3rings readers are well familiar with our affection for Murano Glass (see the recent Lesbo Lamp and last year's Nastro Collection), and perhaps only slightly less familiar with our coverage of cutting edge kitchen hoods (like Gaggenau's VL051 and Falmec's Butterfly), but today's product is certain to strike all as a new and much-welcomed hybrid breed. Very like the lovely labradoodle and the pulchritudinous puggle, Futuro Futuro's line of Murano kitchen hoods combines the best of two worlds. As with the aforementioned "designer mutts," the Murano collection synthesizes charm and functionality, the high appeal of a desirable aesthetic and the reliability of certain performance.

“New York.” Designed by Futuro Futuro.

Performance for range hoods, however, does not involve bringing you the morning paper or flushing a turkey, but rather sucking smells out of your kitchen and propelling them far away into the stratosphere. On that score, FF's Murano series excels. The line of wall and ceiling mounted hoods incorporate "the best of modern kitchen technology." So features like four-speed suction, a whisper-quiet blower, patented perimeter carbon filter system, adjustable chimney, voluminous halogen lighting with easy-open access, filter cleaning reminder, and automatic shut-off are de rigueur. Each of Futuro Futuro's 20 some shapes, sizes, and styles work in ducted and ductless systems.

“Frost.” Designed by Futuro Futuro.

“Breeze.” Designed by Futuro Futuro.

“Autumn.” Designed by Futuro Futuro.

“Zebra.” Designed by Futuro Futuro.

On the topic of sizes and styles, the line showcases the decorative features of Murano glass to excellent effect. The hoods look like art, or designer lights, or illuminated sculpture more than a highly utilitarian kitchen appliance. My favorites include "Autumn," a design whose subtle seasonal pattern evokes my favorite time of year; "Frost," whose sublime snowy glow recalls my second favorite time of year; and "New York," featuring a Warholian skyscape of the world's greatest city.

These bold designs are captivating to be sure, but if you're of the mind that their aesthetic moxie might steel the thunder from other elements in the kitchen, know that you control the veritable presence of each-"the dimmable body light lets you adjust the Murano range hood's visual impact-from a subtle accent to a powerful, attention-getting design statement that transforms the room."