Designing a Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

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While mid-century modern design experienced a recent renaissance thanks in part to television shows like “Mad Men” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” experts know that it’s always been a smart, stylish choice for all rooms of the house — especially the kitchen.
A mid-century modern kitchen is ideal for those who want eclectic charm
A mid-century modern kitchen is ideal for those who want eclectic charm, as well as those looking to experiment with materials, colours and shapes in their kitchen design plans. Mid-century modern kitchens often include wood paneling and wood cabinets along with vibrant retro colours like mint green, pink, orange and jewel tones. The look welcomes contrasts in both colours and shapes: contoured pendant lights contrast with clean counter lines, while flat mid-century modern kitchen cabinets balance furniture with a curve.
What is a Mid-Century Modern Kitchen?

What is a Mid-Century Modern Kitchen?

Popularized during the late 40s through the 70s, Mid-Mod design brought a practical approach to furniture, streamlining the production process to create more furniture to accommodate America’s booming post-war economy & rapid suburban growth. This minimalist style focuses on well-crafted pieces, graphic shapes & a varied colour palette. It highlights nature by bringing the outside in through large windows, plants & earthy materials. The mid-century modern kitchen layout generally features an open floor plan, making it a cool, comfortable place to spend time with friends & family.

Mid-Century Modern Design Elements

From cabinets to countertops, here are a few ways to turn your space into a mid-century modern kitchen:
Mid-century modern kitchen cabinets skew simple, with minimal details.

Sleek Cabinets

From flat front to slim shaker, mid-century modern kitchen cabinets skew simple, with minimal details. While wood is a popular choice, painted kitchen cabinets are a way to incorporate mid-century modern kitchen colours. Metal hardware gives another nod to the era. Whether made from lucite or natural material, counters should balance the cabinets and mirror the clean, simple look.

Contrasting shapes throughout the space are a key component to a mid-century modern kitchen.

Balanced Fixtures

Contrasting shapes throughout the space are a key component to a mid-century modern kitchen. To achieve this look, blend curved light fixtures with angular furniture, or rounded appliances with a sharp faucet or countertop. BLANCO’s minimalist, angular LINUS faucet is a sleek choice for this aesthetic. The contemporary line comes in an array of finishes — including metal and full colour — that complement the colour palette of this design style.
Pair a round or oval mid-century modern kitchen table with geometric chairs.

Furniture

Inspired by notable designers like Eames and Mies van der Rohe, furniture is minimal, well-crafted and favors function over flash. Pair a round or oval mid-century modern kitchen table with geometric chairs. Similarly, a square mid-century modern kitchen table should be flanked by chairs with a curve.
Open shelving often sits alongside mid-century modern kitchen cabinets

Open Shelves

Open shelving often sits alongside mid-century modern kitchen cabinets, providing a surface for potted plants and a place to show off retro glassware, serve ware, décor and other vintage finds . Open shelves can also be put over kitchen sinks or right at the end of shelving units. Adding this simple yet unique element can really help lighten up the kitchen giving it a cozy feel that looks sharp.
Kitchen colours in mid-century modern design are often bright and bold

Contrasting Colours

Kitchen colours in mid-century modern design are often bright and bold — but they don’t have to be. More muted hues have visual impact while bringing in a contemporary feel. Incorporating neutrals like cream and gray offer balance and emphasize darker tones.
The backsplash is an ideal place to bring in mid-century modern kitchen patterns.

A Bold Backsplash

The backsplash is an ideal place to bring in mid-century modern kitchen patterns. Unique graphic shapes bring a retro vibe and play well with the aesthetic’s popular kitchen colours.
Mid-century modern kitchens blend the inside and outside.

Outside In

Mid-century modern kitchens blend the inside and outside. Incorporate large windows into any kitchen design plans to bring in lots of light and add plants around the room for pops of nature.

Bottom Line:

A mid-century modern kitchen combines elegance, comfort and practicality, making it an ideal place for everything from daily life to special events. Streamlined, minimalist design can really make a kitchen pop, whether your style leans more retro or modern.
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ABOUT BLANCO

For over 95 years, BLANCO has served as passionate kitchen experts delivering premium products backed by industry-leading German engineering. Our niche is transforming how you use the water zone with the BLANCO UNIT, the seamless integration of our sinks, faucets, accessories and organization systems into one smart solution. Everything you need to drink, prep and clean is all in one place.

We are utterly obsessed with improving the heart of the home and want to impart our decades of residential kitchen knowledge to those embarking on their kitchen reno journey or considering an upgrade. Discover more valuable insight in our Ultimate Kitchen Remodel Guide.

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