Imagine: you’re stepping into your kitchen, half expecting Don Draper to be sitting at the counter, sipping a cocktail!
That’s the magic of mid-century modern design – it’s like a time machine that brings you back to the ’60s, where bold colors, sleek lines, and quirky patterns ruled the day!
If you’ve ever found yourself wishing your kitchen had a bit more ”zing”, you’re in the right place!
Mid-century modern kitchens are like the cool and hippie grandparents of interior design – they’ve seen a lot, know what works and they don’t need to shout to get your attention!
With their smooth surfaces, wood accents, and pop-art color palettes, they effortlessly balance style and function.
So, grab a martini, and let’s take a nostalgic tour through 19 kitchens that could easily have been pulled straight from a vintage magazine ad!
1. A Pop of Orange
Orange is a Mid-century classic and a kitchen from this era wouldn’t be authentic if it didn’t have orange somewhere in there!
Try incorporating it through tile or even cabinets, but if you don’t want something as permanent, incorporate it through furniture and decor!
2. Monochrome Color Scheme
If you want a timeless kitchen that exudes Mid-century modern, don’t incorporate too many colors (although we know you’re tempted!)
Keep the colors to a minimum and go for wooden accents!
3. Funky Furniture
Since this era gave us so many iconic furniture pieces, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and go for furniture most people wouldn’t!
4. Don’t Forget the Metals
Metallics were a really big thing in the Mid-century modern era and it would be a sin to forget about them!
You can incorporate silver or gold through hardware on the cabinets, appliances, and even furniture!
5. Throw Out the Upper Cabinets
Mid-century modern kitchens usually went light on the upper cabinets or they threw them out altogether! If you’d like some wall storage though, open shelving is a good way to go about it!
6. Funky Tiles
If you’re looking to add a touch of Mid-century modern flair, funky tiles would be your best bet! You can either go all out and choose a crazy pattern in various colors, or keep it low-key funky!
7. Incorporate a Breakfast Nook
Most Mid-century modern homes always had a breakfast nook tucked away somewhere in the kitchen! It’s practical and stylish at the same time!
8. Get a Stacked Backsplash
This type of tile will give you that geometric vibe many Mid-century modern homes have! Paired with wooden cabinets with a touch of modern flair, this kitchen exudes retro vibes!
9. Better In Blue
Adding a pop of color might just be what your kitchen needs! These stunning waterfall cabinets were certainly to die for even before the light blue tiles!
10. Bright and Open
This kitchen is a perfect example of how retro mixes with the modern styles of today! The sleek, minimalistic color scheme goes amazing with the overall Mid-century modern style!
The high slanted ceiling makes the kitchen more interesting and the panels give it that vintage retro vibe!
11. Use Color
Don’t be afraid to use colors, but do stick to the 3 or 4 you pick out! Don’t stray far from the designated color scheme!
12. Wooden Cabinets
Wooden cabinets are a staple in Mid-century modern kitchen design, but to be fair they loved putting wood on everything!
These cabinets are durable and timeless no matter what design period you’re trying to recreate!
13. Incorporate Open Shelving
While you may not want to get rid of your upper cabinets, try to work in some open shelving in your space!
They were mostly used to separate the space and as you can see in the picture, open shelving did just that! It shows you where the sink area is before you even ask!
14. Don’t Judge Terrazzo
We know that most of you hate the sight of terrazzo since that’s probably what your mom had in her kitchen, but hear us out!
Nowadays, you have so many possibilities when it comes to customizing terrazzo!
15. Big Windows
Big windows are a huge thing in any Mid-century modern home but they are especially welcome in the kitchen! This way you’ll get lots of natural light and ventilation for all of the smells you’re cooking up!
16. Lines Lines Lines
Lines and shapes were a really popular trend back in the day, so if you’re looking to achieve a retro Mid-century modern kitchen, incorporate different lines and shapes in every inch of your kitchen!
17. Pick Interesting Light Fixtures
Mid-century modern style is famous for giving us interesting light fixtures! Try going for a chandelier or pendant that matches your retro vibe!
18. Galley Kitchen for the Win
Mid-century modern homes weren’t exactly popular for being
19. Use the Paneling
It doesn’t matter if it was already there or you just want to install it, paneling is a great way to make your kitchen more retro!
