Most of our upper cabs are down now as the range hood is being shortened by 5", and getting trim to make it look more finished. See the post below and scroll to the bottom to see our designer's sketch of the hood withthe improvements.

We have a Vent-a-Hood insert. Our electric cooktop is 36" and I read here on GW that the hood above it should be 42" to allow for steam/smoke rising outwards. I think some people still do 36" hood though. Not sure of the CFM...I know it's a lot more than we need though! I can check when I get home, DH will know for sure!

I like the look of both - either a hood that looks like your cabinetry, or the stainless steel ones. I don't think you could go wrong with either. i chose a painted hood because I didn't want it to be a focal point, and because our island isn't completely center to the cooktop and the pendants would highlight this fact.

How to improve range hood

Didn't make it back online yesterday. Thanks for the info. I saw your original link about the hood issue- that's what made me think to ask you.

Would love to see you finished results- good luck!

Thanks again

Of course - it's nice to hear from someone who's curious about checking in! Our fridge and microwave went in yesterdsay, and the main sink plumbing is installed. Next week we have a meeting with our designer to finalize the backsplash design. We have the tiles, just need to know if putting a design above the cooktop would make sense. It's also been a couple of months since we've seen the designer, as we couldn't hire her due to paying off other expenses.

I looked at the range hood in our garage and it had nothing about cfm, and DH wasn't sure although he thinks it's wider than our 36" cooktop but not as wide as our range hood cover. Don't know if that makes sense. Once it's in, I'll give you the details! But I know for sure the actual range hood wood cover thingy is 42".

You seem to be at the design and plans stage. Is there anything that you have as a "must have" for your kitchen (certain type of counters, faucet, etc?) What ended up happening with your layout? Have you chosen your countertop material yet? Sigh...you make me long for the early stages. It was SO fun to debate all the possibilities!

Thanks for your interest. Well, as I had hoped, I was much relieved about the aisle clearance issue from feedback here on the forum. So, I think layout will stay basically the same, but may take up the idea of moving dish storage to the right of cooktop, thus freeing up the island for other "goodies" like extra microwave &/or prep sink.

I really haven't gotten as far as developing "must haves" re: finishes. I already have the 2 "must haves" that I really wanted- that is the 36" gas cooktop & 29", off-center drain Franke sink both of which we bought from appliance store liquidating nearly 2 years ago. We thought we were much closer to actually starting the project then, but the the project got bigger & required architects & permitting, etc. and my mom passed away. So... we're now finally getting going. BTW- those appliances have been sitting in my living room & guest room all this time!

The plan is: creamy white perimeter w/ cherry island.
Maybe you can weigh in on: whether to have the same countertop for perimeter & island. I had originally thought a darker granite counter beneath the creamy cabs & lighter granite for the darker cherry island. Now I'm thinking is might seem too choppy. Thoughts??

Thanks again for your interest & input!

I love creamy white perimeters with stained islands (duh, if that wasn't obvious!) What colour will the floors be?

Without seeing your space it's hard to say for sure. But I think for your u-shaped space you should do something to break it up. I'm thinking it's similar to Rmkitchen's space in that the u-shaped white cabs wrap around the island and the cooktop sits at the end of the island. It will create more of a definition between the two spaces, and make the island clearly distinct from the outside cabs.

I stuck with the same granite for the island and nearby l-shaped cabinets to relate the two to each other since the "l" area is quite open. But the desk area has a wood top. I really like having different elements within the kitchen, it gives it that nice custom look. What colour would your desk area be, and the cabinetry with the fridge that sits behind it? I think you should do a darker wood stain there, rather than the white as it's more practical and not necessarily a focal point.
I can't wait to see photos of your reno soon! So exciting.