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Clean lines, organic materials, bright colors, and wood paneling are all iconic elements of midcentury modern design. This interior design style became popular during the mid-20th century and has remained one of the most sought-after aesthetics in homes everywhere. Whether you're looking to remodel your kitchen or start with small updates, our collection of midcentury modern kitchen ideas has decorating and design inspiration to help you add retro style to your space. Hearkening back to the 1950s and 60s, mid-century modern kitchen designs incorporate crisp, contemporary features that come together to create a clean, uncluttered space with a welcoming feel.
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Appliances can be a bit of an eyesore in any kitchen, but especially in Mid-Century Modern kitchens where clean lines and simplicity are key. One way to add some expression to your kitchen design is to use bold patterns. Teak and walnut Mid-Century kitchen cabinets were wildly popular through the 1950s, and the trend has withstood the test of time. Bold colours are easily incorporated via bright, geometric shaped tile along the backsplash, or by the addition of a single colourful appliance. A vibrant accent wall is another alternative, as are brightly coloured cabinets.
Use Flat-Front Cabinets
Try as they might, other interior styles can't quite compete with the cult following of midcentury modern. Yes, cottage core and farmhouse have made proud names for themselves, but one look on your social feed and at the mood boards of designers, and you'll find that midcentury creeps in everywhere. The trend hasn't grown tired since its inception, but instead it just seems to get bigger.
White on White
When thinking about your kitchen renovation, it’s smart to consider what you hope to achieve or gain from the remodel. Are you attempting to get more seating, more storage, an open concept, or perhaps just a face lift? These various objectives all require careful planning in advance so that you can be sure you end up with the kitchen of your dreams and in the shortest time frame…since it’s quite hard to be without a kitchen for long. In March 1954, Clarence “Buck” Stahl and Carlotta May Gates drove from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and got married in a chapel. They each worked in aviation (Buck in sales, Carlotta as a receptionist), had previous marriages, and were strapping, tall, and extremely good looking—California Apollonians out of central casting.
Consider Natural Wood
White contemporary vases tie in with the iconic PH5-inspired pendant that hangs above the table. No place in the home exhibits this new chapter of midcentury-modern style better than the kitchen, where the geometry, materials, and colors of the ’50s and ’60s meet the function of today. To show you what this beautiful juxtaposition looks like, we’ve rounded up 12 midcentury-modern kitchens we love, as well as design ideas and advice for achieving the look in your own home. Working with a designer is a surefire way to help you get the best outcome and in a timely fashion. Christine Markatos Design will not only design your dream kitchen, but will handle all of the work of keeping things on track and executed properly as they oversee the process every step of the way. Her team will start with floor plans and elevations showing new cabinetry layouts and millwork details.
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Modern kitchen design is desirable, but you don’t want to make it seem not very comforting. The kitchen’s design and materials are both incredibly nice—what a magnificent creation by interior designer Kate Bendewald (KBID). Whimsical geometric forms can make function a near afterthought in this design category; think of playful vintage clocks and ornate metal chandeliers with satellite-inspired details.
Bring In An Authentic Vintage Piece or Choose An Amazing Lighting Option
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Both are great examples of the design details that go into many mid century modern fixtures. By the end of the 1960s, kitchen designs had mainly gone from streamlined to gaudy – and by the 1980s, homeowners were once again ready to enjoy the convenience and visual appeal of an efficient modern kitchen. Today, the mid-century modern kitchen is among the most coveted designs.
Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Ideas for 2023
Whereas Skinflint are a good place to source industrial lighting,' explains Georgina Cave. Mary Gordon is Vice-President at InSite Builders & Remodeling a full service design-build firm in Bethesda, Maryland, working with homeowners in the Washington, DC region. Mary is responsible for the Administrative and Marketing divisions and works closely with the President and General Manager to develop and maintain the mission, vision and culture of the company. After graduating from George Washington University, Mary began her career working at The White House. From 1984-January 1989, she served as the Assistant to First Lady Nancy Reagan’s Press Secretary.
These era-specific designs have timeless appeal without feeling too theme-y. Jennings points out the movement toward open-plan living began in the '70s, effectively removing the dividing wall between the kitchen and dining. In response to the Depression, the interwar period also saw home design lean to simple and affordable trends, as many Australians were living in interwar houses. 'The vintage Tolix chairs & stools were sourced from France, but Merchant & Found as well as Vinterior would be good places to look for similar.
In this kitchen by Main Company the aged brass backdrop combined with olive green on cabinetry has a distinct 1970s feel. From geometric patterns to colorful mosaics, there are plenty of options to explore. Consider a backsplash that extends all the way up to the ceiling for a truly bold look. Some people make it look easy, but nailing an eclectic Mid-Century vibe is actually quite a feat.
And while that means quartz wasn't really part of authentic Mid-Century design, its popularity in modern mid-century-inspired designs is unmatched. Think mint cabinetry, a bright orange range, or a teal seashell tile backsplash. You might want to go for multiple bold tones like those found in Nancy’s back to the future pool house if you’d like to create an exciting space that really wakes up the senses. If bright teals, reds, or golds aren’t for you, you’ll be glad to discover that even a little bit of colour goes a long way toward creating a pleasing focal point in your kitchen. When more women joined the workforce in the 1960s, the mid-century kitchen hit its heyday.
In this kitchen by Natalie Myers of Veneer Designs, a white countertop flecked with shades of black and green adds a funky touch to the space. Mid-century modern architecture is characterized by clean, open interiors, graphic angles, and plenty of natural light—all of which this kitchen embraces wholeheartedly. Oftentimes, designing a well-rounded space comes down to reinforcing your chosen vibe in moments big and small. While much of the architecture already leans mid-century modern, tinier details—like the retro vases, era-specific light fixtures, and classic ball clock—reinforce the vibe and tie a bow on the whole design. This basement kitchen in a guest suite nods to the past with midcentury-inspired pendant lighting. The black domed fixtures coordinate with sleek black countertops and open shelving.
Hardware can be a purely utilitarian addition to your kitchen cabinets—or it can make a statement. When designing a mid-century modern kitchen, something as simple as the right knobs can help reinforce your vibe. In this kitchen from Christa Borden of High & Tight Design, half-moon brass pulls add a mod nod throughout the retro space. At its core, mid-century modern design is all about form and functionality—with a little flare thrown in, too. Spanning much of the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, the design era fell into favor thanks to its eye-catching architectural appeal, as well as its focus on flow, entertaining, and a more modern way of living.