THE JEWEL OF THE KITCHEN

Perhaps when thinking of stove and oven hoods, the traditional idea of “hood matches appliance” comes to mind, but this is no longer the case in today’s custom home design. Now, hoods or "surrounds" are considered an accent and

major focal point while still doing their primary jobs of providing a space for lighting and

ventilation, rather than being part of a generic package deal. All design styles are being

reflected in the choices today’s custom homeowners are selecting, from French Provin-

cial to sleek and contemporary and everything in between.

Mounted above the stovetop and oven area (if oven is directly below the stove and not on a wall), the hood provides light for the cook as they prepare food and also lighting adds a warm ambiance to the kitchen. Additionally, a fan, usually operable on more than one speed low to high, extracts fumes and steam from the cooktop, making it easier to stand over boiling pots and also cut down on cooking odors in the home. Today’s lights are bright and high-efficiency, Fans are quieter than those of previous eras, while providing increased suction and ventilation.

One example of a modern stove hood surround is in the home of Denise and Todd Salazar, owners of a custom French country style home in the Brainerd Lakes area that was designed and built by Nor-Son Construction. The metal hood was custom designed and crafted by Chariot Customs of Brainerd and is a focal point of the kitchen that the homeowners love. After years of collecting photos and various forms of design inspiration, the Salazars went to their designer and contractor with clear vision of the home they wanted to build. The hood was something that came together after multiple discussions about the kitchen and they are pleased with the work Chariot Customs did to create a showstopper above the stove.

Hammered copper and other types of metal, including stainless steel, are also types of material to consider when looking for a unique hood. Adding flair to an otherwise streamlined area, metals, which have made a major impact in recent years in terms of interior design in general, bring brightness through their reflective surfaces. Mixed metals in the kitchen can work when coordinated well; the hood, cabinetry and hardware, and appliances do not have to all be the same metal, but for a cohesive appearance, choosing ones that blend well with each other is key.

If using the same materials and finishes as the kitchen’s cabinets, unique design and shapes can make an oven hood stand out; the punch lies in the shape and the size of the hood more than the

contrast of materials. With paint and finish trends lending inspiration from nature and also darker colors than in past years, hoods that blend with cabinetry and feature molding, in finishes of espresso or chocolate brown, navy, green, or rich golden hues make a bold statement. Add unique hardware to the kitchen and the look really comes together beautifully.

Rustic hoods are also an option, often with reclaimed materials or unique designs that harken to bygone eras and that blend well in the landscape of the area. Many homes in Minnesota gather design inspiration from

the woods and lakes, natural elements, and the seasons that are distinctly represented here. This can reflect heavily in kitchen design, even hoods, as rustic touches are added through repurposed wood, metals, hardware, and coordination with other aspects of the room.

And, for the home that is designed with clean lines and modern effects, smooth metal and wood, finishes that are eye-catching yet perfectly streaming into the other parts of the kitchen make contemporary hoods simple and matched to cabinetry, rather than a standalone accent.

One custom project that Center of Design in Audubon, Minnesota completed for their clients was done in collaboration with JTE Solutions, LLC, also of Audubon. Designer Amber Peluso describes the hood surround as one constructed from sheetrock done in a curved shape and made to look like stucco. It was given a coarser structure then accented with a rustic wood base. The main surround

was painted in an off-white hue to blend in with the rest of the kitchen, while the wood was left natural, providing a stunning contrast.

A fully tiled hood surround is one Peluso would love to do; she describes it as a bold choice and for the right dwelling and clients, it would be a stunning option. “It would be a fun, new twist,” she commented. “To totally tile the hood and do a countertop backsplash up a few more inches than the traditional 18 inches would be really different.”

Stone and brick, built around a metal liner, which all hood surround designs include, are options that can fit many styles of kitchen design, from country to modern, all depending on the color of materials and the way they are used. A stone hood surround set in a modern, industrial kitchen, for instance, takes two distinct styles and combines them in the same room for an unexpected aesthetic. White continues to be popular, including many shades of it; bright, eggshell, a touch of ivory, or creamy whites are used in new construction, remodels, and modern farmhouse design, which continues to be a go-to for many homeowners. With its clean look and ability to reflect natural light, white kitchens, including hoods, are a choice that works well in many styles of homes. Typically, a white hood isn’t seen against other colors, but instead, white cabinetry accented by a metal hood in a finished such as brushed nickel or bronze, even patina, makes an impact.

When it comes to lighting, having options of two to three settings is a good choice, as the low settings can be used for ambiance, while the high settings for function while cooking. A bright light above stove items or in the area where you’ll read recipes and directions is ideal.

Lastly, thinking about what type of hood will be showcased in your kitchen is something to pay attention to in the design process. Working with an experienced designer and one who is skilled in locating vendors that offer unique options for hoods makes a difference in the overall process of finding the right hood for your new kitchen. The hood is something that, with careful selection, can be part of your design in a way that you may not have considered previously. It’s a jewel and one that will offer style and function for years to come. L&H