28 Aug Statement Range Hoods and Kitchen Focal Points Designers Love
For years, range hoods were utilitarian. There to perform a function and, really, save for the occasional light feature within the hood, they did little more than clear the air above your stove. However useful their function- removing smoke and grease, strong cooking fumes, and keeping your kitchen and home clean- they were typically nothing more than a steel box with a fan, tucked above your stove. Quad Cities homeowners may never have given much thought to statement range hoods as the focal point of their kitchens.
But today, statement range hoods are very much on trend. Home designers and savvy homeowners are treating the range hood as the centerpiece of the kitchen. In much the same way a fireplace provides an anchor in a living room, or a chandelier offers a focal point in a dining room, designers use statement range hoods for more than just clearing the air.
What’s Pushing the Trend?
Your kitchen is always visible, thanks to open-concept floor plans, which puts them in the spotlight. Living and dining areas look right into your cooking space, so everything carries visual meaning. The hood that sits above the range is already at eye level and naturally draws attention. This makes your range hood a prime location to display style and personality. Open concept living has brought the range hood front and center, instead of hidden behind cabinet panels.
There is a trend among designers who work with open-concept to create kitchen spaces that feel less sterile and utilitarian and more intentional and curated. A statement range hood adds a level of texture, shape, and contrast in a way your cabinets and countertops simply can’t.
What Are Some of The Materials Used to Create Statement Range Hoods?
One of the more popular materials for statement range hoods in the Quad Cities area is the soft, hand-troweled plaster, or Venetian plaster, style. The texture is warm, and the look is natural. They contrast beautifully with sleek countertops and designer-look stovetops.
Brass and copper hoods bring an old-world aesthetic and charm to your kitchen. These materials develop a rich patina over time and echo the farmhouse aesthetic in a lovely way.
Modern spaces are complemented by blackened or waxed steel. Mid-century or organic modern kitchens stand out when your focal point is a statement wood-clad range hood. Going for a European-style kitchen? Lean into a custom plaster hood with hand-carved embellishments.
How Have Hood Shapes Changed?
Yesterday’s boxy range hoods are so, well, yesterday. Curved and barrel-shaped hoods are preferred in today’s kitchens. They lend a soft touch to the hard lines of cabinets and countertops. Tapered silhouettes like the top-hat design add interest to your kitchen’s focal point as well as height by drawing the eye up toward high ceilings. In larger kitchens, designers may recommend an oversized statement range hood that dominates the wall, much like a piece of art.
Your Statement Doesn’t End with The Range Hood
To make your design look curated, thought out, and intentional, we recommend styling it. Flank your statement range hood with open shelving or a decorative tile pattern. Highlight the shape of your hood by adding a contrasting backsplash that accentuates its outline.
Consider lighting to make your hood stand out. Flank either side with sconces or picture-frame lights to showcase your focal point even when your kitchen isn’t in use. These lights, when mounted next to a warm and natural plaster hood, provide a soft night light effect, or when highlighting a more dramatic statement range hood, the lights add to the intrigue.
Don’t Forget About Balance
A statement hood is like a piece of art. You want it to get noticed. And because your hood pulls so much attention, you will want to pair it with quieter surroundings. Simple cabinetry, unfussy hardware, and a muted color palette mean your range hood won’t need to battle it out with other elements of your kitchen. A bold feature backsplash and a stand-out contrasting island can overpower your space when paired with a dramatic hood over your range.
A Well-Thought-Out Design
A statement range hood signals that your kitchen was thoughtfully designed instead of simply assembled from even the highest-quality pieces. Your focal point may have started as a functional necessity, but you reimagined it as a truly lovely and dramatic statement piece that complements your aesthetic and excellent taste.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or designing a custom dream home, please reach out to Seiffert Home Design and let’s get started. We’ve been the Quad Cities’ trusted source for all home renovation and design needs. We look forward to hearing from you. Contact Seiffert Home Design today.