For this mid-century modern kitchen our team came up with a design plan that gave the space a completely new look. We went with grey and white tones to balance with the existing wood flooring and wood vaulted ceiling. Flush panel cabinets with linear hardware provided a clean look, while the handmade yellow subway tile backsplash brought warmth to the space without adding another wood feature. Replacing the swinging exterior door with a sliding door made for better circulation, perfect for when the client entertains. We replaced the skylight and the windows in the eat-in area and also repainted the windows and casing in the kitchen to match the new windows. The final look seamlessly blends with the mid-century modern style in the rest of the home, and and now these homeowners can really enjoy the view!

Applewood Atomic Kitchen

TVL Creative Ltd.

When a client tells us they’re a mid-century collector and long for a kitchen design unlike any other we are only too happy to oblige. This kitchen is saturated in mid-century charm and its custom features make it difficult to pin-point our favorite aspect! Cabinetry We had the pleasure of partnering with one of our favorite Denver cabinet shops to make our walnut dreams come true! We were able to include a multitude of custom features in this kitchen including frosted glass doors in the island, open cubbies, a hidden cutting board, and great interior cabinet storage. But what really catapults these kitchen cabinets to the next level is the eye-popping angled wall cabinets with sliding doors, a true throwback to the magic of the mid-century kitchen. Streamline brushed brass cabinetry pulls provided the perfect lux accent against the handsome walnut finish of the slab cabinetry doors. Tile Amidst all the warm clean lines of this mid-century kitchen we wanted to add a splash of color and pattern, and a funky backsplash tile did the trick! We utilized a handmade yellow picket tile with a high variation to give us a bit of depth; and incorporated randomly placed white accent tiles for added interest and to compliment the white sliding doors of the angled cabinets, helping to bring all the materials together. Counter We utilized a quartz along the counter tops that merged lighter tones with the warm tones of the cabinetry. The custom integrated drain board (in a starburst pattern of course) means they won’t have to clutter their island with a large drying rack. As an added bonus, the cooktop is recessed into the counter, to create an installation flush with the counter surface. Stair Rail Not wanting to miss an opportunity to add a touch of geometric fun to this home, we designed a custom steel handrail. The zig-zag design plays well with the angles of the picket tiles and the black finish ties in beautifully with the black metal accents in the kitchen. Lighting We removed the original florescent light box from this kitchen and replaced it with clean recessed lights with accents of recessed undercabinet lighting and a terrifically vintage fixture over the island that pulls together the black and brushed brass metal finishes throughout the space. This kitchen has transformed into a strikingly unique space creating the perfect home for our client’s mid-century treasures.

The Fisher House

FISHER ARCHitecture

Eric Fisher
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, concrete benchtops, yellow splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances and light hardwood floors.

The 1940's Period-Style House

Wren & Willow, Inc.

One of the most striking features of the home is the kitchen. From the original period-style wallpaper to the linoleum floors, every detail was intended to transport visitors to the the post-war era. The kitchen, including appliances, electrical outlets, and plumbing, is entirely up to code, but that is the only thing that is modern about this kitchen. Photos by Aleksandr Akinshev

Rollingwood Remodel and Addition

Nix Group Architects

Raising the kitchen ceiling from 8ft to 11 1/2ft and adding clerestory windows resulted in a very dramatic new kitchen space for the owners.
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury galley kitchen pantry with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, yellow splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances and ceramic floors.

A Splash of Yellow

Next Stage Design + Build

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, yellow splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and timber.

A Gorgeous Midcentury IKEA kitchen

INSPIRED KITCHEN DESIGN

Light and bright, updated mid-century feel, maximum storage. The result : A gorgeous mid century IKEA kitchen
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, yellow splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

Woodhurst

Rocky Mountain Design Ltd.

A corner base with rotating shelves makes fining the right cooking vessel easy.
Inspiration for a midcentury kitchen in Vancouver with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, yellow splashback, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

Sunny Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

Fireclay Tile

A sunny Mid-Century Modern kitchen featuring our 2x4 Tile in Daffodil, in a Straight Set pattern. Design: Rick and Cindy Black Architects Image: Whit Preston Photography

Mukwonago Rental Property Remodel

Callen Construction, Inc.

This kitchen received a complete remodel. Now there is room to entertain family and friends, along with plenty of counter space to cook.
Inspiration for a large midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in Milwaukee with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, yellow splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and white benchtop.

Mid Century Modern

Atelier Drome Architecture

Functionality is important for any room and for a kitchen, counterspace and built in storage are crucial.
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, yellow splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, stainless steel appliances, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz benchtops and stone slab splashback.

Abacus Midcentury Modern Kitchen

ABACUS CABINETRY INC

Fridge and pantry wall in vertical grain sapelle mahogany, the corner functions as an appiance garage concealing the microwave with a stainless tambour door

3 Palms - Midcentury Modern Design With Open Concept Floor Plan

Real Estate Judge

Midcentury Modern Open Concept
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, yellow splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors and a peninsula.

Applewood Atomic Kitchen

TVL Creative Ltd.

Entire Home Renovation

Rare Greatness, LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Charlotte with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, yellow splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, no island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Mid-Century Mountain Home

Bauer Clifton Interiors

BAUER/CLIFTON INTERIORS
This is an example of a small midcentury galley open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, yellow splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, bamboo floors and a peninsula.

Allaseba Residence

Hsu McCullough

Kitchen with wood countertop island and waterfall peninsula countertop in Caesarstone beyond. Pops of color in the cabinetry back and furniture with several views with sliding door access to layers of the back yard with raised deck. Photo by Clark Dugger

Minimalistic Mid-Century Kitchen

Lenton Company, Inc.

By removing a dividing wall and relocating the refrigerator, it provided additional storage and prep area.
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, yellow splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

The 1940's Period-Style House

Wren & Willow, Inc.

A regular feature of a 1940's kitchen is the walk-in pantry. Wall-to-ceiling tile, a stainless-steel countertop, and a retro-style dishwasher from Big Chill, accented by a Kit Cat Clock, vintage produce scale, and pantry larder give this pantry the look and feel of an Art Deco pantry while giving more versatility to the kitchen. Photos by Aleksandr Akinshev

Lesmount - Kitchen

Robyn Huether Architect Inc.

The new kitchen/dining room space. Bringing in more light and providing an enjoyable space to cook and entertain.
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, yellow splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and an undermount sink.

Midcentury Kitchen with Yellow Splashback 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!