Hood vent DIY on the cheap



The crazy thing about blogging, you can time travel.

How about we go back.....lets say 14 years.

Are you ready?




Bless my heart.

It was pretty cool ...then.

So how did we change the look of our kitchen without replacing our cabinets?

Lets get started!

Over the years, we painted and changed the microwave and fridge out.

We also replaced our florescent light boxes with LED lights


 We were to the point where the over the stove microwave and white range had to go!


Pictures...pictures..pictures... I will let them do most of the talking.




We removed the upper trim and boxed in over our existing cabinet.







The microwave had a small  vent less exhaust that was not that great. 

This was the hard part for me.

I could envision the cabinet but had a hard time with the uncool, not cute stuff.

We searched around and found a hood vent from Lowe's.

You may have to special order it like we did.


Once the vent was in, the vent pipes went into place.


Here is a shot of the vent below.

It came with two built in lights as well.

To make a perfect fit, we had to also order a plate to go around it.

This also make so easy cleaning!



Above, you can see how we ran the pipe right up through the cabinet and into our attic.

Once the pipe hits the attic, it is then directed out through a tiny vent under our eves.


The cabinet can open and close and there is also a bit of storage that can be used.




I never imagined how much adding this small addition could change our entire look.


A few of you have asked how we are liking our new range.

So far I really do enjoy it.

The only part that I'm not crazy about is the smooth top surface.

Our last stove had a smooth top that was white and it was a dream to clean.

This one is a dark glass and every little thing that spills over ... cooks onto the top.

It's a booger getting things scrubbed off without scratching the surface.

Do any of you have a good cleaner suggestion?



Our next step will be adding new counter tops and back splash.

We are going along as we save but had a few step backs like almost cutting my finger off..lol

I do believe super glue would have been a lot cheaper than that hospital visit ...YIKES.

So we are just plugging along and enjoying the ride.

We are learning, it's not the destination that changes you, it's the journey along the way.

xoxo Susie





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18 comments:

  1. Amazing! You are so right that it totally transforms the space.
    About your cooktop, I have a gas one, but the top is black glass like yours. I find that using Vinegar Windex to wipe it up works. However, for stuck on stuff, I use a non-scratch sponge with BonAmi or Barkeepers Friend and then rinse. For really stuck on stuff, I do use a razor blade. I haven't scratched the surface yet and it makes it look like new. My cooktop is over 6 years old and with some elbow grease looks brand new.

    I am looking for a new fridge…what did you choose?

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    1. Thanks for sharing and I will give all of these a try. We bought a Maytag a few years ago and love it. Thanks again for sharing

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  2. What a transformation! It's beautiful!

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  3. Looks lovely. I have a black smooth cooktop too and tried multiple cleaners with bleh results until I found Carbona Ceramic Cooktop Power Cleaner. It definitely cleans circles around everything else I've used in the past. I occasionally use a razor blade too for the tougher stuff but it certainly makes cleanup so much easier if you clean it each time you cook. After I wipe the Carbona off, I follow up with J.R. Watkins All Purpose Cleaner (Target & JoAnn]s--but it's way over-priced at JoAnn's unless you use the discount coupon). I also use it on my acrylic solid-surface countertops and all the mirrors in the house. I get far less streaky-smeary results with this than anything else.

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    1. Thank you thank you!!!! I will so check into these awesome ideas. Blog friends rock!!!

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  4. What a dramatic change! The hood is so beautiful and just makes the kitchen!

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  5. It's very pretty. I'm happy that I still like my over the range microwave! I also have a (new) black smooth surface. Like you, my old was was very light in color. I've found a magic eraser works wonders on my cooktop and then I clean with alcohol and a microfiber cloth - takes care of every fingerprint, smear, whatever.

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  6. Such a pretty kitchen and the range cover looks fabulous. We use a Vileda sponge made specifically for ceramic tops, sort of like a Mr. Clean magic eraser but for cook tops. Works like a charm with no chemicals.

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  7. That's beautiful! Very well done :)

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  8. Thanks a lot for the helpful hints and guidance.
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  9. love love love! Don't you miss your microwave though?

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  10. That is one lovely kitchen!!!
    To clean my cook top, I spray it well with 409, let it sit for a few minutes and then scrape it with an old credit card. Everything pops right off (and I am a MESSY cook :^(
    I just found your blog today, and I am enjoying your postings!!
    Blessings,
    J

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  11. Hi Sue, love your kitchen and the paint color is awesome. May I ask you what color the grey paint is called? I follow you now through Bloglovin. Christine from Little Brags
    christinevandorm@gmail.com

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Thanks for stopping by. It's always so nice to hear from you.

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