Article by Maria Weidich | Photos by Nathan Satran

The 12-foot-long kitchen island, shiny quartz countertops, and soft-close drawers are all brand new, but the story behind them is anything but. For three decades, homeowners Annette and Alan Milks, longtime residents of the Pryor, Montana, farm and ranch community, cooked, cleaned, and celebrated holidays in a kitchen that largely remained unchained – until now.

The Milks, both raised on family farms on the Montana Hi-Line, moved into their home when their oldest daughter was just three months old. “And now, after 30 years, we finally got to a place where we could afford to do it,” Annette said. Earlier this year, with local designers Beyond the Box always by their side, their 1960s farmhouse finally caught up to their dream.

BEYOND THE (BIG) BOX

Initially exploring how big-box stores could transform their kitchen, the Milks quickly became unsatisfied with the limited selections and inflated costs for custom options. On a referral and a whim, they met with owners and designers Kristy and Debbie Ferguson of Beyond the Box, who, much to their delight, came close to their budget while providing so much more.

“Kristy and Debbie had a vision that I didn’t have, feeding ideas and piecing it all together in a way I could afford and get on board with,” Annette said. While she admits she didn’t have a fixed idea of what she wanted the transformation to look like, she entrusted the Beyond the Box team from start to finish.

Not bound by preset cabinetry lines or sales quotas, the team at Beyond the Box had more flexibility to, quite literally, think outside the box. “They are so knowledgeable,” Annette said, “and they just made it so easy.”

As designers, Kristy and her team wear many hats throughout the transformation process. Besides “kitchen designer,” they filled the roles of project manager, problem solver, therapist, vision translator, budget advisor, and future-proofing consultant, and one of Kristy’s favorites, dream enabler.

COLLABORATING ON A VISION

Starting with the not-so-fun budget analysis, Kristy and her team walked Annette through their signature process of aligning her wish list with wise investments. “She came to us not just needing a remodel, but a partner to help guide her through the process,” Kristy said. Together, they reimagined the space entirely, incorporating a walk-through pantry, a large island, a full-height backsplash, space-saving cabinets, countertops, and under-cabinet lighting.

One of the biggest challenges of the space was a closet door that disrupted the layout and flow of the kitchen. Transforming the space by removing a wall and incorporating a hidden pantry door not only solved the issue, Kristy said, but also brought a sense of cohesion and sophistication that had been missing.

“One of the things I appreciate are the things that Kristy and Debbie asked that were important to me,” Annette said. “Then they o!ered a real solution.” Take the motion-sensing touchless garbage can, hidden appliance cabinets, and secret pantry. “These are the ah-ha parts of my kitchen,” Annette said, “and it was all them.”

CRAFTSMANSHIP AND SMART DESIGN

The remodeled kitchen transformed the once cramped and dysfunctional space into the beating heart of the home. The result is far from a flashy urban remodel with an unlimited budget, Kristy said. “It’s a real Montana family in a rural setting, making thoughtful, meaningful upgrades after 30 years of dreaming. That’s both relatable and inspiring.”

“The more we can simplify a space, the more we can simplify life,” Kristy added. “So many times, design is what you don’t see in a space.”

The kitchen’s rustic characteristics, deep, rich wood tones, and ease of cleaning and maintenance make it ideal for Annette and her busy ranching family. “Good quality breeds efficiency,” Kristy said, “This project shows how thoughtful design can transform even the most practical spaces.”

A SPACE OF BEAUTY AND EASE

While the process of remodeling is anything but easy, the resulting transformation is just that. Blending rustic charm with modern efficiency, including custom storage solutions, durable countertops, and a massive center island, the space is very much Annette, Kristy said. “But more than that, it’s a space that finally feels like home after decades of waiting.”

“Every single day, we say to each other how much easier it is to cook in this kitchen,” Annette said. “It’s so wonderful! Access to everything is easy; no more getting down on the floor to pull down three appliances to get the fourth. Everything is easy to see, to find, and to get to.”

MEALTIME TURNED FAMILY TIME

The Milks’ kitchen remodel turned a functional space into a shared one. “There’s going to be a lot more entertaining now,” Annette said, “And I’m excited to see what Christmas looks like.”

Even the ordinary, day-to-day events at home have been elevated after the remodel. “Instead of going to sit in the recliner, Alan will come sit at the bar and visit with me while I’m cooking; it’s sweet and we’re so fortunate and blessed to get to the point that we could do this.”

It doesn’t get much more rewarding for Kristy and her team when a client professes their adoration for their new space. When her clients share their beloved new space with loved ones, her gratitude only grows.

“There’s no better time than now, Kristy added about embarking on a home remodel. “The sooner you enjoy your space, the sooner it will improve your daily life.” If your kitchen causes frustration, impedes cooking, or prevents hosting friends and family, it might be time to stop waiting for “one day”.

For Annette and Alan, they not only transformed their home, but also how they live in it. They can now focus on their duties on the ranch, looking forward to more time spent with family and future gatherings in a beautiful and efficient kitchen that is no longer a space of sacrifice but a space of joy.

Originally printed in the July 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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