The Home & Design
PHOTO BY: DANIELLE LOPEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
Home Sweet Home
Home. So much contained in that little four letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.
Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we thought about home, we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers.
We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.
As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you—in your city, neighborhood and most all of—your home.
Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.
Happy March!
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Maggie Hebron | maggie.hebron@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Justine Thibault
EDITOR
Tara Johnson | tara.johnson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Hailey Livingston | hailey.livingston@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
When
From
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business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Beast of Bozeman Open Call for Auditions
Beast of Bozeman is returning for the third year! An annual talent show featuring local and regional performing acts—this Emerson event provides professional sound, lighting, and production for each performer (of all ages!)—and a theater filled with an excited and supportive audience. Whether you are a solo act, a duo, or a group, they want to see what you've got. Final acts will be selected to perform and compete for audience votes and cash prizes in April!
I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park Grant
The Montana Department of Commerce announced the City of Bozeman will receive $30,000 in grant funding for the I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park project. “Montana Main Street Program funding helps communities strengthen and preserve their historic downtown commercial districts through community development, revitalization and historic preservation,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. Planning for the park is already underway.
Big Sky Resort Announces Avalanche Dog Meet and Greets
Meet the avalanche dogs of Big Sky Resort! Learn about the dogs, their training, and how they are an integral part and support their ski patrol team. Meet one of the dogs on their roster, learn about their role in the event of an avalanche, their training, and more. Meet in the Mountain Village Plaza. Every Monday and Wednesday from 4:30pm to 5pm.
The Joy of Tidying
ARTICLE BY KIMBER PATTERSON
HOW TO GET STARTED AND STAY MOTIVATED
Call it spring cleaning or IG envy, but this is the time of year I want everything – and I mean EVERYTHING –organized in my kitchen and closets. While I’m pretty good at maintaining an already-tidied space, tackling the not-so-tidy closet is where I need help. Heather Bifulco of TidyHomes came to the rescue with some great advice on getting started.
“My biggest suggestion is that you start small,” said Heather. “Don’t aim to tackle your pantry or closet in one organizing session. Our clients really struggle with the edit phase of the organization, but by the end they completely loosen up and start to have fun. For example, start under the kitchen sink. Lots of wins to be had there!”
Great tip. Now I had a plan of attack.
Next up? Creating categories. Organizing a space means taking out EVERYTHING and categorizing. Once that’s done, Heather always thoroughly cleans to inspire the flow of great ideas and have a fresh slate. Consider everything from dusting the baseboards to replacing light fixtures to adding a coat of paint to change up and freshen the new look.
rid your home of things that don’t work, things you have a better version of, things you never use and things that no longer make you happy,” says Heather. The key word here is ‘things.’ “Whether it’s an old umbrella or a new pair of rain boots,” she said, “the ask is the same.” Deep breath. That green hat I’ve loved forever? Keep. Three versions of the same jacket? Donate. The pile of single gloves? Toss. Once I got going, it became easier and faster to make those decisions.
Once you can actually see everything you’re keeping, you want what you use most often within arm’s reach. Seasonal items can go on higher or lower shelves. The sweet spot of shelving is dedicated to what I need to grab daily. Heather found beautiful baskets and bins that make me happy just to look at them. “Finding containers you love will provide so much motivation toward completing an organization project,” she said.
Now for the fun (and sometimes hard) part: touching every item in the category piles and asking myself whether something actually serves a purpose. “This is the time to
The whole goal at the end of organizing is to have no clutter. That’s right, this isn’t an attempt to harness clutter, but to eliminate it entirely. That being said, some of us live with little people who contribute to clutter every day. Heather’s advice on that subject turned out to be life-changing. She suggests creating ONE drop zone, not several.
“My biggest suggestion is that you start small. Don’t aim to tackle your pantry or closet in one organizing session.”
Finally she revealed her most important tip.
“There are no exceptions to this,” she admits. “Labeling is the key to maintenance and to eliminating the pain of not being able to find something. We have so many beautiful options for labeling now that it shouldn’t even be a question. Label. Always label.”
Great advice from the top of my closet to the bottom. This is why I’ve already scheduled Heather to help me organize the entryway and kitchen! @tidystylehome
ARTICLE BY MEGAN HOBAN
The Art of Collecting
As consumers, we are constantly being enticed to buy. Whether it’s the jewelry we can’t live without, concert tickets to a show we don’t want to miss, or that favorite pair of shoes calling our name, we buy what we love, and art should be no different.
If you are new to acquiring original art, you may find it daunting, but it shouldn’t be. It is a special purchase that forces you to dig deep and discover a bit more about yourself. At first, many people shy away from buying original art because of the commitment. It’s a big decision after all, and how do you really know when it’s the “perfect” piece? Because art is subjective, part of the process is learning what style of art is the best fit for you. Is it colorful and energetic abstracts, or soothing landscapes that catch your eye? Maybe you are drawn to local photography, or even figurative works. There is no wrong answer, and maybe it’s a mix of several styles that creates your unique collection. The best way to find out your “art personality” is to get out and visit your local galleries. Consider making it a tradition to visit galleries while traveling or buy a piece of art as a gift on special occasions. In the gallery setting you can explore various art styles, mediums, and even learn more about the talented artists who create those works.
With the purchase of original art comes other considerations. Often, we have clients who need direction figuring out what size of art they need and its placement in the design of their space. If you find a piece of art you love, you will always find a spot for it. Ask the gallery if they offer in-home art consultation services to see the piece in your setting. Great custom framing is key, and well-designed framing is the jewelry to a great piece of art. Quality archival framing protects your art from UV rays that can damage a piece over time. Original art should last generations.
I’m often asked, should I buy art for investment? There is a place for investment art, but I don’t believe in buying art with the pretense that it will go up in value. There is no guarantee it will and to me, good investment art brings different riches to your life. Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you. The best art investment should be the feeling you experience gazing into an oil painting that perfectly captures a warm sunset over the prairie, or the texture created by a palette knife on the abstract that seems to pop off the canvas. That is what makes investing in original art priceless.
Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you.
THE BRICK HOUSE
A Couple's Hands-On Transformation of a 120-Year-Old Victorian Gem in Livingston PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARGARET AUSTIN
Sometimes you can just tell when a house has a soul. That’s how McCall and Nick Renold, a couple living in Bozeman, felt when they first glimpsed this historic brick-exterior Victorian “fixer-upper” nestled in the heart of downtown Livingston. “When we first saw the house, we fell in love with it immediately,” McCall said, "It had so much natural light, original charm, and the location is excellent —only two blocks off Main Street. But we knew it would be a big project.”
The couple closed on the property in September 2021 and started referring to the project as “The Brick House”. They knew they were embarking on an adventure, planning to renovate the property by themselves, but had no idea how difficult it would end up being. Less than two years later they are finally finished and have listed the property for guests to enjoy as a luxury short term rental.
Built in 1905, The Brick House was built the same year the prosperous railroad town of Livingston was one of the first in Montana to get concrete sidewalks. “According to the title documents, we believe the house may have originally been used as an office building for the Northern Pacific
Railroad,” Nick says. The town's roots date back to the late 19th century when the Northern Pacific Railroad established it as a key depot and repair shop. Livingston’s historic significance continues to be felt in the present day with its beautifully preserved downtown district—complete with original brick facades and ornate detailing.
As soon as the property was theirs, the Renolds rolled up their sleeves, put on their Carhartts, and got to work. Since its construction in 1905, the house had last been renovated in the 1950’s. It had not just weathered the passage of time, but had seemingly been stuck in it. Decorated with wall to wall shag carpeting (even in the bathrooms) and wood paneling throughout, it was a time
capsule from a bygone era. Yet, beneath the dated aesthetics, the couple sensed a hidden potential that sparked their imagination.
“As soon as we walked in you could see so much charm and original details, like the newel posts and stair spindles, the stained glass in the dining room, and the blown glass windows.” McCall said, “But it needed a lot of work!”
The shag carpeting was the first to go. In the upstairs, the Renolds discovered a hidden gem: the original long-plank wood floors, which they painstakingly cleaned and refinished. “It was important to us to keep as much of the original house as possible. Even though replacing the floors would have been much easier.” Then came the wood paneling on the walls. Behind these dark,
For the Renolds, this was not just a renovation; it was a journey back in time, a tribute to the people who had lived and loved within these walls. They kept in touch with the family who had lived in the home for several decades, exchanging keepsakes and historic documents.
faux-wood walls, they found the traditional lath and plaster walls typical of the house's era. They filled dumpster after dumpster, carefully preserving the original detailing and trim work. The process was dusty and exhausting. The house, once hidden beneath layers of outdated decor, began to reveal itself in its true, historic form. Each floorboard restored, each wall stripped bare, connected them more deeply to the home's past. “It’s funny, but everywhere we thought, ‘there should be a wall here’, we found evidence that there was, in fact, originally a wall. Or we thought, ‘this should be a bathroom’, and once we ripped the flooring out there was indeed evidence that that is what it used to be. We felt like we were truly restoring the house to its original virtue.”
As in most renovations, they came up against quite a few unexpected challenges. “One challenge that set back our timeline, was that at some point over the last hundred years, the structure of the house had been compromised when some necessary supports were cut,” Nick said. They consulted with Bozeman engineering firm IMEG and hired experienced carpenters who brought in salvage material that would match the original structure. “The antique wood beams you see in the kitchen are the visible result of lifting and reinforcing the center of the house to fix how it had settled over time.”
For the Renolds, this was not just a renovation; it was a journey back in time, a tribute to the people who had lived and loved within these walls. They kept in touch with the family who had lived in the home for several decades, exchanging keepsakes and historic documents. “We put a lot of care into this place. Every salvaged vintage door, light and plumbing fixture required a craftsman’s touch because they don’t just pop into place the way a new fixture in a commercial development would — they have to be custom fitted,” Nick said. But it was important for them to stay true to the house and era, to keep it a part of Livingston's rich tapestry, breathing new life into a piece of its storied history. “It was important for us to source from local
companies where possible, and to include western vintage items in the decor for authenticity,” McCall said. The Renolds sourced most of the materials right here in Bozeman, from suppliers including Kenyon Noble, The Flooring Place and Bobcat Home Appliance. Bozeman woodworker, Scott Ferrera, built the 9 foot long farmhouse dining table. “Local and authentic were two key principles for us,” McCall said, “we used penny tile and subway tile in the bathrooms, which were both popular in the early 1900s. The cream brick tile in the kitchen was purchased from Onyx Tile in Bozeman, and I had a wonderful experience working with them to pick it out.”
One of the defining features of The Brick House is its blend of historical charm and modern comfort. “We wanted it to be a place for visitors to experience historic Livingston and we decorated the house with real vintage pieces found in Livingston and Bozeman.” That’s what truly sets The Brick House apart —its authentic charm and character. Staying in The Brick House is like stepping into a living museum, where the spirit of Montana's past is lovingly preserved. An antique rocking chair greets you on the front porch and on the walls are old framed maps of Yellowstone National Park. In the dining room, a copper Northern Pacific Railroad spittoon sits next to an upright piano from the early 1900s. Each element invites guests to experience a slice of Montana's history, but in the library they can explore the whole expanse of it. The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are brimming with the full collection of Bozeman antique store East Main Trading Company which closed last summer. The Renolds purchased, transported, and then curated these thousands of new and antique books on Montana and Montana history! The couple also searched out and printed historic photographs of the area from the archives at Park Photo to decorate the interior of the home. “Park Photo has a huge historical repository of old photos from Livingston, Bozeman and Yellowstone park. You can go through them on the website or in store and have them printed.” McCall said.
For adding character to any house, McCall recommends thrifting: “It is a great way not just to save money but to find really special antiques.” For thrifting in Bozeman, McCall recommends Antique Market and More, Antique Barn, Rethink Thrift, Do Overs, Goodwill in Belgrade, Four Corners Thrift Store, and the local Facebook marketplace. She sourced vintage rugs directly from Turkey, but if you are looking for beautiful vintage rugs locally she recommends District Loom. “There are honestly too many special pieces in the house for me to recount here,” she says. “But a highlight for me are the bathroom vanities which are old dressers we found on Facebook marketplace. The one in the master bathroom we bought for $75, it had the original hardware, but was an ugly dark color, so I took it to Blasting Technologies in Four Corners and for $150 they stripped it down. Now it’s a gorgeous double vanity which has been mistaken for Restoration Hardware!” Nick’s favorite salvaged find is the pair of oversized French doors leading into the Library, which were reused from an art gallery in Bozeman. Each piece in their home, from the grandest brass chandelier in the Green Room (thrifted in Livingston for $35), to the vintage family portraits
(from Out of The Blue Antiques, also in the Green Room), invite our guests to immerse themselves in a uniquely Montana experience, where history, comfort, and a sense of place intertwine.
The house accommodates eight guests, with thoughtfully furnished and spacious rooms. Each room is a unique expression of the past meeting the present, of old-world charm and contemporary amenities. From the fully equipped, “French cottage” style chef’s kitchen with copper cookware, to the inviting living spaces, the house offers warmth and ease. The fireplace, heated tile floors, and luxurious soaking tubs add an extra layer of indulgence perfect for cool Montana nights. In a gallery wall above the restored stairway, vintage rodeo photos adorn the wall as a testament to the area's deep-rooted cowboy culture and the adventurous spirit of the West. The Brick House is now accepting bookings through airbnb and invites locals and travelers alike to step into a living narrative and become a part of Montana's storied past.
INNOVATION MEETS
ARTISTRY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to
“KITCHEN DESIGN HAS ENTERED AN EXCITING TIME WHERE THE POSSIBILITIES FEEL LIMITLESS.”
ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets
THE HEART OF THE HOME
are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
Sara Koelzer SVP of Mortgage Lending C: (406) 580-6604 sarak@rate.com 1001 W Oak St, Building C, Ste 110, Bozeman, MT 59715
Blue Ribbon Nets offers beautifully handcrafted heirloom fishing nets that blend exceptional craftsmanship with artistic design. Made in Bozeman, each net is carefully crafted by skilled artisans using hand chosen American lumber, with more than ten different processes that go into the shaping, sanding, and finishing of the frame. The intricate designs reflect a commitment to quality and aesthetics, creating
functional yet visually striking tools for anglers. These nets are not only practical for catching fish but are also unique pieces of art that showcase the beauty of nature and craftsmanship. The combination of traditional techniques and modern design makes Blue Ribbon Nets a true standout in the world of fishing accessories.
Visit BlueRibbonNets.net
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 26TH
Stand-Up Science with Ben Miller
Last Best Comedy 321 E Main St, Bozeman
A show that's equal measures hilarious, educational, and deeply personal. Scientist turned stand-up comedian Ben Miller takes you on a journey that explores everything from chairs to the thermodynamics with wit and humor that makes these topics both approachable and delightful.
MARCH 1ST
Bozeman Splitfest
Gallatin County Fairgrounds 901 N Black Ave, Bozeman
Celebrate all things Bozeman backcountry and raise funds for the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. Whether you're a beginner who hasn't hit the skin track yet, an intermediate looking to meet new splitboard partners, an advanced rider who wants to try the latest gear, or a veteran just looking to hang out and swap stories, there is something for everyone at the Bozeman Splitfest. Enjoy demos, clinics, free food and beer from MAP!
MARCH 1ST
TroutFest Banquet
Montana State University 1 Bobcat Cir., Bozeman
Madison-Gallatin Trout Unlimited's 53rd Annual TroutFest Banquet is their one and only annual fundraiser and all proceeds go towards their mission to conserve, protect and restore southwest Montana's cold water fisheries and their watersheds. Through Givergy, mobile bidding on silent auction items will be an option for both attendees and non-attendees. Additionally, you do not have to attend in person to bid on incredible live auction items.
MARCH 3RD
Special Olympics of Montana Winter Sports Competitions
Big Sky Resort Madison Base 50 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky
The 16th Annual Big Sky Area Winter Games Competition will return to Big Sky Resort. Throughout the day, athletes from the Big Sky area and several other areas around the state will compete in Giant Slalom, Snowshoe, and Cross-Country races. Come watch and cheer on the athletes!
MARCH 15TH
Run to the Pub
321 E Main St, Bozeman
Irish or not, come celebrate St. Patrick's Day in downtown Bozeman at this annual community race hosted by Pub 317! Every runner gets automatically entered to win one of four trips to Dublin, Ireland. 10K or Half Marathon!
MARCH 22ND
SWMBIA Home Expo
Brick Breeden Fieldhouse 1 Bobcat Circ., Bozeman
More than 200 knowledgeable vendors offering services in landscaping, roofing, decking, HVAC, siding, building supplies, vehicles, pets, lighting, garbage and recycling, window coverings...and more! There will also be a real-time art piece in action! Children's activities will include colorful face painting and balloon tying all weekend plus Kenyon Noble's junior carpenter project! Donation of $2 or two items donated to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.
WINDOW BLINDS
Bridger Blinds serves Bozeman and the surrounding areas with the highest quality window blinds guaranteed to fit any style, in any room, for any occasion.
