IMO sped some money on the antique lighting for sure and then a stainless hood is what you need. I sure would not spend any big money on this very dated kitchen leave it as it is maybe a laminate couter in a neutral color thats it .

Tile behind the range to the top of the cabinets and get a vented stainless hood. Put a small microwave on the counter.

Please clarify: are you planning a hood that will vent to the outside?

Low profile microwave

@apple_pie_order: we'd like to if it's feasible. I need to ask our contractor to clarify. He suggested the decorative hood when we realised the micromate wasn't vented. 

@Beverly: I like that look indeed but I don't have the cabinet to go above that and fill the gap. (Contractor says cabinets are too old to match)

Thanks, latifolia, that seems the likely plan.

You said you are painting the cabinets? Obviously the easiest is a stainless hood with a small microwave on the counter. If you want a microhood just build an open cabinet for above the microwave (or buy an unfinished oak cabinet at hd and toss the doors)

@Hallwtt, thanks. Yes, planning to paint cabinets unless we decide we can live with them. Countertops (quartz) templated yesterday, working on tile backsplash, paint, lighting, etc....I think we'll go with a hood there & micro on the counter. Seems the logical choice. 

I appreciate the help.

You're painting the cabinets right? Noting exotic about your cabinets. I'm sure there's someone who still makes an oak cabinet with cathedral-raised front door.

I'll bet dollars to donuts that the local Habitat for Humanity has used cabinets that can be repurposed and might even have matching doors.

You have a carpenter that doesn't do any research. You'll have to do this yourself.

https://www.unfinished-kitchen-cabinets.net/LN6K.html

You can order unfinished cabinets from Lowes. Is that easy enough?

@Beverly, correct (painting) and thank you! I appreciate your guidance. We'll do a bit of research as clearly we've options (we're English & accustomed to old but new to reno work).