Opening up a world of possibility
by Alex Clarkson
A home’s cabinetry and hardware have only recently been viewed as an area to innovate or showcase cutting-edge design. For years, luxury
homes built in Montana and across the Rockies have embraced cabin- or lodge-style design and architecture. As a result, many cabinet makers have streamlined their process, and built products in step with this style. However, the construction community has recently begun to expand its view of what a mountain estate can look like on the inside and out – cabinets included.
With locations in Whitefish, Montana, Hamilton, Montana, and Sun Valley, Idaho, the team at Old Goats Hard Goods is one of the leading cabinet and hardware designers in the area, bringing a fresh perspective to this integral part of a home. They infuse their unique, globally-inspired designs to each of their projects across Montana and Idaho. Whitefish, Montana-based owner Ethan Petro and his whole team approach every new and remodeled home they work on with innovation and creativity. From homeowners, architects, interior designers, contractors, or developers, Old Goats loves working with every type of client to bring inspired cabinetry to the Rockies.
“Quality and feel are largely determined by who you work with and what they bring to the table. We are more than just a manufacturer of made-to-order physical products. We are also a homeowners’ key design and integration partner.”
–Ethan Petro, Owner, Old Goats Hard Goods
Setting the standard for quality & design
Old Goats offers the full suite of services, including designing, building, and installing custom cabinetry and hardware solutions for homes. Businesses typically sell either cabinetry or hardware, and even though the two go hand in hand, buyers often need to use multiple vendors to get a final product. Clients get the whole package when they work with Old Goats – from wood finishes to hardware touches, they can make selections side by side rather than having to go through a disjointed process.
Also unique is the diversity and quality of the designs and materials that Old Goats offers its clients. The degree of architectural integration the company brings to each project means that they’re focusing less on “lines” and “models,” and more on a design that truly integrates within a home. “Quality and feel are largely determined by who you work with and what they bring to the table. We are more than just a manufacturer of made-to-order physical products. We are also a homeowners’ key design and integration partner,” explains Petro. From materials selection, to pulls, to aspects of system integration, Old Goats’ partnerships with leading local and regional builders and designers from across the country allow them to offer a wide array of selections that truly sets them apart from the rest.
More and more, the company works with homeowners uprooting their metropolitan lifestyles and heading for Montana, bringing with them new design styles and preferences. With clients hailing from across the country and world, Old Goats works diligently to understand their tastes, and integrates these preferences into cabinetry and hardware. The company prides itself on following the latest styles, processes, and finishes from all corners of the U.S. and Europe, always incorporating cutting-edge techniques in their work.
At the core of this innovation is a team of designers who bring years of skill and experience into managing every aspect of a project. “We always get feedback that our team offers a quality of service and attention to detail that’s rare for the industry. We tie it back to hiring quality people with a true passion for design inspired by a deep understanding of our clients,” explains Petro. Old Goats is thoughtful about everything they do, from hiring, to taking on projects, to offering the highest quality materials.”
Customer-centric design & installation
Typically, homeowners will order cabinets well into the building process, but Old Goats always encourages their clients to get them involved as early as possible. By coming together and forming a partnership that starts at the beginning of a build, clients will save money and ensure that they get the highest quality cabinetry. The value of working with Old Goats is getting to take advantage of their innovative design process, so clients should start as soon as possible.
The team at Old Goats wants to curate cabinetry reflective of their customers’ lifestyles. At the beginning of a project, they take care to get to know their clients on a deep level – they want to know more than just their design preferences, and actually dig into their ways of living. “Thoughtful, enduring design stems from a deep understanding of the way our customers live inside their spaces. We have to get to know each other in order to build something that truly works for a homeowner,” Petro explains.
“When it comes down to it, you open and close a door or slide open a drawer. We’re not sending a rocket to the moon, but we want to create a design that marries functionality and how you use your space with an aesthetic that says it’s yours.”
–Ethan Petro, Owner, Old Goats Hard Goods
Old Goats balances designing cabinetry that is functional while also fitting a client’s style. “Cabinetry has been boring and uninspired for so long,” remarks Petro. Yet, the team is committed to balancing the utility of cabinetry while also staying inspired. “When it comes down to it, you open and close a door or slide open a drawer. We’re not sending a rocket to the moon, but we want to create a design that marries functionality and how you use your space with an aesthetic that says it’s yours,” says Petro. For example, he and his team aren’t afraid to integrate unconventional materials like leather to a cabinet door, or find other creative ways to innovate. In initial design conversations, clients will start to see the playful side of Old Goats’ design style. Clients will discuss things like finishes, flow, and other distinctive elements that make an Old Goats kitchen unique. They get to make the decisions they want, and leave Old Goats to handle the rest.
After a client makes their selections, the team prides themselves in being able to turn around designs quickly. In three weeks or less, they’re ready to present drawings and photo-realistic renderings.
Not only can clients rely on Old Goats for designing and procuring cabinetry fit for any luxury home, but also for approaching installation with similar dedication and quality. Old Goats’ talented team of installers has years of experience bringing a project together. They meticulously inspect every cabinet before it gets installed, ensuring that each piece passes their high standard for quality control.
The team doesn’t just commit to a seamless design and installation process. Perhaps most importantly, they check in 30 days after homeowners have a chance to use the cabinetry to make sure that the final result has accomplished their goals. From start to finish, Old Goats is committed to making sure their clients are thrilled with their cabinets. After all, given how important cabinetry can be in day-to-day life, Old Goats is dedicated to getting it right.
An undisputed reputation
The team has worked on some of the largest builds in the Flathead Valley, Bitterroot Valley, Sun Valley, and beyond. Their extensive portfolio has earned them respect from many builders and designers across the country. But this respect doesn’t come from merely the square footage or scope of a project, it’s more due to the dedicated craftsmanship and true partnership that Old Goats brings to every project. The team comes ready to collaborate and support the design and installation of cabinets at every step of the way.
For anyone hoping to include inspired cabinetry that pushes the boundaries of creative design while seamlessly blending into their lifestyle, the team at Old Goats is one of the most trusted names across Montana and Idaho.
