In most cases, 30" is for combustable material. A metal hood can be 24".

In my heavily regulated town that hood location be fine. if you WANT it higher though...get a decent carpenter out.

I think it looks nice already but if you're tired of it, go ahead and paint it.

Those cabinets are really, really beautiful.

If you don't mind me saying so, maybe you could put the money in a stainless steel fridge and lighter backsplash instead?

I agrre with the others,cabinets look great,24"is fine and I wouldn't change either one.

agree. cabs are fine. they're very nice wood. cherry?

get a counter depth fridge in the black or SS. It looks like the stone is continued up for the backsplash? if so, replacing that will be difficult. under cabinet lighting will help.

you could always do a microwave above the stove.

or if you have to move the vent hood, then remove the cabinet and do a custom hood vent that takes up that spot.

Lovely cabinets I would replace back splash - poss counter (if it's in the budget) and s.s. appliances.

Attractive cabinets.

Some people just don't like wood and want a white kitchen, (I am assuming that is the shade you want) , that's OK! So a black and white kitchen is what you will get however, be prepared for major contrast between your cabinets and counter tops. As far as the hood, if your replacing all the appliances, go with a downdraft unit. Piece mealing has its own set of challenges.

Instead of believing the guesses from the psychic friends network above, you should go by the clearances listed in the instruction manual of the specific hood you will be installing. The code does not say that just any old hood can be lowered, but "in accordance with the listing and labeling".

We are in San Francisco and are now double checking on the code requirement for the ventilation (we were told 30 inches by our contractor). Our plan is to replace all the appliances with SS appliances and keep the granite (trying to minimize our kitchen reno) and paint the cabinets white. Any other thoughts for a backsplash that isn't too involved?

Keep cabinets and get new counters.

Am I the only one who doesn't dislike the black backsplash? Gee. For more suggestions on the backsplash especially, repost on the kitchen forum.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath

Anyway, are you doing any work that requires a permit? If not, it doesn't matter what code is; it's just a matter of what's safe and pleases you.

GCs sometimes go on autopilot, I've noticed. (Is his name Anthony?)

Since the people who were giving you reckless guesses also keep trying to delete the correct answer, you can look up the California code for yourself @ section 921 and 303.1. You can not just slap up a hood to reduce clearances. The installation instructions must still be followed, and at the very least, leave ¼" gap between any wood and the hood.

http://epubs.iapmo.org/2016/CMC/#p=1

Fred S - so far as I can see, that section allows for a 24 inch clearance for a hood or appliance that meets the code laid out in 921.3.2. So, if his current hood meets those criteria, it should be okay, and if it doesn't, he either has to find one that does, or raise the cabinet height? Is that correct?

1) the hood must be listed for the lower clearance.

2) the cabinet must ALSO be protected with millboard or a ¼" air gap if the bottom of the wood is less than 30", but in no case lower than 24"

Speaking as someone with painted white cabinets, which saved ugly but well-made cabinets, it does seem a shame to ruin beautiful cherry cabinets with paint. IMO, this kitchen just needs high-end stainless appliances and under-cabinet lighting for a sophisticated beautiful kitchen. Apologies for not answering your question.

I really think the wood is lovely and with a custom hood, new stainless appliances and a different backsplash, it would be even nicer. Or as someone earlier suggested, could you get a new countertop perhaps in white?

I assume you are getting a pro to do it. I hope so. I painted my very old cabinets myself and would never, ever do it again.

I agree with the others that you shouldn't paint your cabinets, at least not until you make other changes and see whether you can love your kitchen with those cabinets. If you do end up having to raise the hood, a good carpenter should be able to shorten those cabinets and doors.