sunlight." Then he installs pendant lights over an island or bar top that complement the kitchen's style. "One could use rusted metal to get the old western look or colored glass to achieve a more modern look," says Allmond.
While modernizing a kitchen might necessitate a combination of new light- ing, new appliances, and new design elements, many older homes have a history rich with character, which shouldn't be ignored. Struc- tural issues need to be dealt
with first and foremost: the insulation, the condition of the windows, and the state of the plumbing and electrical sys- tems. Then the portable dishwasher can go, and the all-white interior can finally meet some color. The end result will be a well functioning, aesthetically pleasing space that earns its rightful title as the hub of the home.
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DISTINCTLY MONTANA • SPRING 2012
