
Seamless integration has rendered many of our kitchen appliances invisible (think dishwashers and refrigerators, concealed behind cabinetry) while range hoods often remain a stubborn focal point. But instead of making them disappear, some architects are leaning in, letting the hood stand out.
Often considered an ugly duckling in any modern kitchen, the appliance is designed with gritty functionality in mind: to capture unsavory byproducts like smoke and grease. Thus, conventional materials prioritize practicality (like stainless steel, easier to clean and durable) and purpose-driven shapes (often bulky forms, especially for ducted varieties).