Assymetry flanking hood--is this a problem?

13 years ago

My new kitchen will be open the family room and will be seen from the front door. My layout isn't giving me symmetry around the hood. I can't decide if this bothers me. Maybe it should, and my brain is just too fried to realize it. Details: Windows will be new. Exact configuration of the uppers hasn't been given one single thought yet.

I've got uppers to the right of the hood, but none to the left, just a window. The 42" hood will be over a 36" Capital Culinarian rangetop. Here's my layout, which may change slightly around the pantry but that won't affect the hood area:

I'm thinking of using a wood hood for two reasons. One, I think I prefer the look of it. Two, I thought that wood might camoflauge the assymetry. Rhome was kind enough to do a rendering for me using her awesome computer skills to show what the kitchen would look like with a wood hood. These views are from the family room and will be similar to the view from the front entry.

Here's what it would look like with a stainless hood. If I go stainless, I'm not planning on chimney style hood. I'd prefer either a barrel shape or one with a flatter, more modern shape. (Ignore the fact that the oven and fridge are in different locations.)

Boxerpups worked her magic for me and came up with some pics to show me that others have gotten away with this! (Thanks, Boxer!)

Does my hood area look strange to you? Which hood do you like best? If my kitchen will look hideous, any suggestions as a way to improve this are appreciated!

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Comments (35)

lyvia
13 years ago
Without symmetry, you are left with focal point and balance considerations, like a painting. I like the drawing with the stainless steel hood because it is a focal point, and the three stainless things give a rhythmic echo to the view. In the top view with the wood hood, the color is too unremarkable. Even if you made the hood dark to match the countertop, the play of color-shapes isn't as nice, because the three stainless is better than two, and you lost the plane defined by the dark counter. I like that better balance of the dark plane and the three shapes better than symmetry, especially in a white kitchen. It will feel elegantly balanced, instead of rigidly mirrored.

I would make the hood stainless.
User
13 years ago
Perhaps glass-fronted uppers would balance the window better.
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malhgold
13 years ago
I actually like asymmetry, but I don't think it's working right in the renderings. With the wood hood and cabinets, it's too heavy to balance out the window on the other side. I don't like how there isn't a cabinet to the left of the wood hood. Can you move the cooktop to the right so you could get 1 cabinet on the left. That would provide symmetry in the cooktop area even thought the overall area is asymmetrical. Otherwise, I think the stainless hood is a better choice.
User
13 years ago
I agree with malhgold, I usually like asymmetrical arrangements, but there is too much visual weight on the cab side. I know many folks don't like the look and others don't like the wasted space, but what about a corner range in the right hand corner? It would look kind of like the minty green one boxerpups posted, windows to the right, cabs to the left.

Full disclosure: we have a corner range and I understand the negatives, but they do work in some situations.

Good luck-

sandyponder
palimpsest
13 years ago
I think one aspect that is problematic in the renderings is the little slivers of wall color around the window. (And pantry door in one rendering) Before changing the cabinet layout try one where the backsplash surrounds the window as well as the hood.
User
13 years ago
Focal points should be more symmetrical than not, and your use of a stand alone hood says focal point, not minor element. Assymetry needs an overall balance of weight, color, and shape, which creates symmetry in the brain. You could balance out the window with a glass cabinet next to the range, and some to the counter cabinets on the right side in the corner to counter the weight/mass of the ovens, and use a valace across the window to link the elements.

I'd personally put in another window to the right of the hood to match. It's a better look. And you have that pantry for storage, so it's not a lot of storage lost.
sandn
13 years ago
This may not be an option for you, but we were faced with a very similar dilemma. Ultimately we decided to forgo the upper cabinets and put in a matching window to the right of the hood. Our new kitchen layout is very similar to yours.

The range and hood are between the two symmetrical windows. We're still mid renovation, but our temporary knock down kitchen is in this new layout and we love it.
We recall an interior designer saying, "when in doubt, line it up". Symmetrical design is very pleasing, especially in a room with as many diverse elements as a kitchen. That said, your kitchen looks beautiful and I'm sure you will make it work. I think glass front cabinets could work to balance the window on the left. We are going to be hanging our pots from a rack in front of our second window, in line with the counter, as a way to incorporate storage even while eliminating an upper cabinet in favour of a window.
Best of luck. I hope you don't have to compromise too much at this design stage.
rhome410
13 years ago
I agree that the wood hood only makes the asymmetry worse, rather than masking it. (The renderings above were mostly first stabs at getting the floorplan right and I wasn't playing too much with visual design, other than to show the wood hood)

ANyway, I wouldn't want to move the range right, because it would foul up the relationship with the island and be less functional, as well as cause it's own visual problems, IMO, by hanging out in the aisle.

I would prefer to decrease the size of the window and move the range left, then add another window to the other side...then try adding a to-the-counter cabinet as already suggested to replace the uppers. I think you'd miss the uppers for some of the storage you've planned and a taller cabinet should make up for what the additional window would use.
breezygirl
Original Author
13 years ago
First of all I should say that I'm planning on lighter counters. Bianco Antico is my first choice, but we're also considering others that are in that same general color range. I forgot to tell Rhome what I was thinking for counters when she was mocking this up so we could look at the overall layout, not details. Sorry!

Lyvia--I see your point about the three SS elements repeating for balance. I use the rule of 3's in gardening all the time but it escaped me here. A SS hood would do that.

Mnerg--I'll consider some glass uppers, but not all. I'm not even exactly sure what will be stored there. Probably everyday dishes and glasses, but not everything will be pretty.

Malhgold--I know that moving the rangetop over to make room for an upper to the left would help the wall area, but the result down below would be negative as Rhome explained. Thanks for the SS vote.

Sandy--Love your kitchen and corner range! I think doing the same for my kitchen would throw too many other wrenches into the mix. I've worked very hard for a long time to get this plan. I appreciate your thoughts on the balance!

Palimpsest--I noticed the same thing around the window and thought that it could be masked with tiling all around. Good suggestion. Do you guess that it would make the assymetry less noticable?

LWO--I'll consider some glass uppers. I like the idea of some uppers running down to the counter. Are you thinking about the ones more towards the corner by the sink? I still need to go through the placement exercise of putting my inventoried list of kitchen items into cabs to see where I am on the storage issue. I did this before with my kitchen plan before we decided to expand the room this much. I need to start from scratch now. I'm not sure I have enough cabs to give some up for a window to the right, but I'll check. As far as the valance across the window, would you suggest something straight across or arched?

Sandn--thanks for your experience. Your new kitchen looks great. So many windows! As I mentioned above, I'll look at glass cabs to the right.

Rhome--I see the point of the wood hood making it worse. I agree about not wanting to move the range right. Is there any way you could re-do the renderings to show the windows on both sides with a to-the-counter cab? You've been so much help already that I hate to ask, but...... ;)

Thanks so much everyone!
babs711
13 years ago
If you want to keep the cooktop and hood in the same spot, I'd think about nixing the cabinet to the right, narrowing that window and instead flanking the range with two narrow windows. That would look great. This way you can do a to the counter cabinet next to the fridge and not lose any cabinetry. In fact, you'll gain some.
breezygirl
Original Author
13 years ago
Yes, bab. Cooktop in the same spot. Rhome graciously agreed to do another rendering for me so we can see what this looks like. I'm excited to see!

We're getting ready to leave tonight for the big city to see the Barber of Seville. I'll check back late tonight when we're home.
NYSteve
13 years ago
Rhome - looks like you didn't waste any time getting up to speed with sweethome3d!

My $0.02: if you could put in a window to the right of the hood, it would look quite balanced... especially if you could do something on the wall to the right of that new window that comes all the way down to the counter. Perhaps an appliance garage or something. Then, you would have, from the outside in, a full height thing, a window, and the the hood in the middle.

Enjoy the opera!
rhome410
13 years ago
NYSteve...Actually didn't try Sweethome3D yet. These were done on my PC with my old Chief Architect software. I hate the computer, but love the software.
tanders
13 years ago
I like the idea of adding another window on the other side for balance and a cabinet that comes down to the counter in the corner. If adding another window is not possible, I'm thinking that by using the stainless steel hood and tiling both walls all the way around the windows would help balance it a bit.
rhome410
13 years ago
As requested...2 windows, with cabinets to counter and glass uppers, also with tile on that whole wall, and hoods in both colors!
User
13 years ago
Much better with two windows. At the risk of sounding fickle, can I now say that with the second window perhaps the uppers need not be glass?
rhome410
13 years ago
Good point.
rhome410
13 years ago
I forgot to fix your counter, Breezygirl. Here's one view with the lighter counter. Not exactly what you're considering but closer than black! I can do any of the others for you with this counter, of course, but didn't want to redo all.
tanders
13 years ago
Ohhh, nice--much better. With that extra window, I actually like it better without tile to ceiling. I don't care for the way the wall on the right looks half tiled next to the patio door in the 1st picture rhome most recently posted. Either both walls completely tiled, or both walls tiled to the same height.
breezygirl
Original Author
13 years ago
Woo hoo, renderings! Thanks rhome! And thanks for the granite change. I appreciate you taking time on your Saturday night to help me. Can you tell me the sizes of the windows and the resulting uppers please? I think these look great. Two windows definitely looks more balanced. I like the look of the uppers down to the counter, but it does displace my espresso machine. I'm not sure if I like it at the other end of the sink. Tiling the whole wall around the hood is more visually pleasing too, don't you think?

Steve--thanks for your pennies. The opera was amazing. I am now in love with an Argentinian baritone, but am afraid this will go unrequited.

Steve, tanders and mnerg--I think you're all on the same page.

I'm convinced to do a stainless hood if I keep the one window.

If I do two windows and extend the backsplash up the whole wall, what
do you all think for the hood then? Wood or stainless?

And what kind of windows should those two be? Non-operable (yikes), slide up? Crank in? I don't want crank out as that means the screens will be on the inside and get dirty.
elle3
13 years ago
Jumping in here...Rhome's last picture is fabulous! But I agree that area near the slider looks a little off. It looks like you have room for an upper there. And I wouldn't worry about screens getting dirty with crank outs--they will get dirty no matter where you put them :)I think the look you have going on there is worth it!
rhome410
13 years ago
The windows shown are 27" wide. The uppers/hutch to the right are about 36".

I actually like the last version best...without tile to the ceiling and with the uppers instead of the hutch...but those are all personal aesthetic opinions, and the renderings are quite limited in how the tile would really work, so I'm sure any of those would look great. I actually wish Malhgold would share pics of her finished kitchen, because I love what she did with her tiled wall. (BIG HINT, M!)

The espresso machine was a big deal to you from the beginning, so I'd give that some thought, Breezy.

Do you need the windows to open when you have the ones over the sink? (Depends on direction, maybe) How about single-hung?
User
13 years ago
I like the two windows and the cabinets down to the counter, but I understand you like your espresso maker, so what about an appliance garage under the cabinet to house the espresso maker? That would give you the ultimate in utility and symmetry.
boxerpups
13 years ago
Breezy,

I am so thrilled with all the help you are getting from GW.
Everyone is amazing. Rhome is a super star.
I just wanted to toss in these visuals so you can further
see how lovely it could look. And little details others
have done with similar window, range and space.

~boxer

HB Photo

Plum Builders

JD Design Group

Architect Oscar Shamamian

Kitchen Oliveaux

Have a Beautiful and Elegant kitchen blog
malhgold
13 years ago
At Rhome's request...here is my full tiled wall.
rhome410
13 years ago
YAY...Thanks, Malhgold, for sharing. You know I feel like your kitchen's aunt! ;-)

And it's a great example for people considering framing their fridge, insetting shelves, windows flanking the range, an amazing way to tile the wall, and/or having bigger prep sinks. You included so many cool design choices.
breezygirl
Original Author
13 years ago
27" windows seems like a good size. I still need to do my on-paper placement of kitchen items. I'm wondering if 36" is enough space. Would 24" windows look too small?

Having non-glass uppers looks fine and provides a good spot for the espresso machine. The hutch style to-the-counter cabs look more romantic somehow, but would that take away too much counter space near the cleanup sink? I'm thinking of parties where we've got a few feet of stacked dirty items waiting to be washed. I generate quite a few dirty things even with a small party. Maybe my big 33" sink would hide a good deal?

I had to Google single-hung windows. I like that idea. Those windows face north to an small, intimate garden area with flagstone stairs, a species hydrangea, and some of my favorite plants. I'm torn over the look of the undivided window and the ability to get the garden air and the sound of the birds. DH doesn't think they need to open.

Rhome--Can you do the schematic plan of the 27" flanking windows so I can see the counterspace, please?

LWO--An appliance garage (with flip-up cab as I hate tambor doors) would work to hide the espresso machine and other stuff, but would also use up th counter space. I will definetly consider this. Good idea!

Elle3--The space to the right of the cleanup sink isn't very large. I could put a small upper there, but I'm afraid it would look lost. Maybe a decorative shelf or something artsy on the wall???
breezygirl
Original Author
13 years ago
Boxer--more kitchen porn! Gorgeous. I'll take the Oscar Shamamian please. Thanks for thinking of me and taking the effort to post.

I am getting so much great help here. I would be lost and confused in the crummy kitchen my designer planned a year ago if you folks weren't so fabulous! Thanks!

Mahlgold--When Rhome mentioned your tile, I had a flashback of seeing a small glimpse of it ages ago. It's so lovely! Your wall tiled like that looks amazing. I could see that in my space depending on the tile I choose. And the price! Rhome mentioned cool inset shelves to me the other day. Thanks for the visual of how that would look and for coming to my aid in posting. Are those windows about 42"ish wide?
User
13 years ago
Another option would be to use a 48" range instead of a 36". Those have double ovens instead of the one large onven of a 36". That would let you eliminate the oven stack for 9" larger windows. They'd be around 36" then, which is a nice large size. If you really bake enough to need a third oven, put a speed oven like and Advantium under counter on the run next to the fridge.
breezygirl
Original Author
13 years ago
My setup is a 36" rangetop and 30" double wall ovens so I have two ovens and storage under the cooktop.

I researched 48" ovens last spring because I really wanted the look of one. The nice ones are huge $$. The only one in a showroom within 30 miles of me was a Kitchenaid. Not impressed. The thing that turned me against them was that from the dimensions I could find for the smaller ovens, it wouldn't fit the pans I would need to put in there.

I'll have to play around to see if the storage loss with a 48" range is doable. 36" windows would certainly look fabulous. BUT.......if I choose to stay with the appliance configuration listed, I ask you...

Would 24" windows look too small or awkward?
rhome410
13 years ago
Here is the view and plan with 27" windows. To each side of the rangetop is a 12" cabinet, then a 33" bank of drawers. The uppers are 36" plus an inch of filler against the wall.

This is the view with 24" windows. This reduces the drawer bank by the oven to 30", then a 12", then stove, then 12", and a 36" bank of drawers. The uppers increase to 42" plus the approx 1" filler for scribing to the wall.
breezygirl
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for all of those Rhome! I hope you know how much seeing these helps me make decisions. I am eternally grateful.

I can barely tell the difference between the 27" and the 24". The extra inches in the uppers that the 24" windows provide might make a real difference. I need to figure out storage still.

Do the 24" windows look too small to anyone?
breezygirl
Original Author
13 years ago
Wondering about how the 24" windows in the last rendering look.....
rhome410
13 years ago
They look fine to me, but it's YOUR kitchen! ;-) Try to mock it up on a wall or window.

If you want the breeze and the garden smell, I'd stick with windows that open rather than always wish you had. Oh, I can put those in a rendering so you can see how they look. (or you can cut a piece of white paper or tape and put it across to emulate.) I can't do this with the software, but I'm pretty sure when we ordered single-hung windows from the Milgard rep, we specified where we wanted the division, so you don't have to have it right across the center. Obviously it changes how much it opens, but you can make sure it's not right at eye level when you're at the counter.

Be aware that your area has code about how close the vent can be to an operational part of the window....3 ft or more required, if I remember right...But I think that's from where the vent exits the house, so if it's on the roof, you should be fine.
breezygirl
Original Author
13 years ago
24" looks fine to me, but I'm questioning my judgment more and more lately that I just want to get other opinions. Thanks Rhome. If you have some time over the next couple of days, could you please show me how the single-hung windows would look?

I found a Milgard rep today online and will make contact this week. Good tip about where to have the window divided. I didn't know that was possible. And I'll check on code.