10 Range Hood Designs I’m Choosing Instead of Stainless Steel This Year
For years, stainless steel range hoods have been the default solution in modern kitchens. I’ve specified them, lived with them, and recommended them because they were neutral, practical, and easy to justify. But over time, they’ve started to feel less like a design choice and more like a placeholder.
Kitchens today are doing more than simply housing appliances. They’re becoming visual anchors within open-plan spaces, which means every large element carries more weight. The range hood, in particular, sits at eye level and often defines the cooking zone. Treating it as a purely utilitarian object no longer makes sense.
The ideas below reflect the range hood designs I’m actually paying attention to this year. Instead of defaulting to stainless steel, these approaches treat the hood as an architectural element, a material statement, or something intentionally quiet, depending on the space.
Flush glass hoods that behave like part of the wall
What stands out here is how the hood is almost invisible at first glance. The glass surface reads as a continuation of the backsplash rather than a separate object. I like this approach because it removes visual clutter above the cooktop. Compared to stainless steel, which always reflects light and movement, this feels quieter and more intentional. It works especially well in kitchens where the layout and cabinetry are meant to lead, not the appliances.
Heavy metal hoods with a crafted, industrial presence
This hood doesn’t try to disappear, and that’s exactly why it works. The dark metal finish and strong silhouette feel deliberate, almost architectural. Instead of the generic shine of stainless steel, this has weight and texture. I’m drawn to how it grounds the cooking zone and pairs naturally with wood cabinetry and solid surfaces. It feels designed, not specified by default.
Matte black hoods as graphic anchors
I like how the black hood creates a clear focal point without relying on gloss or ornament. The matte finish absorbs light, which keeps it from overpowering the space. Stainless steel often reflects too much and pulls attention upward. This does the opposite. It anchors the wall calmly and works particularly well in kitchens with strong geometry or textured backdrops.
Warm metallic hoods that replace cold finishes
These gold-toned hoods show how metal can feel rich instead of clinical. The warmer finish adds depth and contrast, especially against neutral cabinetry. What I appreciate is that the hood feels like a design choice rather than an appliance requirement. Stainless steel fades into the background. This approach gives the cooking zone identity without feeling flashy.
Oversized hoods that read as built-in architecture
Here, scale does most of the work. The hood feels integrated into the kitchen’s structure rather than mounted onto it. I’m drawn to how it visually balances the cabinetry below and gives the wall a sense of permanence. Stainless steel hoods often feel thin by comparison. This approach makes the cooking area feel anchored and intentional.
Extended canopy hoods with functional clarity
This hood stretches wider and lower, clearly defining the cooking zone. I like how it prioritizes function without sacrificing design. The form feels purposeful, almost furniture-like. Compared to stainless steel, which often tries to be visually light, this design embraces presence. It works well in kitchens that lean toward utility but still care about proportion.
Open shelving and hood combinations that feel collected
What works here is the relationship between the hood and the surrounding shelves. The SMEG hood doesn’t try to dominate the wall. Instead, it shares space with everyday objects, small appliances, and open storage in a way that feels intentional rather than styled. I like that it’s available in multiple colors, which allows it to blend in or stand out depending on the palette. Compared to stainless steel, this approach feels softer and more lived-in, especially in kitchens designed to be used, not just displayed.
Brick and textured walls paired with restrained hoods
I like how the hood steps back and lets the wall take over visually. The brick backdrop adds depth and character, making a bold hood unnecessary. Stainless steel would feel too reflective here. A quieter finish allows the materiality of the wall to do the heavy lifting, which feels more architectural and less decorative.
Color-matched hoods that blend into cabinetry
This is one of the clearest reasons I’m moving away from stainless steel. When the hood matches the cabinetry, it reads as part of the built-in composition rather than a separate appliance. The wall feels cohesive and intentional. Nothing competes for attention. It’s a subtle move, but it changes how the entire kitchen is perceived.
Bold color hoods used as controlled statements
These colored hoods show that statement pieces don’t have to rely on shine. I like how color is used confidently but consistently across the range and hood. Stainless steel would feel out of place here. This approach works because the palette is disciplined, allowing the hood to stand out without overwhelming the space.