from the 90s to now
couple makes their ideas of a revamp a reality
Beyond the Box
Michelle and Brent Toogood knew their home had great bones but the heart of it, the kitchen, just wasn’t functional anymore. As the owners of this early ’90s home, they found out that having the right tools, amenities and purpose in your kitchen brings its own kind of happiness.
The couple loved to entertain, and so it became clear that the time was now to make their ideas of a revamp a reality. They’d been pondering a remodel for years.
“The kitchen layout wasn’t optimal, and it was very dated,” Michelle says. “The original honey oak cabinets showed lots of wear and tear, and some doors wouldn’t close properly.” On top of that, she says, the layout of the cabinets didn’t have a good flow. They were oddly placed and didn’t allow for much storage. When you pair that with the dark counters and floors, Michelle says, it made the kitchen appear “unwelcoming.”
BEFORE
after
Putting the Wheels in Motion
When it came time to pick a kitchen design company, Michelle chose Beyond the Box’s Emily Ludwig. Michelle appreciated that the company was woman-owned.
“Emily was amazing,” she says. “She listened to all our ‘must-haves’ and our wants and came up with perfect solutions. She turned our outdated kitchen into the gourmet kitchen we have always dreamed of.”
For 18 years, Emily has been helping homeowners realize what you can accomplish in a renovation.
“What made this project so easy was that Michele came to me with a clear plan in mind,” Emily says. After measuring and discussing the construction needed with the help of a contractor, Emily suggested Boyce Built Construction. The company provided all general contracting and logistics for the renovation, including managing subs, materials, schedules and utilizing their team members for all the finishing touches.
Boyce Built Construction, owned by Tom and Heather Boyce, began when Tom got his start in construction by flipping houses. The company launched in 2013 and jumped into building both new homes and remodeling existing ones.
“Michelle did her homework before approaching us,” says Emily. “She knew what she liked including the colors she wanted, and had a clear idea of what she wanted accomplished before the project even began.”
To give a client the best outcome, Emily says she starts with a walk through of the space. “We call it our discovery trip,” she says. “It enables us to see the existing space for ourselves.”
“That first walk through gives us a great view into the scope of the project along with our capabilities to accomplish what the homeowners envision,” says Tom. “First, we find out if there are any challenges we need to be aware of, then we do our best to make it happen for the owners.”
Making it Their Own
“Navy blue is my favorite color,” Michelle says. “I wanted one stand-out centerpiece in the kitchen and for me that would be the copper vent. It is an oil-rubbed bronze and copper wall mount range hood from Zline Kitchen and Bath. This combo makes me think cozy and relaxing.”
Since she wanted a counter with pattern but not one that would take away from the navy cabinets, she chose a creamy eggshell quartz counter by Viatera called Aria. It’s a neutral counter with faint black marbling. For the floors, Michelle says, “Since the kitchen area faces north, there’s no direct sunlight, so I went with a lighter flooring.”
The gray farm sink was Brent’s idea, Michelle says. “Once I saw it, I was sold. The idea of a large deep sink was ideal because I don’t like things piled up on the counters when we entertain,” Michelle says. Also, she says, it’s easy to stack plates in the sink and deal with them later.
For baking functionality, a friend told Michelle about Bosch appliances. “I found out they are only one of two brands that the built-in over doors swing open,” Michelle says. The oven opens much like a microwave door instead of the traditional flip down door. “This is great for those of us who are short, no more opening an oven door that is the height of my face and then having to lean in to get food out.”
Included in the remodel were also space savers like drawers that pull out to store all Michelle’s plastic storage containers or another pull out that holds all her ladles, spatulas and whisks.
The Extras
Just around the corner from the kitchen, you’ll find Brent’s haven. It’s a space he uses not only to build guitars but as a recording studio. It used to have counters and cabinets that were falling apart before the remodel. Today, it’s a streamlined space with plenty of storage for his guitar-related hardware.
While Michelle added storage space, she laughs when she says there was some give and take. “The pantry is also a guitar amp storage unit, so I do have to share space with my hubby,” she says. The space easily stores small appliances and, Michelle says, “We added a sliding barn door that adds so much character.” The couple also chose to carve out some space off the kitchen for a wet bar with a beverage fridge and even more storage to enjoy here.
Closing This Door Forever
One interesting challenge, Tom says, was the presence of two exterior doors in close proximity to each other in the pantry and bar areas.
“After considering the remodel plan, we took out one of the doors, patched the wall, sheet rocked, insulated and painted it to match the interior. We removed, replaced and painted the exterior siding and it looks as though the door was never there,” says Tom.
The process of an average kitchen remodel takes, on average, three to four months from concept to completion. In the Toogoods’ home, Boyce Built Construction and Beyond the Box were able to use that time to create both a beautiful and lasting space that reflects both the owners’ desires and personalities.
ABOUT BOYCE BUILT CONSTRUCTION & BEYOND THE BOX
Boyce Built Construction
Boyce Built specializes in home remodeling, new home construction, custom additions and small commercial projects. It prides itself on delivering high-quality craftsmanship.
“As the owner, I am passionate about what I do and look forward to delivering exceptional outcomes for many more clients in the future,” says Tom Boyce. “We value family, integrity, superior results and an unwavering work ethic. These principles are at the core of every project we undertake.”
Beyond the Box
Beyond the Box, which just celebrated its 10th year in business, carries cabinetry of all kinds and all budgets. The company specializes in helping clients envision and create the perfect space to suit any lifestyle. From kitchens and bathrooms to closets and garages, Beyond the Box provides the expertise to explore the possibilities
More from the Experts at Beyond the Box
About Beyond the Box
Beyond The Box Inc. has been serving Montana and Wyoming home owners and builders since 2014. Beyond The Box was voted best home remodel company in Billings in both 2021 & 2022. Whether you have a new build, remodel project or are in need of an upfit, our talented and passionate designers would love to help you achieve the home and spaces of your dreams. From closets and kitchens, to bathrooms and garages we have design and storage solutions for you!
