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  1. Kitchen
  2. Colour: Wood Tones

Midcentury Kitchen Ideas and Designs

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1950's House Refurb
1950's House Refurb
Born Designers LtdBorn Designers Ltd
Bespoke hand built kitchen with built in kitchen cabinet and free standing island with modern patterned floor tiles and blue linoleum on birch plywood
Mid-Century Residence
Mid-Century Residence
Emerick ArchitectsEmerick Architects
Photo of a medium sized midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in Portland with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain flooring, an island and grey floors.
Stonebridge Post + Beam
Stonebridge Post + Beam
Kitchen Cove Design StudioKitchen Cove Design Studio
Photography by Courtney Elizabeth Media
This is an example of a medium sized retro u-shaped kitchen/diner in Portland Maine with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, engineered stone countertops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, integrated appliances, an island and white worktops.
Beacon Hill Mid-Century
Beacon Hill Mid-Century
Ore StudiosOre Studios
Lauren Colton
Small retro l-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble worktops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, integrated appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island and brown floors.
Mid Century Modern in Point Loma
Mid Century Modern in Point Loma
Inplace StudioInplace Studio
Custom Walnut Kitchen by Inplace Studio
Design ideas for a large midcentury l-shaped kitchen/diner in San Diego with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, marble worktops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, integrated appliances, porcelain flooring and an island.
Mid Century Meets Modern
Mid Century Meets Modern
Hermitage Kitchen Gallery LLCHermitage Kitchen Gallery LLC
Designer: Terri Sears Photography: Melissa M. Mills
This is an example of a medium sized retro u-shaped kitchen/diner in Nashville with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, beige splashback, mosaic tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, a breakfast bar, light hardwood flooring, brown floors and beige worktops.
Pacific NW Mid-Century Kitchen Remodel
Pacific NW Mid-Century Kitchen Remodel
Crescent BuildsCrescent Builds
Ross Anania
Design ideas for a retro u-shaped enclosed kitchen in Seattle with recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, wood worktops, mosaic tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances and multi-coloured splashback.
Fernwood Kitchen
Fernwood Kitchen
Fox InteriorsFox Interiors
This kitchen in a Mid-century modern home features rift-cut white oak and matte white cabinets, white quartz countertops and a marble-life subway tile backsplash. The original hardwood floors were saved to keep existing character. The new finishes palette suits their personality and the mid-century details of their home. We eliminated a storage closet and a small hallway closet to inset a pantry and refrigerator on the far wall. This allowed the small breakfast table to remain. By relocating the refrigerator from next to the range, we allowed the range to be centered in the opening for more usable counter and cabinet space on both sides. A counter-depth range hood liner doesn’t break the line of the upper cabinets for a sleeker look. Large storage drawers include features like a peg system to hold pots in place and a shallow internal pull-out shelf to separate lids from food storage containers.
BRIDLEMILE MIDCENTURY
BRIDLEMILE MIDCENTURY
Dyer Studio Inc.Dyer Studio Inc.
Design ideas for a large retro l-shaped kitchen/diner in Portland with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, integrated appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.
Kitchen in San Diego
Kitchen in San Diego
CairnsCraft Design & RemodelCairnsCraft Design & Remodel
Medium sized midcentury galley kitchen/diner in San Diego with a belfast sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.
Waynesville Kitchen, Ceiling Bump-up, Bath Remodel
Waynesville Kitchen, Ceiling Bump-up, Bath Remodel
HomeSource BuildersHomeSource Builders
A 1961 home with an under-eight-foot living room ceiling needed some freshening. We slanted the ceiling to match the roof pitch, and added a wall of bookshelves in the dining room. We gutted the kitchen and started over—complete with heated porcelain tile floor. A tiny bathroom had previously included a shower, which we replaced with a full-size vanity that features a striking vessel sink. Relighting the living room required new wiring. Our project manager suggested carrying the existing theme of arched door openings into several of the remodeling details.
Restorative Style Kitchen Remodel
Restorative Style Kitchen Remodel
Davis Kitchen & TileDavis Kitchen & Tile

Expansive midcentury kitchen in Other with a belfast sink, beaded cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite worktops, black splashback, ceramic flooring, multi-coloured floors and black worktops.
Mid Century Modern
Mid Century Modern
Reier ConstructionReier Construction
A Miele steam oven sits above the Miele oven. There is a wall of pantry cabinets for lots of storage. The island pendants are TEC 700TDMLPCS Large Melrose in satin nickel
Mid Century Modern I Bellevue, Washington
Mid Century Modern I Bellevue, Washington
Syltebo Wight Homes & Jon Syltebo Painting CompanySyltebo Wight Homes & Jon Syltebo Painting Company
Large midcentury kitchen in Seattle with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, engineered stone countertops, black splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island, medium wood cabinets and brown floors.
Mid Century Modern
Mid Century Modern
Wiez Design & ConstructionWiez Design & Construction
Mid century modern kitchen with white oak flooring and white oak cabinets.
Design ideas for a large retro l-shaped kitchen/diner in Tampa with a belfast sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite worktops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring and an island.
A Mid-Century Treasure in Andover, MA
A Mid-Century Treasure in Andover, MA
Blackdog Design Build RemodelBlackdog Design Build Remodel
Inspiration for a midcentury kitchen in Boston.
Oregon City Living Space Remodel
Oregon City Living Space Remodel
UserUser
Custom Walnut Cabinets with a tapered Island and custom Cocktail Bar
Photo of a large retro galley kitchen/diner in Portland with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, green splashback, metro tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, bamboo flooring, an island and brown floors.
Lake Paupac Cabin Remodel 2
Lake Paupac Cabin Remodel 2
J.B. Nicholson ArchitectureJ.B. Nicholson Architecture
Ben Nicholson
Photo of a medium sized retro u-shaped open plan kitchen in Philadelphia with a belfast sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, integrated appliances, cork flooring and a breakfast bar.
Plumeria Sands
Plumeria Sands
Moderne BuildersModerne Builders
Kelly Peak
Design ideas for a medium sized retro kitchen/diner in Los Angeles with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, soapstone worktops, white splashback, mosaic tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic flooring and an island.
River House
River House
WEST STUDIO Architects & Construction ServicesWEST STUDIO Architects & Construction Services
Design ideas for a medium sized midcentury galley kitchen in Chicago with a submerged sink, medium wood cabinets, granite worktops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island and black worktops.

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.

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