Artistic air

In the past, ventilation systems were a necessary but not always welcome addition to the kitchen, clearing the air but cluttering the cooking area with awkward-looking metalwork. However, contemporary systems not only work harder they can provide an aesthetic high-point within the kitchen.

Zephyr Ventilation, a market leader in high-performance hoods, has teamed up with designer and artist Fu-Tung Cheng to create a signature hood collection, says vice president of marketing Alex Siow.

"Together, we have melded Cheng's minimalist designs with Zephyr's own engineering precision the result is the Cheng Design by Zephyr line," says Siow. "The collection combines performance and power with Cheng's use of natural and unconventional materials. Each hood's bold, sculptural forms resemble a work of art that would be equally at home in an art gallery as in a kitchen."

There are three models in the new Cheng Design by Zephyr collection: the Okeanito, the Trapeze, and the Shade.

"The Okeanito is crafted from delicate arcs inspired by nature," says Siow. "It combines sculptural aesthetics and utility."

A dual-halogen lighting system in the Okeanito brightly illuminates the cooking surface when in use. When powered down, mood lights deliver a warm ambient glow through perforated side panels.

Trapeze is the island hood offered in the collection. The suspended structures sense of balance is achieved with graceful curves and minimalist detailing. Telescopic rods make the Trapeze easy to install.

"Versatile and eye-catching, the Shade is based on the simple folding design of a matchbook," says Siow. "It has a strong sculptural presence when in operation, but once the retractable canopy is closed its lines are clean and unobtrusive."

For design variety, the Shade has interchangeable panels in glass, copper, bamboo and a clear option, for displaying images.

For details, contact Zephyr Ventilation, 395 Mendell St, San Francisco, CA 94124, phone (888) 880 Vent (8368). Website: www.chengdesignbyzephyr.com.

Story by: Trendsideas