Sarah Phipps Design
Midcentury modern-inspired kitchens are classic for a reason.
Adding some midcentury whimsy to your cooking space doesn’t have to feel kitschyunless that is your thing.
These midcentury modern kitchen ideas will help show you how to incorporate this enduring style into your own space.
Sarah Phipps Design
What is a midcentury modern kitchen?
The deep teal color on the lower cabinets is a smart choice for adhering to amidcentury modern palette.
What really ties the space together is the Saarinen-style tulip table and dining chairs with tapered legs.
Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography
A BlueStar range adds a touch of modern luxury.
The addition of slightly darker wooden chairs makes it all the more interesting.
Back then, guests were seated in the sitting room while the hosts prepared the meal behind closed doors.
Design byAshby CollectiveandFurman + Keil Architects/ Photo by Clay Grier
Today’s midcentury modern-inspired kitchens often feature open-plan layouts that correspond to current lifestyles.
The Formica countertop, a midcentury staple, has a sturdy aluminum edge that prevents chipping and scratching.
But it feels current thanks to the high contrast palette of black and white and shiny mixed metal finishes.
@nudeandthenovice/ Instagram
Black walls and cupboards as well as the light wooden waterfall countertop lean more modern.
Simple finishes like white walls, flooring, and backsplash tiles allow the wood to shine.
A Danish modern pendant light over the streamlined breakfast nook completes the period feel.
BlueStarxVetter Architects/ Photo byRyan Hainey
Update the Color Palette
Though this kitchen feels midcentury modern, its palette leans flat out modern.
Bar seating was added to create a more contemporary feel.
Whether that means a Sputnik chandelier or modern, simple pendant lights is up to you.
Brophy Interiors
Accent with black cabinet pulls to keep the color from overwhelming.
In the case of this kitchen, decorative glass paneled windows reminiscent of the era add a distinctive touch.
A pair of brass and white globe pendant lights give this modern kitchen some vintage flair.
Jenn Pablo Studio
bring up the Walls
Design byCathie Hong Interiors/Christy Q.
The walls were opened up to accommodate a large kitchen island with seating and room for an XXL refrigerator.
Black accents throughout the space add sharpness and make it feel current.
Michelle Boudreau Design
Pale gray cabinets, tiling, and stainless steel appliances give the space a contemporary feel.
Custom oak cabinetry with clean lines and leather pulls adds warmth to white walls and countertops.
What is the best wood for midcentury modern kitchens?
Ekaterina Rabcanuk / EyeEm / Getty Images
The types of wood used in midcentury modern kitchens in the last century varied depending on taste and region.
They include darker woods such as teak of American black walnut and lighter woods such as oak and beechwood.
What colors are midcentury modern?
Design byCathie Hong Interiors/Margaret Austin Photo
Popular midcentury modern color palettes range from soft neutrals to earth tones and vibrant, poppy shades.
John Edward Linden / Getty Images
Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography
Fantastic Frank
Design bySarah Sherman Samuel/ Photo by Trevor Tondro and Tessa Neustadt
Retro Renovation
Design bySarah Sherman Samuel/ Photo by Nicole Franzen
Blazenka Babic / Getty Images
Design byLiving With Lolo/ Photo byLife Created
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
Brophy Interiors
@nudeandthenovice/ Instagram
Design byHub of the House Studio/Meghan bob Photography
Michelle Boudreau Design
Michelle Boudreau Design
Erin Williamson Design
Michelle Boudreau Design
Design byCathie Hong Interiors/Margaret Austin Photo
Jessica Nelson Interior Design
@nudeandthenovice/ Instagram
Noelle Ryan Interiors
Tyler Karu
Cathie Hong Boutique Interior Design Firm
Design byCathie Hong Interiors/Margaret Austin Photo
Erin Williamson Design
Design byCathie Hong Interiors/Christy Q. Photo
Design byJoshua Smith Inc./ Photo by Lance Gerber
Forge & Bow Dwellings/ Dan Lopez Paniagua of Arris Photography
Design byHub of the House Studio/Jim Bartsch Photographer
Design byLiving With Lolo/ Photo byLife Created
Mary Patton Design
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