Par for the course.
This year, we completed two separate projects in Lincoln, Nebraska… sort of.
The houses belong to two brothers and their families, who decided to build their new homes simultaneously, and hired us for both of the jobs. Together, they shared a vision of building comfortable, personal homes with plenty of space for hosting their people from all over to come for a good time.
First, they needed to find just the right place to accommodate this big, beautiful vision. They found it off of a private golf course in Lincoln, Nebraska. Between the two couples, there’s only one pair of diehard golfers, but when they discovered two lots side-by-side backing up to the green, it was a no-brainer.
Next up... figuring out who to team up with to get the job done. They’d already decided to build together, buy land next to each other… why not go all-in on the same team, too?
The first recruit was the architect—an old friend of the brothers. After years working as a commercial architect on large-scale hospitality projects around the globe (we’re talking luxury hotels in big cities and resorts on remote islands all over the world) he was back state-side and available for hire. Next, they invited us to join the team, as well. We were honored and eager to get started. So began a big, beautiful journey together.
For our contribution to the team, we brought expertise from 20+ years of designing distinctively elevated homes all over the country... bringing intentional space planning, attention to the minutest of details, thoughtful execution, and a collaborative spirit in all that we do. (Learn more about our approach to work here.)
Beyond that, we came ready with the most important insights of all: everything we'd learned about these wonderful families, to design homes that reflect who they are and the way they live.
The first step in any Amy Storm & Company project is to develop the “Design DNA.” In this stage, we take everything we know about our clients to create the visual code for each and every decision we make. This is the secret to turning all our projects into homes that are highly personal and perfectly suited to the families who will be living in them. This is where things start to take a turn...
Both of these couples are super organized, stylish, and love getting together with family and friends, but have their own style and approach to those things. One family leans more minimal-modern-whimsy, where the other’s leans kind of contemporary-casual-chic.
Our goal is to capture the unique vision of our homeowners, in light of our on-the-job, real-world experience. We advocate for our clients, push the boundaries of what’s possible, while also knowing the very real constraints of budget, time, and resources.
On this job, scale was one of the trickiest things to get right. We wanted to maximize the livable space, but knew if we went too big, it could feel empty, echoey, and impersonal. We aimed to keep it open and expansive, but feel grounded and lived-in.
Dustin helped us out there, bringing big ideas and fresh perspectives from years of commercial and hospitality design and a good bit of world travel under his belt. He introduced us to a whole new world of walk-throughs with QR-codes and live renderings, plus brought a cool modernish edge to both jobs (our sweet spot).
Alright, now that you've got a bit of the backstory, let us take you for a spin...
No. 1:
It’s All Good
This is a home for free-spirits. It’s light and bright and filled with tons of personality. Even the home office feels carefree, with The Big Lebowski bowling pins, and Eames-style lounge chair perfectly situated for enjoying the view. Paired with the Sunpan Donnie sofa, Four Hands Maricopa coffee table, and richly colored rug, it's a go-to spot for getting focused... or just getting away.
Here, games are likely strewn across the custom double coffee tables, and a ball is never far from reach for a game on the court… inside or out. The fam can take their pick between basketball in the basement or pickleball on the sport court out back.
The house has solid bones that are balanced by a bit of spunk in the form of bold colors, one-of-a-kind pieces, and the feeling that people really live here, because they do.
Both houses are tailor-made for their owners, so next door is its own story. Let us show you around over there, too...
No. 2:
Tee Time Rain or Shine
This family lives to play… and with direct access to the course, a private putting green, and state-of-the-art golf simulator in the basement, there really are ways to play no matter the weather. Plus, tons of places to hang out and take a breather while you do. Both inside out and, the green is strategically situated near a bar and seating areas to enjoy between swings.
When they’re not in the mood for golf, there's always the climbing gym, basement lounge, craft room, pool, and home garden to enjoy. The whole house feels lighthearted and lively. And good news is the fun is for all, kids and grown-ups alike.
On top of being playful, the house still has a classic feel. Pieces like the Bernhardt Aldo sectional and Classic Home Vernon swivel chairs check all the boxes. Cozy, relaxed, and ready to stand the test of time.
Turns out, building on a golf course is kind of genius, whether you play or you don’t. The club offers additional amenities like a larger pool, restaurant, and more if there’s a larger crowd in town, or whenever a change of scenery is called for. Besides, the green is as good for a game as it is for the view.
Another benefit of the on-course locale is it offers easy, built-in transportation. Both families have golf carts and easy access from the back of the house, down a path, right onto the course, so even a quick putt before dinner is always an option, too.
All in all, both projects took nearly 3 years to complete. Often things were going in tandem: ideas, vendors, and time shared between both jobs. The process of building them was so intertwined that they almost can’t be untangled. Still, they turned out to be stand-outs, each completely their own.
As we walked through both houses when it was all said and done, we actually felt sad it was over. Three years in and we still weren’t quite ready for it to end! Another reminder that we’re so grateful to love what we do, and to enjoy the people we do it with.
For the full view of both houses, check out the It's All Good and Tee Time Rain or Shine project pages.
