A Range Hood Rundown

Aug 3
3 min read

The kitchen is one of our very favorite spaces to design as it is often the gathering place where many of life’s most precious memories are made. This is a room where functionality reigns supreme but nobody ever said it shouldn’t be beautiful! While we could go on and on about the importance of your cook space, today we’ve got our sights set on your range hood. Not only are they essential to the culinary experience, but, with the right amount of attention, they can also serve as a wow-worthy crown jewel.

Bright kitchen with wooden cabinets, marble countertops, a bowl of lemons, an open cookbook, and a window with sunlight streaming in.

We’re gonna’ hit the basics first and then leave you with gorgeous range hood inspiration of all shapes and materials, so keep scrolling!

RANGE HOOD ESSENTIALS

There are a few things to keep in mind when building out your range to ensure maximum function and beauty.

If you’re planning to clad your hood in any material, you first need a hood liner. This is essentially the guts around which you build your range hood. Be sure you communicate your plans to your contractor or appliance provider so that they understand you’re not buying the traditional vent hood.
Double check that your hood liner is the correct size in proportion to your range. Your contractor and appliance provider should have no trouble letting you know which size to purchase.
Ensure that the blower offers the appropriate amount of power for your kitchen. Too much power means you’ll will be pulling gases and smells from other parts of your home, and too little means you’ll be smelling last night’s dinner as your pouring your morning coffee…#notcool.

Beige range hood diagram with labels: "Blower [Inside]", "Hood Liner", "Hood Filter". Arrow points to blower position.

Alright, enough shoptalk, let’s get to the fun stuff!

When it comes to dressing things up, you’ve got so many material options to choose from! Here are a few that we’ve been having fun with lately:

PLASTER

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a large stainless steel stove, and a marble backsplash. A kettle and two oil bottles sit on the stove.

Plaster vent hoods offer a lovely textural finish and create a seamless flow that makes your kitchen ceilings feel grand!

Expert Tip: Build your frame out with wood, then apply drywall around the frame to give your plaster a smooth base.

Rustic kitchen with light blue cabinets, wooden shelves, and a butcher block island. Lemon water on the counter, greenery adds a fresh touch.

Although white is a classic choice, plaster comes in countless color combos allowing it to play off surrounding cabinetry finishes. Don’t forget to get creative with the shape – we love the freeform beauty of a curved edge!

STONE

Natural materials are rich in depth and texture. We love that the look and feel of every piece is distinctive.

Expert Tip: For a super special touch, you can transform an antique fireplace mantel into a range hood. If you’re loving that idea, check out Chateau Domingue, one of our absolute favorite places to pick up found architectural elements and artifacts!

Stylish kitchen with marble countertops, brass faucet, hanging copper pots, a potted plant, and a stove with red knobs. Bright, chic atmosphere.

Materials Marketing is another local fave – their team will happily work with you to customize a stone range hood that perfectly fits your home!

METAL

Whether you opt for full metal cladding or metal only serves as an accent (think straps versus fully clad), it makes a mighty big impact! Beautifully reflecting your surrounding space, this is an option that pairs nicely with natural materials for a lovely sense of balance.

Modern kitchen with marble island, chrome stools, wooden beams, and pendant lights. A vase with orchids and bowl of oranges add color. — Design by Al Ross Construction

Expert Tip: Think outside the box (literally) when choosing your metal! Hammered steel provides a flat, more rustic flair, whereas polished metal lends a more sleek and formal vibe.

Bright modern kitchen with marble island and two white chairs. Stainless steel stove and hood. Vase with green plants. Neutral tones.

Outdoor kitchen with stainless grill against stone wall. Table with fruits, potted plant, and glass pitcher. Calm and inviting setting.

Expert Tip: The hood liner needed for an outdoor range is different from the one needed indoors! Make sure to specify before you purchase.

SLAB RANGE HOOD

If you’re looking for a sleek, modern vibe, a slabbed range hood can get you there! Run your marble, quartzite, or stone straight up from your counters to your ceiling for a super streamlined look.

Modern kitchen with a stainless steel stovetop, marble backsplash and countertops, open shelves with dishes, and white cabinetry. Bright, clean look.

Modern kitchen with a marble island, light wood cabinets, and gray stools. A vase of purple flowers and wall art add elegance.

WOOD RANGE HOOD

Whether you go all in or add only a touch of a stained accent with a rustic beam, wood is a natural element that works almost universally! It can blend in with your cabinetry profile:

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets and intricate tile backsplash. Three wicker stools at a gray countertop with green apples and glassware.

or it can stand out as a focal point:

Modern kitchen with marble counters, pendant light, and dark wood island. Open shelves display dishes. Warm, inviting atmosphere.

We love how the antique beam plays off open metal shelving in our Napa Valley kitchen above.

There you have it! We hope you enjoyed our range hood rundown, and we would love to know what your range hood looks like. Did any of the styles we shared here appeal to you? Drop us a line below!