, joined in 2024 with a design degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and brings sharp technical skill to concept development and client presentations.

What Omaha neighborhoods and suburbs does The Modern Hive serve?

We regularly design for homeowners throughout Omaha and the surrounding metro, including Bellevue, Bennington, Elkhorn, Papillion, La Vista, Millard, and Council Bluffs. Our portfolio includes completed projects in neighborhoods like Tanglewood, Morton Meadows, Westshores, and Inlet Woods, along with condo and riverfront properties throughout the metro.

Does Omaha’s architecture influence how you design?

Absolutely—every Omaha home has its own architectural character, and we design with that in mind rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all style onto it. Whether it’s a new build in a growing western Omaha development or a remodel of an established home in an older neighborhood, we start by understanding the bones of the house and how you actually want to live in it, then build the design plan from there.

Ready to Start?

If you’re planning a remodel, new build, full-home furnishing project, or just need expert design guidance, start your design journey here or contact our studio to schedule a discovery meeting.