Is Ventilation Really Necessary?

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Q. 

We are redoing our kitchen and have a tight budget. Questioning the purchase of a range hood since we have never turned it on in any house we've ever lived. We are moderate cooks and usually open a window if it gets too steamy. Would rather spend the money on something other than a big bulky hood we would rarely use. Is it even necessary?
- Jennifer

A.

This is a common query. Many non-professional cooks such as yourself rarely use their existing ventilation system (be it ducted or non-ducted, updraft or downdraft) and challenge its necessity. For some, the blowers are too noisy; for others, they don't even think to use it. Moreover, some hate the way they look or the amount of space they take up. Yet, a proper ventilation system is an essential part of any kitchen. It should be given as much consideration as any other appliance in your home.

Indoor air quality in your home is extremely important, especially in the kitchen. Without proper ventilation, cooking by-products such as smoke, heat, grease, and food odors can accumulate on surfaces and cause damage. Moisture from steam can condense on cabinetry, windows, and walls. There can also be a build up of carbon monoxide from gas-range combustion causing harm. An open window replenishes air supply but it doesn't remove the toxins from the source. It is the movement of the air that helps keep your kitchen from becoming an uncomfortable, unclean, and unsafe place.

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The goal is to get pollutants out of the house. Typically a ventilation hood consists of a blower that pulls toxic air through a duct to the exterior of the home. These blowers or fans can be internal or external or inline and because they do the work, they can be noisy. The noise level, which is measured in sones, mostly depends on location and technology of the blower. A hood will have a power rating in CFM (cubic feet per minute) which is the volume of air being exhausted through the fan to eliminate total output of heat or Btu (British thermal unit). The CFM rating required is based on the cooking source and/or size of the kitchen. The higher the number, the greater the amount of air that is exhausted.

Ventilation equipment should be used correctly to ensure effectiveness. It's best to remove cooking fumes as close to the source as possible. An updraft system is ideal when placed at the recommended depth and height above the cooking appliance because the air goes up and out. Downdrafts go down and out but they are not as efficient. Recirculating or non-ducted hoods are not true ventilation systems, but are better than nothing. These systems use a charcoal filter to trap odor and recycle the air back into the room. This filter should be changed often. Due to installation and budget constraints, recirculating fans are put in many homes.

There is a wide range of product available. Manufacturers offer different sizes, shapes, and functions for any lifestyle. Prices range to accommodate anyone's budget so consider the other factors that impact your kitchen: How often do you cook? What type of cooking equipment (gas, electric, induction) will be used? Where is your range located in the space? What options do you have for installation? How much maintenance do you want it to require? Before any purchase, your choice should be approved by an installer.

I hope that you give a range hood another thought. It doesn't need to be the focal point of your new kitchen, but it is an important part.  Best of luck!
- Danielle

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Sick of Subway Tile

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Q.
Anyone sick of subway tile yet? I like the pattern but the white is a little boring to me. Anyway to liven it up?
- Jessica

A.
I personally LOVE the early twentieth century look of rectangular white ceramic tile! White can act as a blank canvas to allow other elements in the room to stand out but white can also be the focal point with a little attention paid to detail. Before you dismiss it as a thing of the past, I'll show you that there is some variety to make white ceramic tile look more modern.

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White ceramic tile is available in a matte or glossy finish (or even a combination of the two). Usually a flat tile, drama can be added with a bevel, a rounded-face, or an oval relief. Grout color can make a big difference too. Instead of white grout, try a bold grey or black. You also don't need to stick to standard 3"x 6" tiles. Smaller scale 1"x 2" or an elongated 2"x 12" are popular departures from the typical size.

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I know you don't mind the pattern, but who says you need to stick to running bond? Run the tile vertically instead or, for even more of a modern flair, horizontally stack the tile in parallel columns. The herringbone pattern offers visual variety on a backsplash. It is anything but boring, even using a plain old white ceramic tile.

Hope that I gave you a different perspective on a kitchen classic! - Danielle

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Geometric Bath Tile

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Q.
My husband and I are in the planning stage of renovating our bathroom. We've been seeing alot of geometric tile in the bathroom. We adore the look but fear the trend will end and we will detest it in a few years.  We want to go bold but are hesitant. What should we do?
- Brittany

A.
Geometric tile patterns are undoubtedly gorgeous, but how timeless are they? There are many factors to consider while in your planning stage. Do you think you'll stay in the house for a while or are you looking to sell in the near future? How bold do you want to go and how hesitant are you?  In other areas of your life, how often do you change your opinion about something? Lastly, is it in the budget?

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Tile is a big investment in a bathroom renovation. Materials and labor can be costly. Once the work is done, I assure you that a tile floor or wall is something you won't want to rip out in a few or more years if you end up bored or fall out of love with it. If you want to go for it, then passionately go for it. Just keep in mind that when you make a selection, it should be one you and your husband are comfortable with for the long run. Just like marriage, right?

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From what you've told me so far, I feel that you should go bold, but with accents that can easily be changed. Geometric patterns or bright colors are a safe bet on items such as shower curtains, towel sets and rugs, or artwork. If you keep the floor tile and walls simple, you'll have a classic canvas on which to play with. Accents are great way to give your bathroom a fun personality that is not permanent.

Good luck! - Danielle

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Black Cabinets

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Q.
I really want the original wood floors in my kitchen to stand out but don't want an orange or yellow wood finish on my yet-to-be ordered cabinets to clash. Other than costly painted cabinets, what are my options? By the way, I love a contemporary look.
- Erika

A.
Have you thought of black cabinets? Homeowners tend to shy away from the color, but when used successfully, black can add alot of drama to a space and accentuate other features.  If you decide on black cabinets, be sure to balance the room when selecting the other materials. For example, countertops and walls should be light to give the room an overall bright feeling.  Bold colored accents or warm neutrals such as a wood floor will keep things from looking too cold or stark.

The stain is just like one on any wood cabinet but with very heavy coverage of deep and rich black color. Stains are typically standard and therefore less expensive than painted cabinets which can be a 15% upcharge. Before selecting a cabinet manufacturer, find out if a black stain is offered and on which wood species (typically maple or oak). Maple has a tight uniform grain pattern while the grain pattern on oak is quite distinctive. If you are looking to add a little bit of visual texture and save on cost, oak would be a good choice.

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Another option is black acrylic high gloss cabinets. These can be slightly more expensive than stained cabinets, but the look is very contemporary. Again, only select manufacturers offer high gloss cabinets so inquire about this option first. Something to also consider is the maintenance requirement. Since they are shiny, you'll have more fingerprints and watermarks to clean, but the sheen would reflect light as well as the natural beauty of your original wood floors.

Best of luck! - Danielle

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