Inspiration Only: Designer Range Hoods

ShelterPop takes a peek at a few high-end, luxurious (and sometimes odd) range hoods.

Every room in the home needs a certain statement piece -- and the kitchen is certainly not to be excluded. After all, it's often the meeting spot when company arrives, because honestly, who doesn't love to congregate where the food is?

While a big Viking stove or a Smeg refrigerator are common showpieces in a luxury kitchen, we think the humble range hood deserves a chance as a star in the kitchen. A fun, and exciting range hood could be just the thing to kick up the design ante on an otherwise safe kitchen design.

Most of the unusual range hoods we uncovered are prohibitively expensive, but that doesn't mean you can't look for fun. And if you do decided to invest in one of these luxe models, you'll certainly have a focal point for your fancy kitchen. Plus, you could always take your "hood ornament" with you, if you ever move from your current home (as long as you tell the sellers that your super awesome oven hood won't be in the contract).

The Kappa oven hood, shown left, puts the "K" in kitchen. From the makers of Barriviera Cappe, the models are not yet available in the U.S., but they sure are fun to dream about in the meantime!

The Star from Elica may appear to be nothing more than a fancy chandelier, but this sparkly piece is actually a trendy range hood. Complete with washable odor filters and maximum airflow, the Star is as functional as it is breathtaking.

Manufactured by Zephyr, the Arc line of high-performance, elegant minimalist range hoods have been especially designed to deliver compact power and sophistication to the kitchen. Based on simple forms and material layering, the hoods feature large, back-painted glass surfaces and are available in several colors (we love the red design!), as well as customized versions.

Lastly, the Panda Evolution looks much more like sculptural art than an oven hood. Yet with an easy cleaning system, electronic adjustable controls and stainless steel filter, this ventilation hood is dressed to impress.

Want more inspiration? Try an oven hood with a DVD player installed (we dare you not to burn the pasta!).

For more kitchen ideas, check out ShelterPop's kitchen archives.