Food For Thought
Happy December! Today, as food for thought, I am taking a look at two options for range placement in a kitchen. Specifically, to niche or not to niche? A lot of ranges available today are statement pieces on their own. Even relatively "simple" ranges can become statement pieces with "the right ingredients" used to house the range though. And "fancy" ranges are further elevated with the right "dressing". Either a decorative hood or a niche can make any range a standout. Here is "a serving" of both types of placement to "nibble on". I'm out of puns :-)
To start off, this double island kitchen has a large range niche with simple lines.
Studio McGee, photo source
This double island kitchen has an open range with a statement hood.
This kitchen has a niche with niches in it for cooking accoutrements.
Marie Flanigan Interiors, photo source
This kitchen has an open range with a curved, decorative hood.
Ali Henrie Design, photo source
The curved range niche is this kitchen with its pattered tiled backsplash is charming.
CDOT Design Studio, photo source
This statement hood with a patterned backsplash is stunning.
NE/DW Kitchen and Bath, photo source
The view into this curved niche shows off the ample, open storage that can be incorporated into a niche.
April Tomlin Interiors, photo source
This hood is tall and simple and a statement for sure.
Both Minds Design, photo source
The black niche in this kitchen, paired with the black windows and countertops is quite, quite attractive. I also love the slipcovered chairs at the kitchen table!
Timber Trails Development Company, photo source
This hood is tiled to seamlessly blend in with the backsplash and is stunning in its simplicity.
M House Development, photo source
This pretty niche has a rustic feel and creates a great sightline between the side by side islands.
This statement hood has the suggestion of a niche with the flanking cabinetry. The sconces are a great touch too.
Design Shop Interiors, photo source
I really like the shelf feature on the exterior of this niche.
Ali Henrie Design, photo source
The following kitchen is stunning with its simple white hood and shiny backsplash tile. I also love, love, love the shelf capping the backsplash - beautiful detail.
Lindsey Frank Design, photo source
The next kitchen has a generous, wide niche with very handsome light fixtures. I am also a fan of the slab backsplash - it makes a serious impact without any grout lines.
Jean Stoffer Design, photo source
This kitchen has a simple, attractive hood over the range and a continuous backsplash throughout which combine for a very appealing space. The rug brings it all together too.
Brooke Morales, photo source
I love this kitchen, it oozes charm with its soapstone walled niche, soapstone backsplash and countertops, cabinet color, mix of lighting with character, and the rug. Love it all!
Whitney Parkinson Design, photo source
A statement hood indeed for this clean lined kitchen.
Oz Architects Inc. Interiors, photo source
I really like the peak of stainless steel on the range hood in this niche.
Jennifer Robin Interiors, photo source
The range has a very open feel in this pretty kitchen.
photo source
This kitchen combines some of the niche elements featured above - side niches in the range niche and a shelf detail that caps the niche opening. This kitchen is a beauty!
Sabbe Interior Design, photo source
The statement hood in the following kitchen is the defining detail of the space. Wow.
photo source
The wood front to this hood - which matches the wood cabinets flanking the range in this niche - is a great looking detail.
Jean Stoffer Design, photo source
This open, marble tiled hood is so pretty and packs a wow punch for sure.
Park & Oak Interior Design, photo source
This last charming kitchen demonstrates a hybrid of sorts. It has the feel of a niche and the openness of a hood. Quite lovely, isn't it?
After chomping (last pun, I promise!) on "to niche or not to niche" what are you thinking? My advice is to make ample counter space around the range the number one consideration. If you have limited space, I would recommend against a niche. If you have plenty of space, I personally prefer a niche that has flanking cabinetry or solid walls rather than walls with built in utensil/spice/oil niches because of the splattering that occurs when cooking. Closed storage is clean(er) storage. I love the aesthetics of either a statement hood or a niche though. I do not think you can go wrong with either!
I will be back tomorrow with an It's All in the Details post. See you then.
Thank you for coming by today,
Kerry
