Photo by Caleb Vandermeer Photography
Large midcentury galley eat-in kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, porcelain floors, with island, white benchtop, grey floor and panelled appliances.

Hip Haven in Hayes Valley

Regan Baker Design Inc.

Suzanna Scott Photography
This is an example of a midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, green splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop, an undermount sink and subway tile splashback.

Palermo

Tyler Hogan Photography

Photography by Tyler J Hogan www.tylerjhogan.com
This is an example of a large midcentury eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Seattle Midcentury Addition and Remodel

H2D 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

Mid-Century Raised Ranch Remodel

The Artisans Group, Inc.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Midcentury Kitchen

Mid-sized midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in Grand Rapids with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Modern Warmth in Cherry Creek North

User

Midcentury kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Sunny Yellow Retro Kitchen

Margie 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.

Midcentury Home Addition and renovation

Donald Lococo Architects

The kitchen was designed two years ago and was then erased and redesigned when the world became a different place a year later. As everyone attempted to flatten the curve, our goal in this regard was to create a kitchen that looked forward to a sharp curve down and of a happier time To that promise for happier times, the redesign, a goal was to make the kitchen brighter and more optimistic. This was done by using simple, primary shapes and circular pendants and emphasizing them in contrast, adding a playful countenance. The selection of a dynamic grain of figured walnut also contributes as this once-living material and its sinuous grain adds motion, rhythm, and scale. Proud of their 1970s home, one challenge of the design was to balance a 1970's feel and stay current. However, many ‘70s references looked and felt outdated. The first step was a changed mindset. Just like the return of the ‘40s bath and the retro movement a few years ago, every era returns in some way. Chronologically, the '70s will soon be here. Our design looked to era-specific furniture and materials of the decade. Figured walnut was so pervasive in the era: this motif was used on car exteriors such as the 1970 Town and Country Station Wagon, which debuted the same year the existing home was built. We also looked at furniture specific to the decade. The console stereo is referenced not only by high legs on the island but also by the knurled metal cabinet knobs reminiscent of often-used stereo dials. Knurled metalwork is also used on the kitchen faucet. The design references the second piece of '70s furniture in our modern TV tray, which is angled to face the television in the family room. Its round pencil and mug holder cutouts follow the design of walnut consoles and dashboard of the station wagon and other elements of the time.

Wicker Park Kitchen & Bathroom Renovation

nFORMAL design

Teak veneer with white lacquered half-deep wall cabinets. Backsplash tile is actually 3-dimensional
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury galley separate kitchen in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, porcelain floors, no island, beige floor and white benchtop.

San Elijo - Project

ProPacific Builders, Inc.

Mid-sized midcentury u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, laminate floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

St. Phillips St.

Whack Work

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped kitchen in Austin with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, ceramic splashback, coloured appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Terrell Hills Mid Century Modern Project

Haven Design and Construction

In the kitchen, which was recently remodeled by the previous owners, we wanted to keep as many of the newer elements (that were just purchased) as possible. However, we did also want to incorporate some new MCM wood accents back into the space to tie it to the living room, dining room and breakfast areas. We added all new walnut cabinets on the refrigerator wall, which balances the new geometric wood accent wall in the breakfast area. We also incorporated new quartz countertops, new streamlined plumbing fixtures and new lighting fixtures to add modern MCM appeal. In addition, we added a geometric marble backsplash and diamond shaped cabinet hardware at the bar and on some of the kitchen drawers.

Mount Vernon

Jubilee Interiors

This full home mid-century remodel project is in an affluent community perched on the hills known for its spectacular views of Los Angeles. Our retired clients were returning to sunny Los Angeles from South Carolina. Amidst the pandemic, they embarked on a two-year-long remodel with us - a heartfelt journey to transform their residence into a personalized sanctuary. Opting for a crisp white interior, we provided the perfect canvas to showcase the couple's legacy art pieces throughout the home. Carefully curating furnishings that complemented rather than competed with their remarkable collection. It's minimalistic and inviting. We created a space where every element resonated with their story, infusing warmth and character into their newly revitalized soulful home.

Olathe MCM

Stumpff HomeWorks, LLC

Design ideas for a large midcentury single-wall eat-in kitchen in Kansas City with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, granite splashback, black appliances, slate floors, with island, black floor, white benchtop, vaulted, orange cabinets and multi-coloured splashback.

Complete Home - Mid Century

Craft Home Remodeling

This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors, no island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Fernwood Kitchen

Fox Interiors

This kitchen in a Mid-century modern home features rift-cut white oak and matte white cabinets, white quartz countertops and a marble-life subway tile backsplash. The original hardwood floors were saved to keep existing character. The new finishes palette suits their personality and the mid-century details of their home. We eliminated a storage closet and a small hallway closet to inset a pantry and refrigerator on the far wall. This allowed the small breakfast table to remain. By relocating the refrigerator from next to the range, we allowed the range to be centered in the opening for more usable counter and cabinet space on both sides. A counter-depth range hood liner doesn’t break the line of the upper cabinets for a sleeker look. Large storage drawers include features like a peg system to hold pots in place and a shallow internal pull-out shelf to separate lids from food storage containers.

SKYCROFT KITCHEN

Kate 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 eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Boho Modern Kitchen

Zimmer Design LLC

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

Zieba Builders, Inc.

Inspiration for a small midcentury galley eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, stainless steel appliances, laminate floors, with island and white benchtop.

Midcentury Kitchen with White Benchtop 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!