Welcome to the Mid Century Modern Kitchen [Design Interior Guide] (2024)

Function + Style

Form w/ Function

In crafting a mid-century modern kitchen, the mantra of ‘form follows function’ guides every design decision. This often results in open-plan spaces, flush construction, and uncomplicated, geometric forms. Cabinetry is typically sleek, without ornate details, often featuring flat-panel doors with simple hardware or no hardware at all.

The Materials

Mid-century modern kitchens employ a range of materials such as wood, metal, and glass, with a particular emphasis on showcasing their natural beauty. The rich grain of teak, walnut, or rosewood is celebrated through careful craftsmanship. Countertops in this style opt for sleek and non-fussy materials, like Formica or polished concrete, that offer a clean and uncluttered look.

Colors

While the color palette of mid-century design is expansive, it’s known for its expertly balanced mix of neutral tones and bursts of color. Subdued hues might dominate the space, with pops of deep oranges, vibrant yellows, or tranquil blues creating visual focal points. Backsplashes or countertop accessories can provide these splashes of color against a more understated background.

Appliances

Keeping with the mid-century modern theme, appliances often have a retro design but are equipped with the latest technology. Iconic features like rounded edges and analog knobs paired with contemporary performance standards are a hallmark of this style. Integrated appliances that meld into the cabinetry contribute to the clean, unbroken lines cherished in mid-century modern design.

Chairs

The mid-century mod kitchen often incorporates seating that is not only comfortable but also sculptural in form. Iconic chairs, such as the Eames Eiffel or the Saarinen Tulip, make a statement around a sleek dining table, serving as functional art. These pieces are a nod to the pioneering designers of the era who saw household items as an opportunity for beauty and innovation.

Lighting

Lighting fixtures in the mid-century modern kitchen are more than mere utilities—they reflect the design trend’s love for unique, statement-making shapes. Sputnik chandeliers or pendants with globular or geometric shades, often in metals or colorful glass, hang above dining areas or kitchen islands as shining examples of the period’s groundbreaking design philosophy.

Windows and Walls

Oversized windows and sliding glass doors are significant elements, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor spaces and flooding the kitchen with natural light. Wall decor stays true to the mid-century ethos, with abstract artwork or prints of notable period designs complementing the room’s aesthetic.

Flooring

Ground the mid-century modern kitchen with flooring that echoes the clean, simple lines of the design. Polished concrete, terrazzo, or vinyl tiles arranged in patterns or plain bold colors provide a base that reflects the era’s unpretentious elegance.

Storage

Open shelving or neatly arranged upper cabinets keep items accessible and contribute to the airy, open feel of a mid-century modern kitchen. Glass-fronted doors or small, clever storage solutions maintain cleanliness and order, ensuring that every object has its place.

Transition and Continuity

The mid-century modern kitchen is a warm heart to the home that pays homage to the past with its eyes on the future. It’s a place where each meal is a celebration of simplicity and where the space itself is interactive artwork.

Personal Touches for Mid Century Modern Style

To give a space its soul, personal mementos that reflect a love for mid-century design should find their home within the kitchen. A vintage clock, a classic radio, or a collection of mid-century ceramics are perfect inclusions to add a touch of individuality to the kitchen.

Transitioning to a mid-century modern aesthetic doesn’t necessarily require a full kitchen remodel. For example, maybe you already have a kitchen that follows the design philosophy for a Scandinavian or transitional kitchen, it’s possible to make subtle yet impactful changes. Simple swaps like replacing chairs with mid-century models, such as the Eames or Saarinen chairs, or introducing a vintage-inspired Sputnik chandelier can instantly evoke the era’s vibe. Updating hardware on cabinets with sleek, understated designs or adding a pop of color with a vibrant backsplash can infuse mid-century modern charm. Such strategic updates allow for a seamless blend of styles, imbuing your kitchen with mid-century flair while preserving your home’s existing character.

Other common elements found in a Mid Century Modern kitchen included, but are not limited to; Floating shelves offer a clean and spacious vista while serving as display space for mid-century dinnerware. Bar stools at a kitchen island, with organic curves and tapered legs, hark back to the design era’s affinity for form meeting function. Minimalist drawer pulls and cabinet handles, often in brass or brushed metal, exemplify the period’s sleek look. Even small appliances, like toasters or mixers, can contribute to the ambiance with their vintage lines and modern capabilities. Among the most iconic elements is the boomerang or kidney-shaped form, which may influence the kitchen’s table design, countertop edging, or even pattern choices for the floor or walls.

Incorporating a few of these timeless designs can effortlessly transport your space to the celebrated mid-century modern era.