Photography provided by Vujovich Design Build
There’s much more to range hoods than the functional allure of eliminating moisture and fumes from the kitchen. Including a vent hood in your design also creates a focal point for the space and makes a grand statement. Here, Minneapolis-based Vujovich Design Build shares crucial insights on selecting the right hood for your space and how it can optimize your cooking and gathering experience.
A vented range hood can be one of the most important appliances in your kitchen. It draws in moisture, smoke, grease and unwanted smells through a fan while cooking, creating a healthier, more enjoyable kitchen experience.
“We’ve had several recent projects where the vent hood has been the highlight of the kitchen,”says Vujovich Sales and Design Director Lori Balestri. “During home tours, this element is often the showstopper that visitors ooh and ahh over.”
To kick off the process, the Vujovich team helps clients select the size and shape of the hood vent cover before identifying the right materials and color palette. Here, they get creative by pulling different elements from the space, such as cabinetry, millwork and hardware details. The shape and material selections help define the design aesthetic of the space. For instance, a boxy hood cover screams clean and modern, while a bell-curved style offers a more cozy, traditional feel. And if the homeowners are feeling bold, they suggest using a unique material like metal, reclaimed wood or plaster. Introducing unique textures immediately draws the eye to the stunning focal point on the range wall.
While some clients prefer a sleek design that melts seamlessly into the rest of the room, others like a detailed hood that mirrors historical elements found throughout their home. Vent hoods can come in a range of pre-made shapes, but many Vujovich clients opt to curate a custom piece from unique metal or wood materials to then place over a standard internal hood. Selecting one with a signature accent color or material found in other areas of the home is a great way to create a cohesive experience throughout a remodeled space.
“The kitchen is definitely the heart of the home, so we dedicate a lot of time to it during the design process,” says Balestri. “Vent hoods are an expression of a homeowner’s style and personality. It’s always fun to work through various concepts with clients to see which hood design rises to the top.”
