Choosing the right range hood, appliances, and lighting for your kitchen can greatly impact its functionality and aesthetic appeal. As a designer, you want to select high-quality pieces that work cohesively together. Follow these tips when picking range hoods, appliances, and lighting to create a fashionable and functional kitchen.
Selecting the Right Range Hood
The range hood is one of the most prominent features in a kitchen, so take time to find the perfect one. Consider the following when choosing a range hood:
Ventilation Power
- Opt for a range hood with at least 600 CFM for powerful ventilation. This clears smoke, grease, odors efficiently.
- Bigger kitchens need more powerful range hoods. Increase CFM for larger kitchen sizes.
- Look at ventilation power specs before aesthetic appeal. A stylish hood is useless if it does not vent well.
Size
- Measure stove width and select a range hood at least 3 inches wider for full coverage.
- For wall-mounted hoods, ensure adequate overhead space. Check height recommendations.
- Oversize is better than undersize for capturing cooking byproducts. Go big in CFM and physical size.
Noise Level
- Range hoods can be loud. Check decibel ratings and opt for quieter models.
- Larger fan sizes tend to be noisier. Balance power and noise.
- Install sound dampening materials if needed to muffle noise.
Style
- Choose a hood style (wall-mount, under-cabinet, etc.) suited for your kitchen layout.
- Select a finish that coordinates with other appliances and décor. Stainless steel is popular and versatile.
- Consider a contemporary or sleek hood for a modern kitchen or traditional for a classic style.
Added Features
- Some range hoods offer handy extras like dimmable lights, remote controls, filter indicators, delay-off timers and more. Decide if any added-value features are worth the extra cost.
Coordinating Appliances
Appliances need to work in concert in the kitchen. Keep these tips in mind when selecting appliances:
Cohesive Styles
- Match appliance finishes to create a unified look. Mixing black, white, and stainless steel can seem disjointed.
- Consistent handle hardware also brings uniformity. Choose same colors and materials.
- If you want variety, ensure different finishes still complement each other.
Performance Needs
- Consider what cooking will be done and required appliance performance. A serious cook needs a powerful range.
- Make sure adequate ventilation, electrical, gas, and water hookups are in place for appliances.
- Select Energy Star rated appliances for efficiency. Review electrical requirements.
Feature Alignment
- Appliances should align in features and functionality. For example, an induction cooktop requires iron-based cookware.
- If adding “smart” appliances, ensure they can be controlled and monitored together through an app.
- Avoid redundant features between appliances that are unnecessary.
Brand Cohesion
- Picking appliances from the same manufacturer can simplify integration and support.
- Mixing brands is fine if features and aesthetics align. Focus on performance needs.
- Research reliability reviews before selecting brands. Quality matters more than branding.
Lighting Strategies
Proper kitchen lighting serves both form and function. Follow these tips on selecting lighting:
Ambient Lighting
- Include general ceiling lights on dimmers to provide overall ambient lighting. Recessed LED lights work well.
- Space ambient lighting evenly throughout the kitchen, not just over counters and sinks.
- Choose warm light temperatures of 2700K-3000K to avoid a sterile, cold ambiance.
Task Lighting
- Incorporate task lighting over work areas to illuminate food prep. Under cabinet lighting is ideal.
- Position the light source to avoid shadows over critical areas. Light from multiple angles.
- Select high color rendering index (CRI) bulbs (90+) so colors appear natural under the light.
Accent Lighting
- Use accent lighting strategically to highlight architectural or design elements. Try pendants or track lighting.
- Backlight glass cabinetry or display cases to create a glow and show off contents.
- Uplighting along walls or ceilings can add drama and dimension to the space.
Fixtures
- Choose energy efficient LED fixtures for sustainability and cost savings.
- Select finishes and styles aligned with the kitchen’s overall design aesthetics.
- Install dimmers to adjust light levels for various tasks and ambiance needs easily.
Designing a Fashionable, Functional Kitchen
By keeping these tips in mind when selecting range hoods, appliances, and lighting, you can curate a high-performing kitchen tailored to your clients’ needs. Do your homework regarding power, capacity, sizes, and controls. Read reviews and ask questions. A cohesive design brings the whole room together into a stylish space your clients will love. With strategic planning and design consideration, you can help homeowners create their ideal kitchen that both looks amazing and cooks amazingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CFM do I need for a range hood?
For powerful ventilation, look for a range hood with at least 600 CFM. Bigger kitchens will need more CFM power, approximately 100 CFM per linear foot of stove width.
How wide should a range hood be?
Select a range hood at least 3 inches wider than the width of your stove for full coverage to capture cooking fumes.
What should I look for when buying kitchen appliances?
When buying kitchen appliances, consider performance needs, energy efficiency ratings, smart features, overall aesthetic style, brand reputation and reliability. Ensure adequate hookups are in place.
What is the best lighting for a kitchen?
The best kitchen lighting combines ambient lighting for overall illumination, task lighting over key work areas, and accent lighting to highlight design details. Use a mix of fixture types on dimmers.
How do you design a stylish, functional kitchen?
Design a stylish, functional kitchen by choosing complementary appliances in matching finishes that fulfill cooking needs. Incorporate adequate lighting types to serve various purposes. Select a powerful, quiet range hood that fits the space.
Conclusion
Thoughtful appliance, lighting, and range hood selection ensures your kitchen design is both fashionable and highly functional. Balance style with technical performance needs. Coordinate finishes, brands, and features for harmony. With the proper upfront planning, your kitchen design will come together beautifully and perform like a dream.
