A Production Line from CLP Design?
While we love our custom hoods (and our clients seem to, as well), we’ve noticed that a custom hood is still out of the price range and time schedule of most people looking for a kitchen appliance. We’ve also noticed that in the mid-range market (around $2,000-$3,500), there really aren’t many options for people. There are bland stainless boxes from a dozen manufacturers whose chief selling point other than function seems to be just that they don’t clash with the other stainless boxes in a kitchen. And then there are very contemporary styles from a few manufacturers, mostly either following Zephyr’s design lead with the beautiful Brunner and Cheng lines or following the Italian fashions for minimalist stainless designs. But there is a clear gap in the market for a moderately-priced range hood which is both attractive and fully functional.
We’ve been thinking about, designing and redesigning, and conducting focus groups with dealers around the country to gauge the interest in a CLP Design production series range hood. So far, interest has been high, and we think we could be ready to release this line nationally by next spring. The frame quality and construction will be just as solid as our custom hoods. We will be using a smaller (300cfm) liner than in our custom hoods, but offering the optional upgrade to 600cfm. This production line will be available in 36″ and 48″ widths, in two (maybe three) frame shapes, and two optional finishes: black and stainless.
Now we’re still working out the exact details of design, construction, and distribution. But based on our initial conversations with a number of dealers who are very excited to carry this product, it looks like we can get these models on shelves across the country with a very reasonable price tag of around $3200 for a 36″ width hood, including the ventilation system. That’s about half the price of our custom hoods, and far cheaper than most other metal hoods on the market today.
We’re excited about this opportunity to venture into new markets and bring our signature style into more and more kitchens. Along with these time-tested shapes, we are also working on an ultra-contemporary design, trying to translate the principles of ornament, balance and design from our custom work to a simple modern hood design.
| Comments: 
10.1.08 at 8:20 pm
I love your designs and I like the idea of making them more affordable/attainable.