Because of the 2 windows and a door, we couldn’t put cabinets there without it looking weird. The homeowners needed storage but didn’t want to lose light, so we came up with this open shelving plan. Also, adding historic elements like the antique gold lights over the windows and the subway tile paid just the right homage to the home.

San Rafael Eichler

Knocknock

Straight view of the stove Photo by Olga Soboleva
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury single-wall open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, painted wood floors, a peninsula, grey floor and white benchtop.

Baker Vintage Kitchen Remodel

TVL Creative Ltd.

Our wonderful Baker clients were ready to remodel the kitchen in their c.1900 home shortly after moving in. They were looking to undo the 90s remodel that existed, and make the kitchen feel like it belonged in their historic home. We were able to design a balance that incorporated the vintage charm of their home and the modern pops that really give the kitchen its personality. We started by removing the mirrored wall that had separated their kitchen from the breakfast area. This allowed us the opportunity to open up their space dramatically and create a cohesive design that brings the two rooms together. To further our goal of making their kitchen appear more open we removed the wall cabinets along their exterior wall and replaced them with open shelves. We then incorporated a pantry cabinet into their refrigerator wall to balance out their storage needs. This new layout also provided us with the space to include a peninsula with counter seating so that guests can keep the cook company. We struck a fun balance of materials starting with the black & white hexagon tile on the floor to give us a pop of pattern. We then layered on simple grey shaker cabinets and used a butcher block counter top to add warmth to their kitchen. We kept the backsplash clean by utilizing an elongated white subway tile, and painted the walls a rich blue to add a touch of sophistication to the space.

55 Gem

Shields Residential Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury galley open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, concrete floors and a peninsula.

Mid-Century Home Kitchen And Dining

White Crane Construction

This stunning mid-century whole house remodel focuses on integrating great new fixtures, finishes and materials, while preserving the integrity of the original architectural aesthetic. This atomic age gem has many original architectural features like a custom copper fireplace hood, 12' stacking wood doors, and original woodwork that mesh seamlessly with the new design elements. Included in the project are an owners' suite with new master bath, a new kitchen, and completely remodeled main and lower levels. Photos: Jill Greer

Los Feliz Residence

Dutton Architects Inc.

A modern mid-century house in the Los Feliz neighborhood of the Hollywood Hills, this was an extensive renovation. The house was brought down to its studs, new foundations poured, and many walls and rooms relocated and resized. The aim was to improve the flow through the house, to make if feel more open and light, and connected to the outside, both literally through a new stair leading to exterior sliding doors, and through new windows along the back that open up to canyon views. photos by Undine Prohl

A Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Kitchen

RJK Construction Inc

This craftsman kitchen borrows natural elements from architect and design icon, Frank Lloyd Wright. A slate backsplash, soapstone counters, and wood cabinetry is a perfect throwback to midcentury design. What ties this kitchen to present day design are elements such as stainless steel appliances and smart and hidden storage. This kitchen takes advantage of every nook and cranny to provide extra storage for pantry items and cookware.

Mid Century Style Kitchen Remodel

Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins, Inc.

Mike Kaskel
Design ideas for a large midcentury u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, green splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, an undermount sink, quartz benchtops and ceramic splashback.

South Land Park

WOOL Design Studio

Walnut cabinets, soapstone countertops, built-in oven hood with floating shelves.
Photo of a midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sacramento with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, soapstone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and a peninsula.

Mid-Century Modern Condo in Historic Capitol Hill

Finesse Design Remodeling

A two-bed, two-bath condo located in the Historic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC was reimagined with the clean lined sensibilities and celebration of beautiful materials found in Mid-Century Modern designs. A soothing gray-green color palette sets the backdrop for cherry cabinetry and white oak floors. Specialty lighting, handmade tile, and a slate clad corner fireplace further elevate the space. A new Trex deck with cable railing system connects the home to the outdoors.

Lexington Designed by CJ Lowenthal

Gilmans Kitchens and Baths

Photography by Treve Johnson Photography
This is an example of a midcentury galley kitchen in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, a double-bowl sink, medium wood cabinets, a peninsula and grey benchtop.

Midcentury Beach House

Stratos Form

Photography by Aidin Mariscal
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, grey floor and white benchtop.

Union Street Kitchen

Armitage Interiors - Home Design & Renovation

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped separate kitchen in Philadelphia with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, wood benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, white appliances, vinyl floors, a peninsula, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Post Modern Bungalo

REDinterior

This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury galley separate kitchen in San Diego with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, terrazzo floors, a peninsula, multi-coloured floor and white benchtop.

Mid Century Modern Kitchen Renovation

kellydesigns

renovated kitchen , open walls, added penisula, access to DR, beautiful colorful mid century tiles from Sonoma tile
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula and white benchtop.

Mid-Century Modern Ranch

Laura Medicus Interiors

This Denver ranch house was a traditional, 8’ ceiling ranch home when I first met my clients. With the help of an architect and a builder with an eye for detail, we completely transformed it into a Mid-Century Modern fantasy. Photos by sara yoder

Kitchen in white

Six Cents Media

recently updated kitchen in white with great back splash.
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped separate kitchen in Charlotte with white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, white benchtop, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, multi-coloured splashback and a peninsula.

West Hills Modern

The Works

Lincoln Barbour
Photo of a midcentury kitchen in Portland with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula and grey benchtop.

Birch Plywood and Laminate Kitchen in 1930's Remodelled House

Birkwood

David Brown Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, light wood cabinets, wood benchtops, green splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, flat-panel cabinets, a peninsula, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Baker Vintage Kitchen Remodel

TVL Creative Ltd.

Midcentury Kitchen with a Peninsula 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!