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Premium Midcentury Kitchen Ideas and Designs

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Cornwall Holiday Home
Cornwall Holiday Home
Lomax & ChiLomax & Chi
Stunning Pluck Kitchen in soft green with marble worktops and feature lighting.
Inspiration for a large midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in London with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, marble worktops, green splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, green worktops, exposed beams and feature lighting.
Ferndale: Mid-century four bedroom single story home
Ferndale: Mid-century four bedroom single story home
Muchmore DesignMuchmore Design
The primary material used for the kitchen is iroko, combined with plywood lined interior cabinetry. A four metre long skylight installed above the island casts natural light across the beautiful oiled iroko wood. Reeded glass, popular in the 1960´s, was also fitted into the sliding pantry doors. The central island and units were installed on matte black plinths providing a floating appearance above the floor.
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
Rawlings Street
Rawlings Street
Anthro ArchitectureAnthro Architecture
View of the beautifully detailed timber clad kitchen, looking onto the dining area beyond. The timber finned wall, curves to help the flow of the space and conceals a guest bathroom along with additional storage space.
Horton Road
Horton Road
Finch LondonFinch London
Compact U-shaped kitchen in Hackney Matt Lacquer doors in Ceramic Blue by Sanderson Bespoke Handles and Box Shelves in American Black Walnut 40mm thick American Black Walnut worktops Scallop tiles by Mosaic Del Sur Copper Pendant by Nordlux Photos by Polly Tootal
Mid century Modern kitchen
Mid century Modern kitchen
Kelly Ann PhotographyKelly Ann Photography
Beautiful kitchen remodel in a 1950's mis century modern home in Yellow Springs Ohio The Teal accent tile really sets off the bright orange range hood and stove. Photo Credit, Kelly Settle Kelly Ann Photography
A Modern Kitchen for a Retreat in the Woods
A Modern Kitchen for a Retreat in the Woods
Amazing SpacesAmazing Spaces
This is a great house. Perched high on a private, heavily wooded site, it has a rustic contemporary aesthetic. Vaulted ceilings, sky lights, large windows and natural materials punctuate the main spaces. The existing large format mosaic slate floor grabs your attention upon entering the home extending throughout the foyer, kitchen, and family room. Specific requirements included a larger island with workspace for each of the homeowners featuring a homemade pasta station which requires small appliances on lift-up mechanisms as well as a custom-designed pasta drying rack. Both chefs wanted their own prep sink on the island complete with a garbage “shoot” which we concealed below sliding cutting boards. A second and overwhelming requirement was storage for a large collection of dishes, serving platters, specialty utensils, cooking equipment and such. To meet those needs we took the opportunity to get creative with storage: sliding doors were designed for a coffee station adjacent to the main sink; hid the steam oven, microwave and toaster oven within a stainless steel niche hidden behind pantry doors; added a narrow base cabinet adjacent to the range for their large spice collection; concealed a small broom closet behind the refrigerator; and filled the only available wall with full-height storage complete with a small niche for charging phones and organizing mail. We added 48” high base cabinets behind the main sink to function as a bar/buffet counter as well as overflow for kitchen items. The client’s existing vintage commercial grade Wolf stove and hood commands attention with a tall backdrop of exposed brick from the fireplace in the adjacent living room. We loved the rustic appeal of the brick along with the existing wood beams, and complimented those elements with wired brushed white oak cabinets. The grayish stain ties in the floor color while the slab door style brings a modern element to the space. We lightened the color scheme with a mix of white marble and quartz countertops. The waterfall countertop adjacent to the dining table shows off the amazing veining of the marble while adding contrast to the floor. Special materials are used throughout, featured on the textured leather-wrapped pantry doors, patina zinc bar countertop, and hand-stitched leather cabinet hardware. We took advantage of the tall ceilings by adding two walnut linear pendants over the island that create a sculptural effect and coordinated them with the new dining pendant and three wall sconces on the beam over the main sink.
Walnut and Turquoise Allure
Walnut and Turquoise Allure
CraftedWild CabinetryCraftedWild Cabinetry
Staging: Jaqueline with Tweaked Style Photography: Tony Diaz General Contracting: Big Brothers Development
Photo of a medium sized midcentury l-shaped kitchen pantry in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, green splashback, integrated appliances, no island and white worktops.
Oak Hills Mid Century Modern
Oak Hills Mid Century Modern
Mosaik Design & RemodelingMosaik Design & Remodeling
This outdated kitchen came with flowered wallpaper, narrow connections to Entry and Dining Room, outdated cabinetry and poor workflow. By opening up the ceiling to expose existing beams, widening both entrys and adding taller, angled windows, light now steams into this bright and cheery Mid Century Modern kitchen. The custom Pratt & Larson turquoise tiles add so much interest and tie into the new custom painted blue door. The walnut wood base cabinets add a warm, natural element. A cozy seating area for TV watching, reading and coffee looks out to the new clear cedar fence and landscape.
Woodstock Mid-century Remodel
Woodstock Mid-century Remodel
ContextContext
Photo of a small retro l-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.
Braeburn Mid Century Modern, Houston, TX
Braeburn Mid Century Modern, Houston, TX
Victoria SheffieldVictoria Sheffield
Midcentury modern kitchen with white kitchen cabinets, solid surface countertops, and tile backsplash. Open shelving is used throughout. The wet bar design includes teal grasscloth. The floors are the original 1950's Saltillo tile. A flush mount vent hood has been used to not obstruct the view.
Eclectic Mid-Century - Rancho Mirage
Eclectic Mid-Century - Rancho Mirage
Brittany Stiles DesignBrittany Stiles Design
A modern kitchen with white slab front cabinets, chrome hardware and walnut flooring and accents. Industrial style globe pendant lights hang above the extra long island. Stainless steel and paneled appliances and open shelving to store dishes and other kitchenware. White subway tile and ceiling shiplap.
Atomic Ranch MCM Main House
Atomic Ranch MCM Main House
Breathe Design StudioBreathe Design Studio
Our Austin studio decided to go bold with this project by ensuring that each space had a unique identity in the Mid-Century Modern style bathroom, butler's pantry, and mudroom. We covered the bathroom walls and flooring with stylish beige and yellow tile that was cleverly installed to look like two different patterns. The mint cabinet and pink vanity reflect the mid-century color palette. The stylish knobs and fittings add an extra splash of fun to the bathroom. The butler's pantry is located right behind the kitchen and serves multiple functions like storage, a study area, and a bar. We went with a moody blue color for the cabinets and included a raw wood open shelf to give depth and warmth to the space. We went with some gorgeous artistic tiles that create a bold, intriguing look in the space. In the mudroom, we used siding materials to create a shiplap effect to create warmth and texture – a homage to the classic Mid-Century Modern design. We used the same blue from the butler's pantry to create a cohesive effect. The large mint cabinets add a lighter touch to the space. --- Project designed by the Atomic Ranch featured modern designers at Breathe Design Studio. From their Austin design studio, they serve an eclectic and accomplished nationwide clientele including in Palm Springs, LA, and the San Francisco Bay Area. For more about Breathe Design Studio, see here: https://www.breathedesignstudio.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.breathedesignstudio.com/atomic-ranch
Olathe MCM
Olathe MCM
Stumpff HomeWorks, LLCStumpff HomeWorks, LLC
Photo of a midcentury single-wall kitchen/diner in Kansas City with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, multi-coloured splashback, granite splashback, integrated appliances, slate flooring, an island, black floors, white worktops and a vaulted ceiling.
Earthy Mackay House
Earthy Mackay House
Cathie Hong InteriorsCathie Hong Interiors
This 1956 John Calder Mackay home had been poorly renovated in years past. We kept the 1400 sqft footprint of the home, but re-oriented and re-imagined the bland white kitchen to a midcentury olive green kitchen that opened up the sight lines to the wall of glass facing the rear yard. We chose materials that felt authentic and appropriate for the house: handmade glazed ceramics, bricks inspired by the California coast, natural white oaks heavy in grain, and honed marbles in complementary hues to the earth tones we peppered throughout the hard and soft finishes. This project was featured in the Wall Street Journal in April 2022.
Mid Century Modern Kitchen that's Connected to Nature
Mid Century Modern Kitchen that's Connected to Nature
Normandy RemodelingNormandy Remodeling
This mid-century modern home celebrates the beauty of nature, and this newly restored kitchen embraces the home's roots with materials to match. Walnut cabinets with a slab front in a natural finish complement the rest of the home's paneling beautifully. A thick quartzite countertop on the island, and the same stone for the perimeter countertops and backsplash feature an elegant veining. The natural light and large windows above the sink further connect this kitchen to the outdoors, making it a true celebration of nature.\
Mid-Century Modern Highland Park West Home
Mid-Century Modern Highland Park West Home
Mosier Luxury HomesMosier Luxury Homes
Photo of a large retro galley kitchen/diner in Austin with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, engineered stone countertops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, a breakfast bar and white worktops.
Balcones Mid-Century
Balcones Mid-Century
Rick & Cindy Black ArchitectsRick & Cindy Black Architects
Whit Preston
Design ideas for a medium sized midcentury galley kitchen in Austin with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, stainless steel worktops, white splashback, an island and terrazzo flooring.
MId Century Family Home
MId Century Family Home
Sally Feeney Interior Design Pty LtdSally Feeney Interior Design Pty Ltd
This is an example of a medium sized midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with a double-bowl sink, terrazzo worktops, metro tiled splashback, black appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white splashback, beige floors and multicoloured worktops.
"Beautiful Inside and Out" Mid-Century Modern Home Interior Remodel
"Beautiful Inside and Out" Mid-Century Modern Home Interior Remodel
MAK Design + Build Inc.MAK Design + Build Inc.
This is an example of a medium sized retro l-shaped kitchen/diner in Sacramento with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, beige floors, white worktops and exposed beams.

Premium 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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