The Essential Guide To Mid Century Modern Kitchens
Mid century modern style emerged in the middle of the 20th century as a design movement that eschewed ornate detailing in favor of clean lines, simple shapes, and functionality. This aesthetic eventually made its way into kitchens, and thus the mid century modern kitchen was born. Today, this vintage-inspired look is back in vogue and more popular than ever. From its signature flat front cabinets to the retro flair of a SMEG refrigerator, mid century kitchens blend modern sensibilities with nostalgic charm.
If you're looking to remodel your kitchen with some atomic age appeal, read on for everything you need to know about executing this style. We'll cover the essential design elements, material choices, signature appliances, and tips for achieving the look on a budget. Take a trip back in time with us as we present the definitive guide to quintessential mid century style.
Elements That Define Mid Century Kitchens
While "mid century modern" can describe a wide range of looks, there are some specific traits that set these kitchens apart. Here are the key features that lend spaces their archetypal 1950s and 60s flair:
- Flat front cabinets with clean lines instead of elaborate moldings or trims
- Open shelving rather than upper cabinets for a sense of airiness
- Use of pastel colors like mint green, peach, sunny yellow, and robin's egg blue
- Combination of natural materials like wood, exposed brick, and concrete
- Angled walls and unique ceiling details to add visual interest
- Retro-inspired appliances and lighting fixtures as statement pieces
By embracing simple forms and a muted color palette while working in conversation-starting vintage elements, mid century kitchens strike a balance between nostalgic and fresh. The overall effect feels at once distinctly retro and effortlessly current.
Clean Lines and Minimal Detailing
One of the hallmarks of mid century style is an emphasis on unfussy, linear silhouettes. Kitchen cabinetry exemplifies this, typically sporting flat recessed panels or slab fronts in lieu of ornate moldings. The result is a sense of simplicity and minimalism. This allows the eye to focus on the materials and clean architectural shapes.
Open Shelving for Airiness
While closed upper cabinets offer abundant storage, mid century modern kitchens often opt for open shelving to maintain sightlines and a feeling of spaciousness in the cooking space. This allows for display of cookbooks, ceramics, and other curated kitchen items.
Mixing open shelves and closed base cabinetry provides a nice balance of form and function. Some spaces incorporate a few glass-front upper cabinets for more contained storage.
Common Mid Century Kitchen Materials and Finishes
In addition to the overall layout and lines, the materials you choose can make a major impact on achieving a cohesive mid century look. Here are some of the most popular options:
Flooring
Vinyl, linoleum, cork and wood plank flooring are all period-appropriate options. Concrete, brick, and stone also complement mid century kitchens beautifully. Generally you'll want to avoid wall-to-wall carpeting.
Countertops
Laminate is a budget-friendly countertop in iconic mid century prints. Butcher block evokes wholesome retro charm. Poured concrete counters feel modern but reflect the material authenticity of the era.
Cabinets
Wood tones like maple, walnut, and teak feel natural and warm. Surfaces can be stained, lacquered, or painted in period colors. Mixing high contrast shades creates visual pop. Don't be afraid to pair bold turquoise or mustard yellow bases with neutral uppers.
Hardware
Brass, copper, or chrome knobs and handles nod to the era. Cut-out and asymmetrical shapes add interest. Mixing metal finishes for eclectic contrast works wonderfully.
Backsplashes
Retro tile patterns like geometrics, dots, and diamonds infuse whimsical flair behind sinks and stoves. Subway tile offers budget friendly simplicity. Accent tiles in glossy colors make any wall peppy and fun.
Signature Mid Century Kitchen Appliances and Elements
Beyond the foundation of cabinetry, counters, and color schemes, the appliances and decor you select can really cement the mid century kitchen aesthetic. Here are some key elements to look for:
Statement Range Hoods
Sculptural range vents inserted into angled soffits create visual drama and strong architectural lines. Stainless steel or enameled metal finishes feel futuristic.
Retro Refrigeration
Few appliances scream mid century chic like a SMEG refrigerator in candy-hued enamel or classic black. For more affordable options, brands like Big Chill offer retro fridges at lower price points.
Pendant Lights
Whether you opt for globe or cone shapes, sculptural or spun metal designs, or colorful molded fixtures, pendant lights lend character. Groupings at varying heights add playful punches of style.
Unexpected Accents
A wall-mounted rotary phone, decorative wall clocks, and brightly colored bar carts or kitchen islands infuse retro personality.
Achieving Mid Century Style on a Budget
For those without a Fortune 500 decorating budget, take heart. There are plenty of ways to infuse mid century charm without breaking the bank. Some smart strategies include:
Paint Existing Cabinets
A fresh coat of semigloss enamel or latex paint in muted mid century hues helps cabinets blend in without needing to replace them. Focus on flat recessed profiles and updated hardware for a budget boost.
Opt for Open Shelving
Skipping upper cabinets entirely eliminates a major cost. Opt for a few base cabinets paired with open shelves on top to emulate the look of wall units. Add closed storage elsewhere like the pantry, island, or butler's kitchen.
Use Alternative Backsplashes
While ceramic tile offers a retro look, peel-and-stick contact paper rolls and removable wallpaper sheets let you achieve the geometric design you want at a fraction of the price and commitment.
Splurge on Statement Pieces
Spend your budget strategically on one or two eye-catching appliances or lighting fixtures to anchor the space. Then use more budget conscious options for necessities like cabinetry and flooring.
Embrace Concrete and Brick
Concrete and exposed brick embody mid century authenticity. Using these original finishes or concrete look porcelain tiles helps cement the aesthetic. Be sure to seal properly for kitchen use.
Blending Vintage and Modern Elements
The most compelling and livable mid century kitchens find balance between Atomic Age inspiration and contemporary function. These spaces blend the best of both eras for an updated but still nostalgic feel. Some effective ways to marry retro and modern include:
Pairing Traditional Shapes with Modern Finishes
Using flat recessed panel doors reminiscent of mid century style but with sleek modern laminate finishes helps kitchens feel current but still guided by retro form.
Contrasting Old and New Appliances
A retro refrigerator or stove combined with modern minimalist fixtures and linear hardware creates an eclectic tension. Mix stainless, chrome and enameled colors.
Using Vintage Patterns Sparingly
While atomic starbursts or checkerboard floors might be design overkill, small hits of retro patterns on tile backsplashes or accent walls lend fun flair. Keep surrounding finishes quiet.
Blending Warm and Cool Materials
The warmth of wood cabinets, island counters, or open shelving contrasts beautifully with sleek stainless steel, concrete, or soapstone. Mixing natural and industrial mediums heightens visual interest.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design
While mid century style conjures images of the atomic age and space-age plastics, today's mid century kitchens can take a greener approach. Some eco-conscious strategies include:
Using Reclaimed Wood
Salvaged barn beams, factory flooring, or deconstructed building materials make rustic and sustainable cabinetry or open shelving. Source locally if possible.
Opting for Energy Efficient Appliances
While eye-catching colors and retro styling draw the eye, choosing appliances with high energy star ratings ensures your kitchen functions efficiently behind the scenes.
Incorporating Eco-Friendly Countertops
Concrete counters made with recycled content or paper composite surfaces like Richlite and PaperStone offer green options that still deliver on mid century appeal.
Reducing Waste
Use reusable kitchen textiles instead of paper towels. Swap disposable wrap and bags for Bee's Wrap and reusable storage. Compost food scraps to complete the cycle.
Layout and Floor Plan Inspiration
When it comes to configuring your mid century kitchen remodel, think beyond the conventional. Here are some layout ideas that can help optimize both aesthetics and functionality:
Banquette Seating Nooks
Tucked benches with retro tablecloth-clad tables create cozy breakfast corners and add seating without eating into floorspace.
Angled Layouts
Placing cabinets, walls, and counters at dynamic non-90-degree angles adds movement and character while breaking up boxiness.
Functional Zones
Group appliances, sinks, and counters into workflow stations. Separate messy prep areas from clean-up spots.
Indoor Growing Stations
Open shelving fitted with LED growth lights accommodates herb gardens or sprouting stations for ultra-fresh garnishes.
Defined Dining Areas
A round pedestal table or retro dinette set curated with bright chairs fosters communal gatherings for casual family meals.
Real World Mid Century Kitchen Inspiration
Looking for more specific examples and tips for infusing your own kitchen with atomic appeal? Here are some go-to resources to get your creative juices flowing:
Remodeling Roundups
Media sites like Apartment Therapy, Dwell, and Homedit offer photo collections and tours of real world mid century kitchen projects completed on a range of budgets.
Bloggers and Influencers
Follow interior designers, visual stylists, and decor bloggers who share their authentic renovations and curated mood boards full of inspiring ideas.
Major brands like Ikea, Lowe's, and Home Depot showcase stylized vignettes and room scenes applying mid century design principles to affordable everyday products.
By taking cues from these and other existing kitchens, you can pick and choose elements that work best for your personal space and lifestyle. The final result will be a comfortable, functional home uniquely infused with playful mid century charm.