Kitchens are increasingly being seen as the most important room of any home. Realtors claim that a kitchen can ‘make or break’ a property as buyers want a room in which they can not only cook and eat, but also socialize and even work. One of the most challenging aspects of designing or remodeling a kitchen is creating the right look for the range hood. Located over the stove or oven, range hoods naturally attract the gaze of anyone who enters the kitchen. Understandably, getting the right look for the range hood can be pivotal to the success of the room as a whole. If you are struggling for inspiration, here are the top five options for kitchen range hood surrounds.
Option #1. Timber Cabinetry
Timber cabinetry is a perennially popular option for range surrounds as it allows the hood to blend into the surround cabinetry. Styles such as knotty wood or Harvard Yale effectively hide the range surround or leave just the leading edge exposed. Some cabinetry comes flush to each side of the range hood chimney while other styles envelop the hood and contain cupboards further up the flute.
Option #2. Plaster Hood Surrounds
Made from particleboard and plaster, ‘Sante Fe’ or traditional style hood surrounds are suitable for kitchens with plasterwork in the ceiling. This style of range hood covers the chimney and contains intricate plasterwork along the front and sides. This obviously lacks the functionality of timber cabinetry, as you are afforded no extra storage space to either side of the hood chimney.
Option #3. French Country Style
French country style hood surrounds work well in kitchens designed around a theme of stained timber. This style leaves the hood surround exposed instead of covering it over with cabinetry or plasterboard. Cabinetry such as knotty elder combines well with the look of exposed stainless steel hoods to create a warm and inviting kitchen.
Option #4. Insert Style Range Hoods
Many homeowners take advantage of the fact that range hoods need only have a very narrow stainless steel chimney. This can be easily hidden behind or between cabinets giving the kitchen plenty of extra storage space over the range. As opposed to accentuating the range hood, a popular design choice is to continue the cabinets over the top of the range. A larger insert-style range hood can then be inserted under the cabinetry.
Option #5. Stone Range Surrounds
Genuine stone can bring a distinctive, gentle and organic beauty to architectural elements such as range hoods. Popular stone options such as limestone are natural products that include variations of color and texture, striations and fossil-inclusions. You can customize the thickness of a stone range surround to compliment the look of any hood. Stone range surrounds are suitable for contemporary and traditional tastes alike if they are designed to complement the surrounding décor. Stone range surrounds must be custom made by a master carver.
Conclusion
Whichever type of kitchen range hood surround you choose, it can help to create a 3D virtual rendering of your kitchen before you make your decision. Computer modeling can help you see what your kitchen will look like by giving you a virtual walkthrough. Freshome, a design and architecture magazine, created a list of ten free online programs that can help you plan your kitchen and see which range hood would best compliment your design. Consider use one of these free programs to help you decide whether a timber, plaster or stone surround would best suit your kitchen.
If you have recently designed or remodeled your kitchen, how did you choose your range hood? Leave us a comment below and let us know how you reached your decision!
