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Midcentury Kitchen Ideas and Designs

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Update of the Mid Century Modern Colorado Style
Update of the Mid Century Modern Colorado Style
Faye Crowe Architect LLCFaye Crowe Architect LLC
Jon Eady Photography
Inspiration for a large retro galley kitchen pantry in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite worktops, beige splashback, light hardwood flooring, an island, a submerged sink, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances and brown floors.
Galley Kitchen Remodel
Galley Kitchen Remodel
Jaksa BuildersJaksa Builders
Jaksa Builders designed and built the custom cabinetry and matching seating area. Cabinets are built utilizing the 32 mm European hardware system to maximize space.
Venice Island Mid-Century Modern
Venice Island Mid-Century Modern
Dynan Construction ManagementDynan Construction Management
SRQ Magazine's Home of the Year 2015 Platinum Award for Best Bathroom, Best Kitchen, and Best Overall Renovation Photo: Raif Fluker
Photo of a retro l-shaped kitchen in Tampa with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, grey splashback, glass tiled splashback, concrete flooring and an island.
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Truly Open Eichler House
Truly Open Eichler House
Klopf ArchitectureKlopf Architecture
Klopf Architecture, Arterra Landscape Architects, and Flegels Construction updated a classic Eichler open, indoor-outdoor home. Expanding on the original walls of glass and connection to nature that is common in mid-century modern homes. The completely openable walls allow the homeowners to truly open up the living space of the house, transforming it into an open air pavilion, extending the living area outdoors to the private side yards, and taking maximum advantage of indoor-outdoor living opportunities. Taking the concept of borrowed landscape from traditional Japanese architecture, the fountain, concrete bench wall, and natural landscaping bound the indoor-outdoor space. The Truly Open Eichler is a remodeled single-family house in Palo Alto. This 1,712 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom is located in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Geoff Campen, and Angela Todorova Landscape Architect: Arterra Landscape Architects Structural Engineer: Brian Dotson Consulting Engineers Contractor: Flegels Construction Photography ©2014 Mariko Reed Location: Palo Alto, CA Year completed: 2014
Lakeside Drive Residence
Lakeside Drive Residence
Lorissa Kimm ArchitectLorissa Kimm Architect
Matthew Millman
This is an example of a midcentury kitchen/diner in San Francisco with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble worktops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, integrated appliances, light hardwood flooring and an island.
Edwin
Edwin
Brown Design GroupBrown Design Group
Matt Wier
Inspiration for a midcentury galley kitchen in Los Angeles with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring and an island.
Mid-Century Remodel
Mid-Century Remodel
David Henig, ArchitectDavid Henig, Architect
Eric Rorer
Inspiration for a large retro galley kitchen/diner in San Francisco with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood worktops, white splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring and an island.
Genuardi residence
Genuardi residence
nuFORM studionuFORM studio
C. Serra
Inspiration for a retro l-shaped kitchen in Santa Barbara with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances and an island.
Palo Alto Eichler Residence
Palo Alto Eichler Residence
jones | haydujones | haydu
Photography by Bruce Damonte
Inspiration for a midcentury kitchen in San Francisco.
Window Seat and Cabinet Storage
Window Seat and Cabinet Storage
KraftMaster RenovationsKraftMaster Renovations
This window seat is perfect for putting on your shoes to run out of the house! With extra storage on each side and a shelf with treasured items above. Blackstock Photography
Zema Redux
Zema Redux
SHED Architecture & DesignSHED Architecture & Design
Midcentury u-shaped kitchen/diner in Seattle with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood worktops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring and an island.
Clayton Ave, Los Feliz
Clayton Ave, Los Feliz
Henry Home Staging & DesignHenry Home Staging & Design
Retro l-shaped kitchen in Los Angeles with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel worktops, stainless steel appliances, concrete flooring and an island.
Waterfront mid-century modern
Waterfront mid-century modern
SurefieldSurefield
Surefield
Midcentury u-shaped kitchen in Seattle with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, white splashback, glass sheet splashback and stainless steel appliances.
Mid-Century Modern Kitchen
Mid-Century Modern Kitchen
Sogno Design GroupSogno Design Group
Michele Lee Willson
Inspiration for a medium sized retro l-shaped kitchen/diner in San Francisco with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz worktops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances and an island.
Mid Century Portland
Mid Century Portland
risa boyer architecturerisa boyer architecture
Lincoln Barbour
This is an example of a medium sized retro galley open plan kitchen in Portland with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, terrazzo flooring, an island and multi-coloured floors.
eichler in marinwood
eichler in marinwood
building Lab, inc.building Lab, inc.
Eichler in Marinwood - The primary organizational element of the interior is the kitchen. Embedded within the simple post and beam structure, the kitchen was conceived as a programmatic block from which we would carve in order to contribute to both sense of function and organization. photo: scott hargis
Mid Century Modern Interior
Mid Century Modern Interior
HAUS | Architecture For Modern LifestylesHAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles
Description: Interior Renovation of Mid-Century Modern Kitchen - Interior Architecture/Renderings/Photography: HAUS | Architecture
Photo of a medium sized retro l-shaped kitchen/diner in Indianapolis with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances and light hardwood flooring.
Rosenwald House
Rosenwald House
Flavin ArchitectsFlavin Architects
This remodel of a mid century gem is located in the town of Lincoln, MA a hot bed of modernist homes inspired by Gropius’ own house built nearby in the 1940’s. By the time the house was built, modernism had evolved from the Gropius era, to incorporate the rural vibe of Lincoln with spectacular exposed wooden beams and deep overhangs. The design rejects the traditional New England house with its enclosing wall and inward posture. The low pitched roofs, open floor plan, and large windows openings connect the house to nature to make the most of its rural setting. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography
Modern City Loft Kitchen
Modern City Loft Kitchen
Jennifer Gustafson Interior DesignJennifer Gustafson Interior Design
This custom open plan kitchen was part of a San Francisco SOMA loft remodel. Photo Credit: David Duncan Livingston
Inspiration for a retro kitchen in San Francisco with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets and grey cabinets.

Midcentury Kitchen Ideas and Designs

Want to discover beautiful midcentury kitchen ideas to inspire your new kitchen design? You’ve come to the right place. You can discover millions of midcentury kitchen designs and ideas; from kitchen islands and storage units, to all sorts of kitchen lighting ideas, such as pendant lighting or under cabinet lighting. Whether you want inspiration for all-in-one fitted kitchen designs, some small kitchen ideas or maybe just some tips for improving your kitchen decor, there are tons of retro photos to inspire you for your next kitchen project on Houzz.

What kind of midcentury kitchen design should I go for?

With so many kitchen ideas and photos to look at you might be a bit overwhelmed when it comes to picking your own retro kitchen design. If you are updating your kitchen you know what a big and important decision it is to get the design right – the kitchen can be the hub and heart of the home, and it’s unlikely that you would invest in renovating your kitchen again in a few years. But fear not, focusing first on the important elements like layout, cabinet style, worktops and appliances will help you to bring together your dream kitchen design. Additional elements like kitchen lighting, cupboard storage and decor can come after in the kitchen planning process. A kitchen designer or fitter can help you to decide the layout of your midcentury kitchen in terms of where to place your kitchen units, appliances and island (if you’re having one), but if you prefer to handle this yourself you can focus on where you want your key elements of your kitchen to be – the oven, hob, sink and fridge. Of course you might be constricted by space, but try to envisage the easiest and most efficient layout based on how you usually like to cook and prepare your food. If you’re fed up of always having to carry dirty pans and pots across the room to the sink, place the sink closer to your oven and hob. Once you have the core elements sorted, consider extra layout considerations, such as where your bins will be stored, where the cutlery draw should be and where small midcentury kitchen appliances can be installed.

Should I include a kitchen island?

Kitchen island ideas are abundant these days; it seems most kitchen designs include a kitchen island, if not multiple islands. However, if the layout doesn’t work, especially if you have a small kitchen, then there’s no necessity to add in a kitchen island. You can add a breakfast bar or counter to your existing kitchen units, or stick with a good old-fashioned dining table if you don’t need the extra work surfaces. That said, if you do have the room, take a look at some retro kitchen island ideas to see if the designs inspire you for your kitchen. There are a huge variety of island designs to cater to different needs – you can have sinks, ovens, hobs, wine storage and all sorts of drawers and organisers built-in, you can have separate bars and counters that extend from your island, or you could go for a kitchen island on wheels to make your kitchen layout more versatile.

How do I choose my kitchen units and cabinets?

When picking out kitchen units and cupboard styles for a fitted kitchen, you’ll first want to consider the more practical questions – how many units do you need? How many cupboards and drawers do you need? Do you need extra kitchen storage built into your units? It’s always best to overestimate how much kitchen storage you’ll need as we all tend to have a habit of filling up whatever current space we have to the maximum. Next you can consider kitchen cabinet style and colour. Shaker style cabinets and raised and recessed panel cabinets offer a more traditional kitchen cabinet look, while flat panel cabinet doors tend to lend more to the modern and contemporary style. However, going for raised or recessed panel work in a striking colour such as dark blue, green or black can still work with contemporary kitchen ideas. White kitchens can give a sleek and clean feel, but remember you may have to do a bit more cleaning of those cupboard doors if you want everything to stay shiny and fresh. Of course, grey kitchens are the neutral colour choice du jour and can be paired with pale and rich shades alike if you want your fitted kitchen cupboards to contrast with your worktop, splashback, floor, or all of the above. Exposed shelving and storage is also popular for eclectic, Scandi and industrial-inspired looks, so you could opt for glass-fronted cabinets or no wall-mounted cabinets at all. Remember that this will require more restraint in what you can store and more effort in keeping it looking presentable compared to what is stored away hastily behind cupboard doors. The kitchen cupboard handles are also another element to decide upon – do you want traditional round knobs, modern metal bars, country kitchen cup handles or maybe to go ultra sleek with a completely handleless kitchen?

What midcentury kitchen storage ideas should I consider?

If you want to keep your retro kitchen well-stocked and well-equipped but don’t want it spilling over with clutter, then you’ll need to rely on good kitchen storage. Apart from the usual fitted kitchen cupboards and drawer space, there are many other ways of keeping your kitchen tidy. Whilst a large kitchen pantry is the dream of most homeowners, it can’t always be a reality. However, there are now lots of pull out compartments and drawers with trays and shelving that can act as mini kitchen pantries, and you can install handy cupboard organisers that fit onto the inside of the door to make the most of your cupboard space. You can also look at corner drawers and cupboards that open up to reveal lots of extra storage. Rails or small shelves along your kitchen walls or splashback can help with hanging utensils or pans, or storing small items like herbs and spices in an usually empty space. Buy extra kitchen storage products for your home on Houzz

Are there small kitchen ideas for small midcentury spaces?

If you’re working with a galley kitchen, a one-wall kitchen in an open plan space or just a pretty small kitchen, there are some small kitchen ideas that can help you get the most out of your cooking and dining area. If you find that you don’t utilise the back of your cupboards (maybe they become the graveyard for out-of-date tin cans), you could decide to go with shallower kitchen units to free up some extra floor space in front of your cabinets. As mentioned, open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets are a popular trend and they should make the space feel more open and less boxed-in. However, if you have the capacity for it, cupboards and retro kitchen units that maximise the floor-to-ceiling space you have will mean you can use all of that for valuable kitchen storage. Wall or ceiling racks could be a useful solution for hanging pans and pots if you’ve run out of cupboards in which to store them. Kitchen ideas and 1950s style accessories such as baskets, trolleys and storage jars are both aesthetically pleasing and practical as they give you extra storage space. Kitchen appliances like a fridge or dishwasher can be tucked away in built-in units in fitted kitchens so they blend into your layout and don’t make the space look crowded. Discover all the small kitchen ideas you could need by taking a look at photos of compact kitchens.

What sort of midcentury kitchen lighting should I go for?

In the kitchen you need to have practical lighting – no one wants to chop, cut and cook in a dingy room. Kitchen ceiling lights are probably the best way to go, but should you opt for recessed spotlights or traditional hanging ceiling lights? While spotlight LED kitchen lighting will give you excellent light, they may not fit with a design that’s not contemporary. Traditional chandelier lights could work for other kitchen styles, and of course, kitchen pendant lighting comes in all sorts of styles, colours and designs. While the popular choice is to go with one or two pendant lights over your kitchen island, you could also opt for a single pendant light over your dining space, or a few spaced out across your kitchen. Of course, if you want good lighting for your worktops, under-cabinet lighting is the way forward. Speak to your kitchen supplier about having this pre-installed, or there are a number of easy-install options you can fit yourself or with the help of a lighting expert or electrician. In the market for your retro kitchen lighting today? Once you’ve found some inspiring kitchen lighting ideas here, take a look at our kitchen lighting products to find the new lights for your kitchen project.

Check out these popular kitchen pages below:

Dallas, TX: Jessica Craig
Dallas, TX: Jessica Craig
Sarah GreenmanSarah Greenman
Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
Inspiration for a retro kitchen in Dallas.
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