We restored and painted this vintage cupboard.
Midcentury kitchen in Copenhagen.

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.

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. Taura monoblock tap by Abode sits beside the prep sink on Mont Blanc worktop by Silestone. Photo: Ian Hampson

Rollingwood Remodel and Addition

Nix Group Architects

Inspiration for 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.

Flipping the U

Partners 4, Design

Gilbertson Photography
This is an example of a midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Mid Century Modern Kitchen

My Cabinet Source

Wayne Sandlin
Photo of a midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Houston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, orange splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Eclectic Kitchen Remodel

rHomes Design & Remodeling

Design ideas for a midcentury l-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Mid Century Modern

Treefrog Design

Photos By: Amy Birrer The home featured was built in 1956 in the height of the atomic age and we wanted to bring it back to its roots. The idea here is to pay homage to the 1950s without repeating them verbatim. In lieu of an aquamarine refrigerator, we used a large white AGA with modern lines and encased it in an aquamarine cabinet. We picked up the same color on the shelving on either side of the stainless Viking range. The cabinets are a framed inset construction with slab drawers and doors. The flat doors and drawers are in keeping with minimal embellishment, but using a framed inset cabinet adds interest to the space and breaks up the conformity.

Retro Inspired kitchen with pops of colour

Space Craft Joinery

Jonathon VDK
Inspiration for a midcentury u-shaped kitchen in Adelaide with light wood cabinets, laminate benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances and no island.

One-bed flat, Barbican

Neil Perry Photography

Neil Perry
Photo of a midcentury kitchen in London.

North Vancouver

SMC Interior Design Service

Design ideas for a midcentury kitchen in Vancouver.

Retro Cleveland Heights, OH Kitchen

Karlovec & Company Design Build/Remodel

Pixelate
Photo of a midcentury kitchen in Cleveland.

The Hardys: Oak Veneer & Yellow/Blue Laminated Plywood Kitchen

Wood & Wire

Wood & Wire - Oak Veneer & Yellow/Blue Laminated handleless Plywood Kitchen
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, yellow cabinets, quartzite benchtops, yellow splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors and no island.

Mid-Century Kitchen Remodel

Emilia Decor

This kitchen was a 50th birthday present to my client. After living in a cramped kitchen for more than 20 years, he decided it was time to give himself the best gift he could think of--seamless design and perfect functionality. We kept the same footprint, save for a small closet that was removed to provide some extra counter space, and we worked to visually open up the space. We removed the upper cabinets flanking the sink and replaced them with one bank of open shelving. We moved the stove to a more functional spot and added counter depth refrigerator to open up the space even more. The new kitchen was the perfect venue for a big 50th birthday bash!

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. Hand laminated curved door on the back of the leather banquette. Above perch useful locker doors for hiding board games and a media projector. Blum Aventos HF hinges hold the doors clear for easy access. Photo: Ian Hampson

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 Childe - Atkinson's Chorlton Kitchen

Wood & Wire

Design ideas for a midcentury kitchen in Manchester.

Modest Mid-Century

Chace Building Supply

Anthony Chabot, eWaveMedia
Design ideas for a small midcentury galley eat-in kitchen in Providence with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, black appliances, vinyl floors, no island and grey floor.

INO V-LAND ルシーダ

TOYO KITCHEN STYLE｜トーヨーキッチンスタイル

手前の黒いチェアは、イタリアのインテリアブランドKartellの「マスターズ」を使用。最先端のチェアと木目調のチェアをブラウンのテーブルでまとめた大人の空間。
Inspiration for a midcentury open plan kitchen in Other with a peninsula, an integrated sink, grey cabinets, stainless steel benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances and brown floor.

Conseil couleur et matériaux - Maison familiale de 3 étages à Saint-Ouen

Espaces à Rêver

Photos : Espaces à Rêver / Réalisation de la rénovation : Carole Lachot architecte D.P.L.G
Photo of a large midcentury single-wall eat-in kitchen in Paris with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, light hardwood floors and no island.

Midcentury Yellow 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!