His & Hers | A Perfect Pair of Guest Rooms

A Perfect Pair of Guest Rooms by Kibler & Kirch in Montana's Bitterroot Valley

Article by Hannah Olson | Photos by Lucy Call

Nestled in Montana’s stunning Bitterroot Valley, a retired couple has designed a home that artfully combines their shared love of the West with personal touches from their lives. The centerpiece of their guest wing is a pair of bedrooms and adjoining bathrooms that reflect the individuality of each spouse yet work together to create a cohesive and inviting space for visitors. Designed with the guidance of Jeremiah Young and the team at Kibler & Kirch, these guest rooms embody the thoughtful, detail-oriented approach that has made the firm a leader in Montana’s interior design world.

A ROOM INSPIRED BY HERITAGE: HERS

The wife’s guest room started with a profoundly personal inspiration, three paintings created by her grandmother. The soft colors and brushstrokes in the artwork set the tone for the entire room. "The palette came directly from those paintings," explains Young. "They weren’t just beautiful, they were meaningful to her, and that guided every decision we made."

The room features layered textures, mixing timeless patterns like florals and plaids in fresh, contemporary ways. Upholstered furniture softens the space, while details like drapery in soft linen hues tie it together. A small chair from the wife’s childhood sits in a corner, adding a nostalgic touch that blends seamlessly with the new pieces. On the bed, blankets from the last U.S.-based linen mill (now called Evangeline) add a layer of warmth and practicality.

The adjoining bathroom echoes the bedroom theme, with tilework from Seneca Tile in Ohio. Its rich, dynamic glaze creates a sense of depth and craftsmanship akin to pottery. A decorative mirror and gold accents provide a touch of elegance, while artwork, including a piece evoking her childhood summers in Maine, makes the bathroom feel like an extension of the bedroom.

A NOD TO THE OUTDOORS: HIS

The husband’s room has an entirely different source of inspiration: a leather football, a buffalo hide draped across the bed, and three framed fishing illustrations above the headboard. "We built the room around these items," says Young. The football informed the warm, earthy tones, and the fishing prints brought a sense of place, tying the room to the outdoor pursuits they love here in Montana.

The space feels grounded with a walnut headboard and leather accents, creating a tactile, welcoming environment. Plaid accents introduce a subtle pattern, and the linens, mirroring those in the other guest room, offer a sense of continuity without sacrificing individuality.

The bathroom continues the story with clean, structured tilework that evokes the natural world. A leather-framed mirror and darker stone elements create a sophisticated balance. Despite its earthy feel, the room avoids clichés, blending traditional and modern elements in an effortlessly timeless way.

CONNECTING THE SPACES

Between the two guest rooms lies a hallway that seamlessly connects the spaces, creating a sense of harmony. "All the colors that are in both the rooms are in this rug and in this hallway, and they’re connected to one another, which is really interesting," explains Jeremiah Young. Prints of pheasant feathers line the walls, adding a unique touch while reflecting the natural themes present in each bedroom. This thoughtful design ensures the hallway isn’t just a passage but a cohesive element of the guest wing.

DESIGN TIPS FOR GUEST ROOMS

Whether you’re designing a guest room or refreshing your own, Young offers several tips to ensure the space feels both functional and inviting:

Focus on Comfort: Use breathable, natural materials for bedding and include layers that allow guests to adjust warmth to their liking.
Plan for Practicality: Provide a spot for luggage, extra blankets, and a variety of pillow options to suit different preferences.
Incorporate Personal Touches: Adding books, art, or items with local significance can make the space feel special and connected to its surroundings.
Test the Room Yourself: Spend a night in your guest room to ensure everything—from lighting to storage—is comfortable and easy to use.

THE KIBLER & KIRCH TOUCH

This home is a perfect example of Kibler & Kirch’s approach to design. "We always start with what’s meaningful to the homeowners," says Young. "It’s about creating spaces that feel like theirs, not ours. When someone walks into a room, they should see their story reflected in the design."

With decades of experience blending timeless design with the unique needs of their clients, Kibler & Kirch has developed a "recipe" for success. Their work prioritizes quality, craftsmanship, and thoughtful details, resulting in spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. Whether layering textures, incorporating personal heirlooms, or choosing timeless materials, the team’s designs reflect a deep understanding of how people live in their homes.

A SHARED VISION

The his-and-hers guest wing is more than just a functional part of this Montana home—it’s a testament to the homeowners’ partnership and the artistry of the design process. Each room reflects the individuality of its "owner," yet both spaces are tied together by a cohesive vision that honors the couple’s shared history, interests, and love of Montana. This balance between individuality and unity makes these guest rooms and the entire home truly extraordinary.

For more inspiration and to explore Kibler & Kirch’s thoughtful approach to design, visit their newly opened store in downtown Billings. Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or reimagine your entire home, their team is ready to help you tell your story through design.