I don't like either so not much help. They both have the same issues the surface gets discolored over time and also greasey no matter how good the venting which BTW needs to be as strong as possible vented to the outside and did you budget for the MUA which you will also need .Since you are thinking a more modern look if you were my client white appliances would not be my choice. What happens when one breaks down and now the maker does not have that color anymore and also never buy all appliances from one maker there is not one that makes everything well That is why plain old stainless is always the best choice . IMO your KD should have brought up those points. BTW the open shelves and everything on them will also get greasey .All those base caibinets should have been drawers too.

If your home is more traditional I would go with wood, but if you're updating it to be more transitional I think plaster.

Thank you! We will put those things into consideration! Clarification - the base cabinets are not drawers because counter stools will be placed in front of them. We got the appliances for a steal so we're okay with buying new again down the road, even if it means the entire set. I also don't like the look of stainless steel and the other option would be panel-ready appliances, which were much more expensive.

I'd like the house to be transitional and we're decorating with more updated finishes. But the traditional wainscoting and the traditional staircase spindles are both staying so it won't be completely modern.

We will ask our contractor to calculate MUA - my guess is that it's not a big deal since the entire first floor is a large open concept, tall ceiling space

I have to agree with the above comment that the "clean look of the white plaster' you mentioned will become unsightly in no time. All you need is one tiny tomato sauce or grease splatter which you will not be able to clean or un-see.

If wood, will it be painted or a natural wood stain? I am actually in the camp of metal hoods, there are some stunning ones.

Amy- so glad you posted this question. We are at the same stage in our remodel. Our cabinetmaker advised us that if we choose wood the paint color will vary vs the wall paint color on the plaster walls behind the hood. We had planned on painting the hood white to match walls and now are thinking we may have to paint a wood hood green to match the cabinets. Will a pro please weigh in on this? We really do not want a plaster hood.

@jill Have you looked at on line green kitchens to help in your decision. Personally, I would prefer color being off a bit than a green hood, but it really depends on the style of kitchen and your other choices. Think big picture and how you want overall kitchen to feel. Hope this helps.

Thank you for your response, Maureen. It makes me wonder if our cabinetmaker was concerned about how paint reads on plaster walls (which we will have) vs a smooth traditional wall. We have decided on wood and can test both colors after install. He paints on-site. Through our our entire remodel process our cabinetmaker has been our one bright light.

My fireplace has a white plaster on masonry hood on it and I wanted to reiterate this shape in the kitchen so I had a hood made of white Corian that mounts onto hidden steel brackets attached to the framing. This gave me the appearance I wanted but I will be able to clean it easier than plaster or wood.

Wall paint isn’t cabinet paint, and the two never match 100%.

Unless you pay real attention to this being 27” deep, and 6” wider than the cooking surface, with a powerful enough blower and make up air system, youre just building a greasy filth catcher that you’ll scrub the finish off of trying to keep clean.

Hello Maureen! That darker green kitchen is our inspiration picture! I found the designer, Can’t recall her name at the moment, but know her design business is in Oklahoma. I contacted her through her website to get details on her paint color. My cabinetmaker is building this exact glass front cabinet with oak shelves and bead board lining for us. I absolutely love this cabinet.

I agree with you, green hood would be a mistake.

The green kitchen above with the glass front cabinets was done by Kelsey Leigh Design Co. out of Oklahoma.

I know a lot of peoole like stainless steel hoods, and there are pretty, custom ones out there,but stainless is not really for me. Thats why I got the Cafe white appliances, and all my hardware in the kitchen are going to be brass.

I do like the GE cafe hood, but alas it does not come in the 60-72” I needed. if we build it with either wood or plaster and then paint it glossy white to march the Ge Cafe white appliances, would that look good? I also guess that gloss paint is much easier to clean?

Also, behind the hood is going to be tiled all the way to the ceiling, so matching the wall paint is not a concern, nor does it make sense for us. We need to either match the ivory cabinet, the blueish-white appliances, or the tiles which will be mixed shades of ivory and white. what do you think?

Hi! wondering what you ended up doing for your hood?