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Cara Dollins

Viking Range, LLC, the leader in residential kitchen technology, has named Cara Dollins as the January Designer of Distinction. Cara Dollins, AKBD is a residential kitchen and bath designer for Kenyon Noble Lumber Company, a locally owned and operated lumber yard and home improvement store based in Bozeman Montana and is the first monthly winner in the 2017 Viking Kitchen Design Competition. Designers from around the United States are vying for the coveted honor to become the 2017 Viking Designer of the Year.

Cara describes the project below:

This project was a local remodel for Ms. Joanne Pieper. Joanne is a prominent figure in the local community and has been a leader in civic and philanthropic activities for the past several years. She purchased this home nestled on the out skirts of Bozeman a couple of years ago and wanted to update the finishes, add in her own personal touch and create an inviting atmosphere for entertaining.

Joanneā€™s existing kitchen and great room overlook her secluded backyard and garden. However the old kitchen had mid-tone rustic alder cabinetry typical of the area that made the kitchen feel rather dark in contrast to the rest of the home and created a separation during entertaining. It also had a 2-tiered winged island that closed the kitchen off from the rest of the great room. Joanne did not wish to expand the room or change the overall layout; however she wished to address these issues to create a space that flowed seamlessly from one area to the next.

To update the space we lightened up the finishes by changing the cabinetry to a soft cream painted finish with a walnut glaze on a unique transitional style door provided by Showplace Wood Products. We accented the soft cream with cherry cabinets in the dining area and pantry. New Giallo Fiorito granite countertops and porcelain backsplash tiles were also selected. To visually open up the space we replaced the 2-tiered winged island with a rectangular single level island. Joanne had Viking appliances in her old kitchen and was extremely satisfied with their performance. For this remodel it made sense to just update the existing appliances to new Viking models. Viking offers understated elegance that is perfect for her transitional home. Joanne also loves that they offer her great flexibility whether she is cooking for a house full of people or just for herself.

It was a pleasure to work with Joanne on her kitchen remodel to help her create a livable and inviting space she can enjoy for many years to come.

More information about Cara Dollins:

Cara has been with Kenyon Noble Lumber for the last 10 years, and specializes in semi-custom designs. Besides working for Kenyon Noble Lumber Cara is also a Kitchen and Bath instructor for the Interior Design Program at Gallatin College, an entity of Montana State University. As well as the VP Academic Relations officer for the Big Sky chapter of NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association).

Cara and her twin sister Rebecca grew up in Livingston Montana, after moving from Michigan with their family when they were very young. After high school Cara went to Montana State University - College of Technology in Great Falls and graduated with an Associates of Applied Science in Interior Design. After finishing at the tech school she transferred to Montana State University in Bozeman and finished with a Bachelor of Arts (concentration in Art History). Cara currently resides in Belgrade Montana with her boyfriend and black lab. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, hiking, art and gardening.

About the Viking Kitchen Design Competition:

Each month prizes and recognitions are awarded to the winning designer in the 2017 Viking Kitchen Design Competition. The monthly winner receives the designation of Designer of Distinction and is featured on vikingrange.com and social media channels. The monthly winner also receives a Viking Professional 10 piece cookware set valued at over $1,600.

The grand prize winner named as the 2017 Viking Kitchen Designer of the Year will be featured in a 2018 Architectural Digest ad and will receive a Viking Professional Range valued up to $10,299. Entries by design professionals for the Viking Kitchen Design Competition are being accepted through October 31, 2017. Design professionals interested in entering the Viking Kitchen Design Competition can visit www.vikingrange.com/designers to enter.

Viking Range, LLC originated ultra-premium commercial-type appliances for the home, creating a whole new category of home appliances. Committed to innovative product design, unrivaled performance and peerless quality, Viking is headquartered in Greenwood, Mississippi, and is a subsidiary of The Middleby Corporation, a long-time leader in commercial kitchen technology. Viking appliances are recognized globally as the foremost brand in the high-end appliance industry and are sold through a network of premium appliance distributors and dealers worldwide.

For additional product information, to locate a Viking dealer in your area, or to request a quote, please visit www.vikingrange.com. VIKING is a registered trademark of Viking Range, LLC. Viking products are sold under the BRIGADE brand in Canada.

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