Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Kitchen Design: To Hood or Not to Hood?
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
When we renovated our kitchen, one of our bigger decisions was how to handle the vent over our stove. We ended up going with a super cool stainless steel chimney hood. Aesthetically, it was an easy decision - it just looks right in our modern space.
Financially, though, it hurt a little - even with our architect's discount (which she kindly passed on to us), it was the single most expensive appliance in the kitchen - and that's saying a lot. Plus, choosing a chimney hood meant that we chose not to include storage over the stove.
Still, when we were chatting with some friends about to embark on a kitchen renovation of our own, we emphatically suggested that they get a hood of their own, budget be damned. After a couple of years, we still love our hood, both for its look and its function. It really does vent better than any other system we've used.
And that's important when I'm burning something on our grill pan.
So when the question is "to hood or not to hood," my answer is "HOOD!" Here's some inspiration:
Financially, though, it hurt a little - even with our architect's discount (which she kindly passed on to us), it was the single most expensive appliance in the kitchen - and that's saying a lot. Plus, choosing a chimney hood meant that we chose not to include storage over the stove.
Still, when we were chatting with some friends about to embark on a kitchen renovation of our own, we emphatically suggested that they get a hood of their own, budget be damned. After a couple of years, we still love our hood, both for its look and its function. It really does vent better than any other system we've used.
And that's important when I'm burning something on our grill pan.
So when the question is "to hood or not to hood," my answer is "HOOD!" Here's some inspiration:
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This is the type of kitchen that (I think) naturally lends itself to a hood. I love the sharp angles and clean lines of the hood here. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Hoods don't have to be stainless, either. I like the way this white hood blends in with the wall above. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
The curve of this hood has a cool Art Deco vibe. It's definitely different from what you see in most kitchens.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
I love the way this hood's structure allows for some open shelving. Very usable!
by Gast Architects
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This is another great example of incorporating shelving into the hood. I also like the way the stainless hood adds a touch of modern to this traditional kitchen, without seeming out of place.
| Hoods are a natural solution for venting island stovetops. Here, pot racks make the hood seem like a natural part of the ceiling-scape - it doesn't stand out. Plus - functional! |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| But even if the hood does stand alone over the island, it's practical and it can look great. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This kitchen runs a little more traditional than my taste, but I like the way the hood works with the cabinets, rather than forcing something overly modern into the mix. |
by K & M Designs
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Ditto for this space - the white hood works nicely with the rest of the room.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This space, too. Even though this is WAY more traditional than my own taste, I can definitely appreciate its lodgey look. Although I have to admit, taxidermy in the kitchen kind of freaks me out.
| I really love the way this hood works with the backsplash. It's so shimmery and pretty, especially with the white and the windows. |
by Pedini Kitchens
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This super boxy hood is fantastic with the peninsula and dark wood - I love the whole look.
Comments
W. David Seidel, AIA - Architect Kit, excellent ideabook on a topic dear to my heart as well. Take a look at this picture. It is a project where I specified a downdraft vent that pops up only when it is needed. The ducting goes down and under the floor to the outside. See the whole kitchen at: http://www.wdavidseidel.com/rockridge_photo_album.htm 
3 years ago · Like
W. David Seidel, AIA - Architect ... or right here on houzz.com:
by W. David Seidel, AIA -...
by W. David Seidel, AIA -...
Project: Kitchen Remodel, Oakland -...3 years ago · Like
Liz Our 9' x 10' kitchen is still on paper. I am leaning towards having the range in the island since that is where I spend most of my time - who does dishes anymore? But what kind of hood? I don't want it to obstruct the view. The kitchen is part of a great room facing the ocean. Tough decision...
6 months ago · Like
· 
1
1
Ideabook updated on Feb. 7, 2010.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
