As you have existing venting to the outside, it doesn't sound like you have a problem. You can choose the lowest profile range hood you can find and connect it to the existing venting, no? We chose a Broan low-profile hood--very simple, with room for a built in cabinet above it and just a small projection of the hood over the range. It doesn't interrupt the sight lines of the kitchen at all.

But am I understanding your question? Because I don't usually think of range hoods as interrupting sight lines unless they are floating over an island or peninsula with a built in range.

Thanks for your response feeny - I guess I neglected to mention this IS over an island (that would be a good piece of info to have started with...)! I'm fairly new to Houzz, and the amount of info and advice is encouraging and overwhelming.

Cooktop on island, venting is available overhead, and we didn't want to obstruct the view of the kitchen with a rangehood.

http://www.elica.co.uk/view_products_parent.php?cat=ceiling-hanging-hoods doesn't have to be a hood. This company makes some interesting products.

Okay, now I'm understanding the situation better. But as I'm not one of the professional designers here, and i haven't encountered this issue in renovating my own kitchen, I'm going to leave it to others to find some attractive solutions for you. Sorry not to be of more help!

Look at the Best Cirrus " hood", it looks like a skylight & will not interrupt site lines. They actually are much better suited to low ceilings.You can get the version with a remote blower that minimizers the noise. Since you have a bedroom above, the venting will have to run parallel to t the ceiling joists to an outside wall. The best case scenario would be that the venting could tie in to your existing. Get a pro to advise you on this. I have used this personally ( to preserve a water view) as well as specified it for my clients.

Thank you Sheryl - I had seen these before and will take another good look.

Hi remarkable 1... may I ask why you wouldn't want a downdraft range? Jenn-air makes a 36 inch, 5 burner one that is rated very high. Just curious.....

Hi suede57 - naturally when we started this kitchen process, we polled our friends for the 'likes' and 'dislikes' about their current kitchens - the things that came up as dislikes, for whatever reasons, were trash compactors and downdrafts. One friend in particular was not very kind about her experience, that it was not effective, etc. We've just not heard many standing up and cheering...

At this point we are just starting the process, so I guess I'm looking for that magic idea that we just haven't had ourselves yet! Thanks for your response - I'll take a look at the Jenn-Air.

If you choose a downdraft ventilation system, chose one such as the Thermador hi riser that rises 14" above the cooktop to capture moisture & grease. It's higher than most pots. Heat rises! You can also get the remote blower to minimize noise. If you are using gas, the Thermador cooktops have a simmer feature.. If electic take a look at induction cooktops. Great temperature control! Dacor & many other also make good ventilators & cook tops.
The JennAire has none of those features & if you have a gas cooktop could affect the flames. Poll your dissatisfied friends. Be aware that the distance & the number of turns in the venting will affect the power of the ventilator. The installation makes a huge difference in function.