Midcentury modern design is making a major comeback in home decor, and this week’s featured kitchen is a perfect example of how to channel that retro-chic style. With rich walnut cabinets, brushed brass hardware, and an eclectic mix of materials, this space has tons of character while still feeling fresh and current. Read on for an in-depth look at what makes this kitchen of the week such a stunner!
Overview of the Midcentury Kitchen Design
The standout feature of this midcentury modern dream kitchen is definitely the walnut cabinets. They have a gorgeous, organic look and warmth that contrasts beautifully with the sleek countertops and backsplash. The cabinets feature minimalist flat-front doors and drawers with straight cabinet pulls in a brushed brass finish.
Walnut was a very popular choice for midcentury kitchen, family room, and living room cabinetry. It has a very rich tone but still looks light and airy. The vertical wood grain provides lovely visual texture. While walnut cabinets were often paired with other midcentury materials like stone, brick, or colorblocking, this kitchen uses them in a more pared-back and timeless way.
Beyond the knockout cabinets, other details that nod to midcentury style include:
- Open shelving instead of upper cabinets
- Quirky globe pendant lights over the waterfall island
- An eclectic mix of materials and textures like wood, marble, metal, and brick
- Clean lines and very few ornate elements or detailing
At the same time, the kitchen doesn’t feel overwhelmingly retro. Modern touches like the marble subway backsplash, industrial metal stools, and state-of-the-art appliances keep the space feeling current. This is midcentury style adapted for contemporary living.
Walkthrough of the Kitchen Layout and Features
This kitchen is part of an open concept great room in a modern farmhouse-style home. It includes all the features you would expect in a luxury kitchen along with some special midcentury-inspired twists.
The major aspects of the layout include:
- A large waterfall island that provides tons of counter space and seating
- Perimeter walnut cabinets for storage and surfaces
- High-end stainless steel appliances including a range, refrigerator, and wall oven
- A generous walk-in pantry concealed behind paneled walnut doors
- An eat-in dining area situated in a sunny bump-out with extra windows
Island
The enormous island is topped with marble for a timeless yet opulent look. It has a waterfall edge on one side that shows off the beautiful veining in the marble. The size and open design of the island make it perfect for casual meals and entertaining.
For seating, there are three midcentury-style barstools on the outer side of the island. The stools have industrial metal legs, wood seats, and low backs with rounded corners. Three pendant globe lights hang over the island to provide task lighting for the prep surface and dining area.
Perimeter Cabinetry
The back wall of the kitchen features stunning full-height walnut cabinets. They have a midcentury aesthetic but plenty of storage capacity with their tall design. The bottom cabinets have integrated end panels that give the kitchen a built-in look.
On the backsplash, marble subway tile adds texture and ties in with the island countertop. The light gray grout matches the undertones of the marble and prevents the backsplash from looking too busy.
The length of the back wall offers ample room for important kitchen appliances. There’s an industrial style range hood mounted over a pro-style gas range. Beside that sits a built-in refrigerator flanked by more walnut cabinetry. The wall oven is tucked next to the fridge.
Walk-In Pantry
No luxury kitchen is complete without massive amounts of storage, and this one delivers. Concealed behind two floor-to-ceiling walnut doors with circular windows is an airy walk-in pantry. The pantry provides storage for overflow cookware, small appliances, dry goods, and anything else that doesn’t fit in the main cabinets.
The see-through cutouts in the pantry doors add visual interest and allow light to filter into the pantry space. The circular motif connects to the hanging pendant lights, creating another subtle midcentury detail.
Dining Area
An expansive dining area provides even more space for cooking, casual meals, and entertaining. It sits in a bump-out extension with extra windows to flood the space with natural light. The dining table is also crafted from beautiful walnut wood to coordinate with the kitchen cabinets.
Eight blue molded plastic Eames-style dining chairs surround the table and add a shot of color. Cushions on the chairs incorporate patterns with hints of blues and neutrals that tie the entire palette together.
The dining nook has an open sightline to the living room, though the spaces are subtly separated by two white brick columns. Above, geometric wood beams add visual interest to the vaulted ceiling.
Finishing Touches
Several other fun details round out the midcentury modern charm of this kitchen. The globe pendant lights were already mentioned, but there are also:
- Cutouts in the upper cabinets backlit with LED lights
- Vintage-look ceramic knobs on the rangehood and drawers
- A bulletin board area for notes, photos, and memories
- Quirky yet functional elements like the angled open shelving near the wall oven
Altogether, these flourishes give the kitchen loads of personality and panache. Form and function blend seamlessly thanks to thoughtful planning and execution.
The Inspiration Behind a Midcentury Modern Kitchen
Midcentury modern style represents a specific time period and set of aesthetic ideals. To understand what inspired this trendy retro look, let’s delve into the history and influences behind it.
Midcentury Modernism of the 1940s-1960s
The midcentury modern aesthetic emerged in the years following World War II. It was a reaction against the overly ornate styles popular in previous eras like Art Deco and Victorian. Midcentury design represented an interest in clean lines, functionality, and bringing innovative materials and production methods into fashionable spaces.
The style really came into its own in the 1950s and 60s. Homes were designed to focus on open-concept spaces for family living and entertaining. Kitchens transitioned from closed-off utilitarian rooms to stylish gathering places worthy of showing off. Materials like plastic laminate, vinyl, plywood, and asbestos tile were considered futuristic and modern.
You’ll notice many midcentury kitchens have:
- Vibrant colors like turquoise, yellow, and even pink
- Funky patterns on floors, walls, and decor
- Distinctive lighting fixtures like starbursts, globes, and sputnik chandeliers
- Unique architectural details like sunken or raised areas
- A blend of manufactured materials popular at the time
Beyond aesthetics, midcentury modern kitchens were designed for efficiency. The postwar economic boom meant more families could afford modern conveniences and wanted their spaces to function smoothly. Open layouts, easy clean materials, and the latest innovations helped kitchens better support home life.
Influences from Frank Lloyd Wright to Eero Saarinen
Several notable architects made significant contributions to midcentury style. Frank Lloyd Wright was an early pioneer who helped set the stage for cleaner, more streamlined design. Many consider his Robie House completed in 1908 an important precursor to the movement.
Others who shaped midcentury modernism include George Nelson, Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, and Eero Saarinen. Their well-designed furniture pieces like the Eames chair or Tulip table are now icons of the style. Architect Richard Neutra brought the aesthetic to Southern California homes with his airy, indoor-outdoor designs.
These thought leaders introduced new ways of thinking about space, form, materials, and the role of a home in modern family life. Many midcentury kitchens integrated these concepts through open plans, new technology and materials, and a focus on ergonomic work triangles for cooking.
The Influence of Danish and Scandinavian Design
Scandinavian design from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway also informed midcentury modernism. Postwar Europe dealt with limited resources and a need for affordable, mass-produced housing. Scandinavian architects and designers rose to the challenge by emphasizing functionality, practicality, and stripping away unnecessary adornments.
Their sensibilities aligned well with midcentury ideals. Scandinavian influences like light woods, accent colors, brisk lines and minimal ornamentation filtered into kitchen design. Icons like Arne Jacobsen and Danish Modern furniture helped make this clean, lively look popular worldwide.
Bringing these diverse influences together resulted in the cheerfully stylish, efficient, and family-focused kitchens that defined an era. While tastes have changed, midcentury kitchens still represent forward-thinking design that celebrates warmth, craftsmanship, and community.
Benefits of a Midcentury Modern Kitchen Today
If midcentury style occurs decades ago, why is it resurging in popularity now? What inspires people to model contemporary kitchens after this retro look? As it turns out, midcentury design aligns well with modern lifestyles and values in several meaningful ways.
Vintage Appeal with Modern Function
Today, the vintage vibe of midcentury kitchens reads as playful and charming. Design lovers appreciate the atomic starbursts, funky patterns, and bright colors associated with the 1950s and 60s. These retro touches feel fun, cheerful, and bring a smile compared to starker modern aesthetics.
At the same time, midcentury kitchens focused on open plans and efficient work triangles that still feel relevant. By blending vintage character with smarter layouts, midcentury style brings whimsy to highly functional spaces. We gain the benefits of modern open kitchens with extra heart and personality.
Warmth and Craftsmanship
Another reason midcentury kitchens appeal today is their focus on natural materials and crafted details you don’t always find in contemporary spaces. Wood cabinetry, marble counters, and brick backsplashes provide organic textures. Custom ceramics, lighting, tilework, and hardware reflect the mark of an artisan.
Sleek modern conveniences are great, but many homeowners crave spaces with more life, natural patina, and a connection to handmade objects. A midcentury-inspired kitchen achieves both. Technology blends with craft for the perfect balance of innovation and human touch.
Community and Familiarity
At their hearts, midcentury kitchens were about bringing families and friends together in stylish yet informal spaces. Today, many homeowners want to recapture that same community connection. Open kitchens remain popular since they promote togetherness during cooking and casual dining.
The familiar, almost nostalgic feel of midcentury design also contributes to its warm, welcoming vibe. The look summons happy memories of grandparents’ retro kitchens or favorite appliances from childhood. Familiar shapes and materials mean guests intuitively know how to comfortably use the space.
In an increasingly high-tech world, the community focus and familiarity of midcentury kitchens satisfies our human need for meaningful connection. We long for the types of homes where lasting memories are made and traditions pass between generations.
Key Elements to Incorporate for a Cohesive Look
If you’re dreaming of a midcentury modern kitchen like the featured one, there are several design moves that will help you nail the aesthetic. Keep these elements in mind as you put together your own tasteful, livable midcentury space:
Materials Matter
- Wood cabinetry, especially in warm stains like walnut or teak
- Marble, granite, or concrete for countertops and backsplashes
- Stainless steel, glass, or laminate for appliances and surfaces
- Brick, stone, or wood accent walls or structural features
- Vinyl or linoleum flooring with fun retro patterns
Focus on Lines
- Clean, straight lines in cabinetry profiles and hardware
- Horizontal features like floating shelves or tile patterns
- Vertical elements like tall cabinets or exposed ventilation
- Simple framing around mirrors, artwork, and decor
Include Retro Touches
- Globe or globe-inspired lighting fixtures
- Atomic starburst patterns and motifs
- Vintage-look appliance knobs and pulls
- Throwback accessories like canisters, cookbooks, and tableware
- Nod to history with a classic oven like an AGA or retro SMEG fridge
Don’t Forget Midcentury Furniture
- An iconic table like a teak Tulip table
- Molded plastic or fiberglass chair like Eames styles
- Bar carts, hutches, or sideboards with clean lines
- Some key anchor pieces will reinforce the aesthetic
With these design tips in mind, you can achieve a seamlessly stylish midcentury modern kitchen. Mix and match warm woods, clean lines, thoughtful detailing, and organizational flow for a space that honors the past while meeting contemporary needs. The result will be a comfortable, gracious kitchen ideal for all your family’s moments and memories.
Key Questions People Ask About Creating a Midcentury Modern Kitchen
Kitchen of the Week: Walnut Cabinets Channel Midcentury Style. If you’re considering a midcentury modern kitchen renovation, chances are you have some questions about how to authentically achieve the look while still enjoying all the perks of a modern space. Here we’ll walk through some of the most frequently asked questions about designing and building a functional midcentury kitchen.
How can I get the midcentury look on a budget?
Luckily, there are ways to get a stylish midcentury kitchen without spending a fortune. Focus first on layout, lines, and lighting for big visual impact. Keep existing cabinet boxes but swap out doors and hardware for a quick update. Look for ways to repurpose materials like using an old laminate table for countertops. Add peel-and-stick wallpaper or tile for retro patterns. Even small splurges like iconic lighting make a difference.
What are the best paint colors for a midcentury kitchen?
Midcentury palettes tend to feature vibrant accent colors contrasted with neutrals. Great choices include warm whites like Swiss Coffee, light neutrals like dove gray, and pops of harvest gold, mustard yellow, teal blue, or aqua. Wood paneling and brick anchor the space while painted cabinets and backsplashes add retro flair.
How do I mix midcentury style with other trends?
The eclectic nature of midcentury design means it pairs well with other looks. Blend your vintage kitchen with modern, industrial, or farmhouse elements for a layered, collected look. Marble counters, black metal accents, subway tiles, and clean-lined furniture all complement midcentury style well. Just keep the overall feel light and streamlined.
What flooring works best?
Vinyl is period-perfect for midcentury floors but isn’t ideal for durability. More practical options with retro appeal include checkerboard tile, terrazzo, polished concrete, stained wood, or laminate with geometric patterns. The key is choosing a material with some color or motif. Solid neutral floors tend to look too boring and modern.
Should I keep upper cabinets?
Open shelving maintains the clean sightlines of a true midcentury kitchen. But upper cabinets still offer valuable storage, especially in compact kitchens. One compromise is floating shelves near the range to display cookware along with some glass-front upper cabinets. Lighting fixtures over the open shelves keep the space feeling airier.
By understanding the core principles of midcentury design, you can craft your own dream kitchen that blends vintage style with real-life function. Prioritize an open layout, clean lines, and fun retro touches for a room your whole family will love entertaining and cooking in.
Conclusion
This kitchen beautifully brings together the playful warmth of midcentury style with the storage and functionality needs of a contemporary family. Rich walnut cabinets paired with eclectic materials create visual interest while maintaining an airy, uncluttered feel. Smart built-ins and open zones allow the space to support casual dining and connection.
While a midcentury aesthetic pairs wonderfully with modern life, integrating the elements seamlessly does require careful planning. Focus on maximizing storage no matter how minimalist the look. Select easy-care materials that withstand daily use. Include comfy, durable furnishings along with showstopper statement pieces. With attention to details like lighting and flow, your midcentury kitchen can be a stylish and welcoming hub for years to come.
By thoughtfully blending vintage detail with sensible design, you can create a kitchen with serious decorative appeal that works hard for your lifestyle. For more inspiration, check out the archive of past kitchens of the week. We cover stunning and functional kitchen design ideas from traditional to contemporary and everything between. Next week, we’ll feature a cozy, guest-friendly galley kitchen makeover. See you then!
