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Range hoods are no longer a design afterthought. Instead they are making bold statements in the latest kitchen designs. We talked to Gladys Schanstra, owner and president of Drury Design, and Kate Pearce, interior stylist and design partner for Bertazzoni kitchen appliances, about trends they’re seeing in this space and what to think about when choosing a range hood.
Get inspired with these kitchen range hood ideas, and find out how you can express your own personal style by choosing the best range hood that works for your own kitchen.
1. Farmhouse
Shiplap and the farmhouse aesthetic continue to appeal to homeowners seeking homey and comfortable vibes. Here, the warm wood tones of this farmhouse-style hood bring a coziness to this all-white kitchen. Pearce says homeowners interested in farmhouse range hood ideas will want to consider whether the rest of the kitchen is cohesive with a farmhouse style.
“Your range hood should fit the overall aesthetic of your kitchen,” Pearce says. “For example, a barnwood range hood in an otherwise modern minimalist kitchen would clash.”
Keep in mind that wood is more difficult to keep clean and will need to be refinished often to maintain its appearance.
2. Modern
Homeowners looking for modern kitchen hood ideas can take inspiration from this sleek modern space. CopperHoods’ Minneapolis range hood is fully customizable, and comes in steel, brass, or copper.
Metal kitchen hoods do well in modern-style kitchens because of their cool and angular aesthetic, but they are also a practical choice with an easy-to-clean surface and minimal upkeep.
3. Cabinet
For an understated look, consider one of the many built-in cabinet range hood ideas. These range hoods are built into cabinet frames for a seamless look, and can be installed with or without ductwork depending on your kitchen’s infrastructure. While they look similar to an under-cabinet hood, these hoods are customized specifically for the cabinet space and are often more robust and powerful at removing cooking odors.
4. Scalloped
Range Hood Master crafts this custom scalloped copper range hood that adds a touch of whimsy to an otherwise classic copper hood design. The scalloped edges soften the look of the metal material, and make this hood an excellent choice for both traditional and modern kitchens.
5. Tiled
“One of my favorite recent trends in range hoods is tiling the range hood,” Pearce says. Depending on the kitchen’s backsplash, the tile can help the range blend into the background, or Pearce says accent tile can make a unique and bold statement.
“This is a great way to achieve an eclectic look in a kitchen and add some texture and visual interest,” she says.
6. All Black
An all-black range hood is a unexpected addition that works well in modern kitchens. Plus, black hoods are usually crafted from stainless steel, allowing homeowners to reap the benefits (and cost-effectiveness) of the metal while choosing a hood that also fits the desired aesthetic. Paired here with an all-black range oven, the two appliances create an interesting focal point in the kitchen among a white backsplash, cabinets, and countertops.
7. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the best materials to use for kitchen range hoods. In addition to being stain- and corrosion-resistant, stainless steel is lighter weight than other metals, making installation simple and more affordable. Many homeowners also choose stainless steel for its neutral aesthetic since the metal easily matches other kitchen appliances. It’s also one of the easiest hood materials to clean.
8. Overhead Lighting
Many hood designs now offer additional lighting features so that homeowners can shine a spotlight on their cooking space. This is especially common for hoods that are designed to fit underneath cabinets or shelving. If your kitchen lacks sufficient overhead lighting or you prefer the look of low lighting underneath cabinets, pick a hood with lighting features.
9. Hidden
If you prefer a simple and clean look, a hidden range hood might be for you. This one is obscured from view with a traditional hearth design over the range that includes shelving for additional storage. The surrounding tile is a smart choice that makes cleanup easier, too.
“It’s a very clean, less cluttered look without the upper cabinets,” Schanstra says. “[This design] also allows you the freedom to put niches on the side, so it’s very functional.”
10. Slide-Out
Schanstra says some clients prefer clean aesthetics in modern kitchens and look for ways to hide or minimize the visual space of a range hood: “Sometimes it’s not as much a feature hood but something that’s less conspicuous. People have to get creative to solve that problem.”
One option for minimalist-minded homeowners is a slide-out hood. This small but mighty design slides out during cooking and neatly slides back under a cabinet when not in use. It can also be installed with or without ducting to improve ventilation.
11. Chimney-Style
This hood from Francois and Co. adds a few modern twists to the traditional chimney look by cladding the hood in Scagliola limestone and finishing the straps and crown in a brushed gold. Schanstra says playing with elements like mixed finishes and metals can take a classic hood and transform it into something more modern to make an impact.
“Traditionally, hood shapes are more of the trapezoids where it gets narrow at the top, like a chimney,” Schanstra says. “Now, we can play with metals for more modern looks as design evolves and new materials and technology allow us to do certain things.”
12. Mantel
A mantel range hood is a great option to add elegance and sophistication to your existing cabinets. The mantel hides the hood so it looks like it’s part of the cabinetry, and it offers flexibility for homeowners to install a range hood that’s ductless, convertible, or ducted. One thing to keep in mind is that hoods with wood finishes may be more difficult to keep clean.
13. Downdraft
For minimalist design lovers, a downdraft range hood is a perfect solution since it is exposed only when it’s needed. This Bosch range hood doesn’t require ductwork, leaving the space above the range available for additional cabinets or open space. This style is the best range hood for kitchens in which the range is on an island, as pictured here.
14. Pop of Color
“[Color] is definitely an eye-catcher, and now’s the time for it to make its way into kitchen design,” Schanstra says. She points out it’s easier than ever for homeowners to incorporate color into their kitchen appliances thanks to more manufacturers offering options beyond neutrals and stainless steel.
A pop of color (as pictured here) might be the perfect solution to infuse personality into an otherwise neutral kitchen. Or, for a more striking look, choose a matching hood and range.
15. Wood
Wood is becoming a more common material for range hoods and for good reason: The material brings in warmth when juxtaposed with stone countertops and metal appliances. Wood also muffles noise well, and is a smart choice if you don’t like the sound of the hood fan.
The downside? Wooden range hoods are difficult to maintain. They need regular cleaning, sanding, and restaining or painting to keep the wooden surface in good shape.
16. Artsy
Want a high-end look on a budget? Choosing a range hood design with the intention of making it an artistic focal point can elevate your kitchen’s look and feel, says Pearce. “A beautifully considered range hood will absolutely deliver a more customized look to a kitchen, and therefore make it more attractive and feel more expensive without breaking the bank,” she says.
17. Copper
Copper range hoods add warmth and elegance to the kitchen. They are often seen in traditional kitchens, and sometimes feature decorative elements like embossed patterns or rivets. The benefit in using copper, or any metal, for a range hood is that it’s easy to clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Most copper and metal range hoods are also scratch-resistant.
18. Marble
Schanstra says solid stone hoods are one of her favorite looks right now emerging in the range hood category. “I love the look of a monolithic solid rectangular hood, clad in stone with the veining lining up with the backsplash,” she says.
While marble is more costly due to its weight and difficulty to source, the stunning impact it has on a space is undeniable. Here, a matching marble hood, backsplash, and kitchen island make this white kitchen feel chic and luxe.
19. Retro
As more and more kitchens embrace color, many designers are taking inspiration from the 1970s for kitchen design. This rounded range hood stands out just enough with its unique shape but seamlessly blends in with the surrounding walls and allows most of the visual focus to rest on the vintage-style range.
20. Under-Cabinet
The biggest benefit of an under-cabinet range hood is its space efficiency, so it’s perfect for a more compact kitchen. Its slim design takes up little physical space and allows the eye to focus more on the cabinets and backsplash. However, the small footprint also comes with a few drawbacks, such as limited ventilation power. This style may not be as efficient for removing smoke and other fumes from the kitchen since the hood filters and recirculates air, rather than venting it outside.
21. Circular
Circular hoods are a more contemporary look, but they offer benefits other than just aesthetics. The rounded shape prevents grease buildup since it doesn’t have corners and there’s less surface area for the grease to build up on. Circular hoods also typically use round ductwork, which is better for a hood venting system for the same reason.
22. Plaster
Pearce says matching the range hood to the surrounding wall is also popular for homeowners who prefer a more minimalist and sleek aesthetic.
“I love a simple Sheetrock range hood painted the same color as the wall,” she says. “It makes the range hood still feel considered and part of the overall aesthetic, without feeling too dominant.”
This Firmolux kit allows homeowners to create an elegant-looking plaster range hood that matches the nearby walls. All you need is a hood encased in Sheetrock or plywood to apply the plaster.
23. For Small Kitchens
Kitchen vent hood ideas for small kitchens aren’t as flashy, but there are plenty of slim designs that function well and allow the eye to focus on other elements of the space. Here, a ductless range hood sits right below open shelving to display plants, cutting boards, and other decor. The compact hood doesn’t take up visual space and allows the kitchen to feel light and airy while still providing the necessary ventilation for cooking.
24. Matching Appliances
Pearce says homeowners looking to make a statement in their kitchen while also creating a beautiful and cohesive look will want to consider a matching hood and range combination. “I love a range hood that matches the range, as we have used in our kitchen,” she says. “It really elevates the overall aesthetic of the kitchen, creating a very curated and customized feel for the overall project.” Here, the hood and range from Bertazzoni are finished in a high-gloss enamel in a creamy white that evokes vintage charm.
25. Complementary Backsplash
If appliances don’t excite you much, consider making a statement with a beautiful accent backsplash. This kitchen opts for understated appliances in stainless steel, but really draws the eye in with cobalt blue cabinets and a stunning mosaic backsplash surrounding the range and hood. This is a great solution for homeowners who have a perfectly fine range hood, but want to add a wow factor to their cooking space.
26. Convertible Range Hood
Convertible range hoods offer extra flexibility because they have the option to be ductless or hooked up to ductwork. This makes them a great option for homeowners who don’t have the ductwork for a hood to vent air outside yet, but plan to install ductwork in the future. Convertible range hoods come in a variety of styles and materials so homeowners can choose a hood to best match the style of their kitchen.
27. Old World
Schanstra says oversize, medieval European–style hoods are also a popular trend with clients. “It’s that same look where you would hang the black pot over a big fire, but now we’re taking that aesthetic and putting it in a modern kitchen,” she says.
This steel hood from Raw Urth Designs is perfect for homeowners who are looking for dramatic, custom range hood ideas. Here, a rustic, oversize hood exudes an old-world feel that adds character and depth to the cooking space.
When it comes to ideas for range hoods, Pearce and Schanstra stress it’s important for the style to be cohesive with the rest of the kitchen and that the hood functions well according to your needs. If space is a priority or you don’t want to spend the effort maintaining a wood finish, opt for a smaller design or a metal range hood for easier maintenance.
“Good design takes into account function and aesthetics,” Schanstra says. “When you address that and the problems are solved within the space, there’s not a specific style that I wouldn’t consider.”