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  2. Layout: U-shape

Midcentury U-shaped Kitchen Ideas and Designs

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Seattle Midcentury Addition and Remodel
Seattle Midcentury Addition and Remodel
H2D Architecture + DesignH2D Architecture + Design
The creative lighting in this kitchen illuminates both above and below the cabinets. This gives it a high-end look and provides flexible, layered lighting. Design by: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com Built by: Carlisle Classic Homes Photos: Christopher Nelson Photography
Total Renovation
Total Renovation
Art TileArt Tile
Medium sized retro u-shaped enclosed kitchen in San Francisco with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, concrete worktops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and grey worktops.
8001 Residence
8001 Residence
Studio BuildStudio Build
Bob Greenspan
Design ideas for a medium sized retro u-shaped kitchen/diner in Kansas City with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring and a breakfast bar.
Belle Meade Kitchen & Living Room Reno
Belle Meade Kitchen & Living Room Reno
Usable Space Interiors, LLCUsable Space Interiors, LLC
Closeup of backsplash.
This is an example of a medium sized retro u-shaped kitchen in Nashville with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz worktops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island and brown floors.
Maple Glen Bathroom
Maple Glen Bathroom
J Wiley DesignsJ Wiley Designs
This is an example of a large midcentury grey and cream u-shaped kitchen/diner in Dallas with a built-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, metro tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain flooring, an island and white floors.
Mid Century Modern Kitchen - Glen Ellyn, IL
Mid Century Modern Kitchen - Glen Ellyn, IL
TKS Design GroupTKS Design Group
  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This large open concept kitchen and dining space was created by removing a load bearing wall between the old kitchen and a porch area. The new porch was insulated and incorporated into the overall space. The kitchen remodel was part of a whole house remodel so new quarter sawn oak flooring, a vaulted ceiling, windows and skylights were added. A large calcutta marble topped island takes center stage. It houses a 5’ galley workstation - a sink that provides a convenient spot for prepping, serving, entertaining and clean up. A 36” induction cooktop is located directly across from the island for easy access. Two appliance garages on either side of the cooktop house small appliances that are used on a daily basis. Honeycomb tile by Ann Sacks and open shelving along the cooktop wall add an interesting focal point to the room. Antique mirrored glass faces the storage unit housing dry goods and a beverage center. “I chose details for the space that had a bit of a mid-century vibe that would work well with what was originally a 1950s ranch. Along the way a previous owner added a 2nd floor making it more of a Cape Cod style home, a few eclectic details felt appropriate”, adds Klimala. The wall opposite the cooktop houses a full size fridge, freezer, double oven, coffee machine and microwave. “There is a lot of functionality going on along that wall”, adds Klimala. A small pull out countertop below the coffee machine provides a spot for hot items coming out of the ovens. The rooms creamy cabinetry is accented by quartersawn white oak at the island and wrapped ceiling beam. The golden tones are repeated in the antique brass light fixtures. “This is the second kitchen I’ve had the opportunity to design for myself. My taste has gotten a little less traditional over the years, and although I’m still a traditionalist at heart, I had some fun with this kitchen and took some chances. The kitchen is super functional, easy to keep clean and has lots of storage to tuck things away when I’m done using them. The casual dining room is fabulous and is proving to be a great spot to linger after dinner. We love it!” Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com
Midcentury Modern Style House in Santa Cruz, CA
Midcentury Modern Style House in Santa Cruz, CA
Howland BuiltHowland Built
The kitchen island has seating for three and an integrated single-bowl sink. This provides additional prep space while cooking or an area for a quick snack.
Sunny Yellow Retro Kitchen
Sunny Yellow Retro Kitchen
Margie Grace - Grace Design AssociatesMargie Grace - Grace Design Associates
We decided on a retro look for our new kitchen with lots of display shelving, happy colors, laminate counters (no cracking!), a chubby old stove, period details and “linoleum” flooring.
The Greenhills House
The Greenhills House
Turn DesignTurn Design
Kitchen Built Photo
Large midcentury u-shaped kitchen/diner in Portland with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz worktops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete flooring, an island and grey floors.
Upper West Side Residence
Upper West Side Residence
Ann Baumgartner DesignAnn Baumgartner Design
Marco Ricca
Photo of a medium sized midcentury u-shaped enclosed kitchen in Denver with a submerged sink, beaded cabinets, white cabinets, engineered stone countertops, brown splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, cement flooring, a breakfast bar and brown floors.
Mid-Century White Kitchen with Full Wall Storage + Eating Nook
Mid-Century White Kitchen with Full Wall Storage + Eating Nook
Jennifer Gustafson Interior DesignJennifer Gustafson Interior Design
• Full Kitchen Renovation • General Contractor: Area Construction • Custom casework - Natural American Walnut Veneer • Decorative accessory Styling • Refridgerator - Sub-zero • Ovens - Miele • Coffee System - Miele • Backsplash tile - Heath Tile • Countertop - Diresco • Refrigerator Pulls - Haefele • Decorative hardware - Sugatsune • Terrazzo floor tile - Waterworks
SKYCROFT KITCHEN
SKYCROFT KITCHEN
Kate Roos Design LLCKate Roos Design LLC
Cabinetry in a fresh, green color with accents of rift oak evoke a mid-century aesthetic that blends with the rest of the home.
Small midcentury u-shaped kitchen/diner in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, no island, brown floors and white worktops.
г. Пушкин, ул. Чистякова
г. Пушкин, ул. Чистякова
Александрова СветланаАлександрова Светлана
This is an example of a small retro grey and white u-shaped open plan kitchen in Saint Petersburg with a belfast sink, raised-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, metro tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic flooring, no island, white floors, white worktops and all types of ceiling.
Bridge House
Bridge House
HAUS | Architecture For Modern LifestylesHAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles
Built-in Coffee Make (Miele) in Leicht Cabinets - Bridge House - Fenneville, Michigan - Lake Michigan - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect, Marika Designs, Marika Klemm, Interior Designer - Tom Rigney, TR Builders
Dexter Colonial (Midcentury Modern Remodel)
Dexter Colonial (Midcentury Modern Remodel)
exactly.exactly.
Inspiration for a large midcentury u-shaped kitchen/diner in Detroit with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.
Mid Century Modern Contemporary design
Mid Century Modern Contemporary design
Cabinets and Beyond Design StudioCabinets and Beyond Design Studio
Mid Century Modern Contemporary design. White quartersawn veneer oak cabinets and white paint Crystal Cabinets
Expansive retro u-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, an island, a submerged sink, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, brown floors and white worktops.
Mid-Century Modern Phased Remodel
Mid-Century Modern Phased Remodel
HKP architectsHKP architects
The owner's of this Mid-Century Modern home in north Seattle were interested in developing a master plan for remodeling the kitchen, family room, master closet, and deck as well as the downstairs basement for a library, den, and office space. Once they had a good idea of the overall plan, they set about to take on the priority project, the kitchen, family room and deck. Shown are the master plan images for the entire house and the finished photos of the work that was completed.
Woodside House 2
Woodside House 2
Dotter & Solfjeld Architecture + DesignDotter & Solfjeld Architecture + Design
Design ideas for a large midcentury u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz worktops, integrated appliances, cement flooring, an island, multi-coloured floors and white worktops.
Mount Vernon Interior
Mount Vernon Interior
Infinite HomeInfinite Home
Photo of a medium sized retro u-shaped kitchen pantry in Atlanta with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, engineered stone countertops, grey splashback, metro tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.
San Jose Eichler 5
San Jose Eichler 5
Urbanism DesignsUrbanism Designs
Inspiration for a retro u-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, grey floors and white worktops.

Midcentury U-shaped 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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