This mid-century modern kitchen was developed with the original architectural elements of its mid-century shell at the heart of its design. Throughout the space, the kitchen’s repetition of alternating dark walnut and light wood uses in the cabinetry and framework reflect the contrast of the dark wooden beams running along the white ceiling. The playful use of two tones intentionally develops unified work zones using all modern day elements and conveniences. For instance, the 5’ galley workstation stands apart with grain-matched walnut cabinetry and stone wrap detail for a furniture-like feeling. The mid-century architecture continued to be an emphasis through design details such as a flush venting system within a drywall structure that conscientiously disappears into the ceiling affording the existing post-and-beams structures and clerestory windows to stand in the forefront. Along with celebrating the characteristic of the mid-century home the clients wanted to bring the outdoors in. We chose to emphasis the view even more by incorporating a large window centered over the galley kitchen sink. The final result produced a translucent wall that provokes a dialog between the outdoor elements and the natural color tones and materials used throughout the kitchen. While the natural light and views are visible because of the spacious windows, the contemporary kitchens clean geometric lines emphasize the newly introduced natural materials and further integrate the outdoors within the space. The clients desired to have a designated area for hot drinks such as coffee and tea. To create a station that could house all the small appliances & accessories and was easily accessible we incorporated two aluminum tambours together with integrated power lift doors. One tambour acting as the hot drink station and the other acting as an appliance garage. Overall, this minimalistic kitchen is nothing short of functionality and mid-century character. Photo Credit: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink

Bedford Place

Prideaux Design

Matt Vacca
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury galley open plan kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and grey floor.

Nordlund Kitchen--After

Distinctive Kitchens

What had been an outdated and dark space with old appliances, is now a bright, stylish and textural open-floor plan kitchen and dining space. Before the gut remodel, the spaces lacked the cool Midcentury style the homeowners craved. Distinctive Kitchens was brought in to help choose finishes--tile backsplash and floors, sink, faucet, lighting, countertops and cabinet hardware. The goal was to bring the style and flare of the Midcentury Modern aesthetic back to the home using a neutral palette and lots of texture. The adjacent dining room was also part of the design, because the rooms have such a strong relationship to each other. We consulted on furniture and lighting in that room, making sure the two light fixtures (one over the sink, the other over the dining table) didn't compete for attention. We feel the end result is fresh, clean, and texturally beautiful. Kitchen and dining room staging by Allison Scheff of Distinctive Kitchens. Photos by Wynne H Earle

Contractor's Own House: Butler's House

On The Level Remodeling Company

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped open plan kitchen in Boise with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Vada Drive

The Burke Company

This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped separate kitchen in Dallas with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, stainless steel appliances, quartz benchtops, window splashback, slate floors and black floor.

Glam/Mod Mid-Century Kitchen

Lucy Johnson Interior Design

Modern Mid-Century with waterfall counter. Dale Lang Photography GreenHome Solutions; Design, flooring & cabinets
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Delaware

RemodelUp, Inc.

Utilizing the corner to slide in a wine ref thus, creating a bar area accessible from the dining room.
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, porcelain floors and a peninsula.

Barnett Mid-Century

Blue Hot Design, LLC

Ken Dahlin / Genesis Architecture
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped kitchen in Milwaukee with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, black splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors and with island.

Franklin Hills Midcentury

Parson Architecture

Photos by Michael McNamara, Shooting LA
Mid-sized midcentury galley eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, a double-bowl sink, orange splashback and with island.

Mid-Century Modern Remodel, Seattle WA

Belltown Design LLC

Kitchen cabinets by Kerf Design, Seattle WA. A skylight adds much-needed light in a kitchen that was originally dark and closed in. Mid-Century Modern Remodel, Seattle, WA. Belltown Design. Photography by Paula McHugh

Midcentury in Midtown

C K Cabinetry and Design, LLC

Photography by Jeffrey Volker
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Spanish + Mid-century Modern

Melinamade - Residential Design + Interiors

A remodeled retro kitchen mixed with a few original architectural elements of this Spanish home. Highlights here are aqua glazed lava stone counter tops, La Cornue Black & stainless steel appliances, and family photo range portrait inside stainless steel niche insert. To know more about this makeover, please read the "Houzz Tour" feature article here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32975037/list/houzz-tour-midcentury-meets-mediterranean-in-california Bernard Andre photography

Jalmia Drive

Yoram LePair Architects

LePair Morey Studio
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Vassar

Buildwell

1,200 sq.ft. renovation of mid-century modern home in Table Mesa, Boulder. Space designed by HMH Architects. Photo by Greg Christman
Mid-sized midcentury u-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, panelled appliances and light hardwood floors.

Mid Century Modern Kitchen

HOMEpossible

The 1960's atomic ranch-style home's new kitchen features and large kitchen island, dual pull-out pantries on either side of a 48" built-in refrigerator, separate wine refrigerator, built-in coffee maker and no wall cabinets.

Canterbury

CCI Renovations

CCI Renovations/North Vancouver/Photos - Ema Peter Featured on the cover of the June/July 2012 issue of Homes and Living magazine this interpretation of mid century modern architecture wow's you from every angle. The name of the home was coined "L'Orange" from the homeowners love of the colour orange and the ingenious ways it has been integrated into the design.

New Moon Rising

Synthesis Design Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury galley eat-in kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, quartz benchtops, brick splashback, white benchtop, brown splashback, ceramic floors, no island and beige floor.

Upper East Side

Anjie Cho Architect PLLC

This project was a full-gut renovation on a Upper East Side Apartment combination.
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury single-wall separate kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, terrazzo floors, white floor and with island.

Lelean St Coastal Architecture

DE atelier Architects

DE atelier Architects.
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Melbourne with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a double-bowl sink, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, white splashback, glass sheet splashback, beige floor and white benchtop.

Lake Forest Park Renovation

FINNE Architects

The Lake Forest Park Renovation is a top-to-bottom renovation of a 50's Northwest Contemporary house located 25 miles north of Seattle. Photo: Benjamin Benschneider

Mid-sized Midcentury Kitchen Design Ideas

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to planning your kitchen design. Where do you even start? Gathering some inspiration in a photo gallery is always a good starting point, as looking at different kitchen designs often brings up ideas you haven’t even thought of yet.

Browse Photos of Kitchen Designs for Inspiration and Collect Your Ideas

You can browse through photos of all kinds of kitchen styles, layouts and sizes on Houzz to get started before jumping into any design software or contacting a local professional for help. Here’s a few considerations to keep in mind when planning your kitchen.

1. What Makes a Good Midcentury Kitchen Design, and Why is it Important?

For starters, you want to find a balance between aesthetics and function. You may have heard of the ‘kitchen work triangle’, which refers to the space between your fridge, sink and stove. You want everything within easy reach when you’re working in the kitchen and look beautiful at the same time. It’s a good idea to take note of both when browsing our photo gallery.

2. Consider Your Space to Determine Your Kitchen Layout

Firstly, consider the space you have, and the limitations that come with it. Do you have a small kitchen and need to maximise your workspace and storage? Can you allow yourself some more space and a big island with seating? Are you designing your kitchen from scratch or renovating an existing design? Which appliances do you already own and what are their measurements? Are there windows you need to take into consideration when planning cabinets? How do kitchen, living and dining areas connect? Depending on your space and needs, you want to use a shape that suits you. U, G, or L-shaped kitchen, with or without island or peninsula? Know your dimensions, plan cabinetry carefully and consider the placement of your appliances. You don’t want to end up with a finished design, only for your significant other to question where the fridge is supposed to go. Consider from the start where your fridge, oven, microwave and sink goes to save yourself from starting again from scratch - remember the kitchen work triangle! You also want to plan the layout of your cabinets. Maybe you’re planning for a pantry and can do with less storage space in your kitchen, so that your design can be one without upper or lower cabinets for a different look. A corner cabinet can be a smart storage solution if you want to keep the look clean and simple.

3. Decide on a Kitchen Style, But Don’t Forget Practicality

You want the style of your kitchen to reflect your personality and taste. We have curated a large array of kitchen styles here at Houzz, from traditional to contemporary to transitional and everything in between. Consider what your cooking style is for a start - Italy is known for its cuisine, so italian kitchen designs are generally popular. Also consider ergonomics - depending on how much time you spend in your kitchen, the height of your counters can make a big difference to your overall health. You also want to consider colour and finishes of cabinets, countertops and splashbacks. Which colour do you want your cupboards to be? Simple, timeless white or rather making a statement in black? Maybe rather a rustic wood? Also consider the colour of your floor - if you have dark floors, you may want to keep cabinets lighter. You could also go for an all-white look and choose black appliances for contrast. Once you know which style you fancy, don’t forget how you will be using the space. You want to keep cooking in mind, as well as how easy to clean and maintain the space will be. How many cooks do you need to accommodate? Do you have kids around? How much storage do you need? Maybe you want to go for open shelves rather than cabinets and allow for easy reach of key items you use when cooking. Again - remember the triangle! Lastly, choose lighting that both enhances the look of your kitchen as well as your cooking performance, providing light in all the right places.

4. Be Conscious of Your Budget

No matter what you plan for your kitchen design, cost is always a big factor. Be sure to plan with your budget in mind. It may make more sense to go for a modular kitchen design rather than custom build. You can save a lot of money if you get at least 3 estimates from professionals before locking in the job. And don’t forget to allow a 20% buffer for emergencies. Once you are ready to hire a pro, our directory will help you find one, no matter where you are. So whether you're looking for an Interior Designer in Melbourne or an Architect in Sydney, you can be sure to find a qualified expert for the job!