Kitchen Design
The Cooking Hearth Never Looked So Good
Today's Range Hoods Have High Style to Match Their Function
Over the centuries, the hearth and cooking fire has been transformed from a large central fire pit in medieval halls, to separate rooms built just for cooking during the 12th century, to chimneys decorated with columns and pilasters in the 1800s. Today, the traditional cooking hearth continues to inspire us to design cooking zones with high style and high function. Whether in traditional or contemporary settings, the modern cooking "hearth" remains the focal point in the kitchen.
All dressed up. With cabinetry paneling, storage columns and corbels, this range hood sets the tone for the rest of the design. With the mechanicals hidden, this is all style and all function.
Great details. Even though this range hood is smaller than the previous example, the intricate carvings, corbels and decorative accessories add an impressive amount of detail.
Set apart. A smart use of different colored cabinetry sets this cooking zone apart from the rest of the kitchen.
In balance. Another beautiful example, complete with a separate stone fireplace to add to the traditional nature of this kitchen. The size of the range hood is balanced beautifully with the other details in this space — fabric shades to soften, and light gray-blue island cabinetry and stone as color counterpoint.
Contemporary showpiece. This stunning contemporary kitchen and commercial quality range deserves an equally stunning range hood. The horizontal lines of the hood only strengthen the clean and simple lines of the design.
With open shelving and marble backsplash, this is another beautiful example of how to treat the range hood in a contemporary kitchen.
Just hanging out. Venting cooktops in islands has always been a challenge. This sculptural vent with glass accents doesn't grab too much attention. The real show is outside.
Separate but important. A black range and hood are used to delineate the cooking area from the rest of this all white kitchen. It's simple hood has great impact because of it's placement and contrast with the concrete wall.
Disappearing act. In a contemporary space, most range hoods are fairly obvious stainless steel units. In this refined kitchen, with nothing but clean lines, the designer worked hard to minimize the impact of the hood on the overall aesthetic.
Small kitchen, big style. European design has always had to deal with smaller kitchens than we have in the U.S. The dark gray concrete wall behind the hood provide necessary contrast to see the simple and sculptural hood, while the other stainless steel and glass elements add glints of light and reflection. This diminutive kitchen gets high style points in all areas.
Star of the show. Rarely is the range hood the centerpiece in a kitchen, but this one steals the show. The design reflects the unique wall treatment on the back wall of the kitchen. It almost feels like the cabinetry and other design details takes a backseat to the hood, but the entire combination is absolutely gorgeous.
More: More kitchen design guides
More: More kitchen design guides