The crowning touch in the kitchen....range hoods!

I start this day with a prayer for Japan and the heroic people battling what is the unimaginable. I pray for the healing and restoration of not only the country but for what makes it great, Japan's remarkable people. If you want to know how you can help....I found this short, to the point list of ways...click here for the link (It is Time's newsfeed) There is no gesture too small in this crisis.......we all have to do our part.

Today is all about the crowning touch on today's range...the infamous range hood! Boy, have they gotten popular. Besides the fact that its main function is to absorb odors, smoke, combustion products and airborne grease through evacuation and filtration of air...it has a much more aesthetic function.....to beautify a kitchen! There is stone, wood, brick, limestone, metal and just about anything else you can imagine. It can add a lot of grandeur, height, drama and texture to a kitchen....and certainly is a great "anchor" or focal point as illustrated below. I have had a bunch of these in my inspiration album for some time, though some are newer too. What do you think? Do you like range hoods? Would you use one or do you have one now? Have a favorite? Would love to know....

Gorgeous French black and steel hood frame the beautiful black range, David Livingston photo

Beautiful limestone range hood, simply done to replicate a European model

A long time favorite, the huge limestone hood is the focal point in this Jack Arnold kitchen

A brick wall and hood are used in this European feeling kitchen, ranghoodssmall.com

A simple stone and stripped wood hood was used here in keeping with the rustic charming French inspired kitchen, Country Living

The range here is kept monochromatic along with the cabinetry

Stone hood adds drama and elegance to the peaked ceiling of this Malibu kitchen

Gorgeous stone hood with brass emblem on the front add old world elegance to this range

Francois and Company used this metal and stone hood for this rich and stunning kitchen

In this elegant kitchen with tall ceilings, Jim Howard went with an understated wood range hood all the way up...love the marble subways in conjunction with this old world look

Beautiful ornate limestone hood graces this rich European flavored kitchen, Design Galleria

Alllison Caccoma designed this gorgeous lattice detailed hood in this stunning white kitchen

Beautiful limestone hood graces this fabulous European range

Rinfret Designs chose this over sized limestone hood with a decorative border for this rustic elegant kitchen

This serious cooks kitchen didn't go with a traditional range but chose to continue with the subway tile application as part of the hood, Atticmag

Francois and Company's hood is gorgeous in this fabulous kitchen

This is a great looking aluminum and stainless hood..works beautifully in this kitchen

In this Christophe Peacock kitchen, the hood is kept purposeful simple and classic

Gorgeous stone hood is a great choice for this country feeling but sophisticated kitchen

Love this...black and brass hood match the fabulous range...timeless classic!

A stainless hood is in keeping with the white and stainless themed kitchen, Gardenweb

This one appears to be a painted aluminum hood....very pretty

Same kitchen...also like the crystal bell jar lamps above the island!

A utilitarian approach was used here in this fabulous country kitchen, lots of shelving/storage on this modified range hood, Country Living (love the oil painting...how unexpected)