Lots of design trends tend to come and go over the years, but ain’t nothing aged like a fine wine quite like mid-century modern design.
Its telltale wooden accents, angularity and bold accent colours make it a highly visual trend that doesn’t feel dated in the right setting.
Get the look and prepare to be inspired with these midcentury modern kitchen ideas, from traditional influences to those with a twist, and a nod to contemporary design.
19 Midcentury Modern Kitchen Ideas
1.Classic Teak Cabinetry
Teak is a design staple in midcentury design, its defining, grounding and is an obvious choice when it comes to deciding on kitchen cabinets to nail this design brief.
Elevate them with white tiles and wall paint, it’s the perfect balancing act against the warmth of the teak.
2. Lift With A Cool, White Colour Scheme
Bold accents are welcomed, but heavy use of white is a common look in midcentury modern kitchens. It lets the other design accents, specifically the hardwoods do the talking whilst keeping an uncomplicated, yet structured design.
3. Introduce A Bold Accent
You can have some fun when designing a kitchen with this design trend and bold colours help to create that vintage, retro edge to a space.
Blues, oranges, reds and yellows are classic colour combinations. Break up the monotony of cabinetry by pairing teak with a colour of your choice on upper or lower cabinets for a two tonal approach.
4. Think of The Fifth Wall
The ceiling, or as designers like to refer to it as the ‘fifth wall’ is something that should definitely be considered as part of your overall kitchen design. Instead of parking it with a bog standard bright white ceiling, consider ways you can incorporate it into the design scheme.
Adding some texture and movement with panelling is a great way to do this, it plays on the straight lines loved by the design trend, yet painted white it adds additional texture to the kitchen.
5. Create A Twist With Pink and Blue
Pink and blue are a super fun colour combination, and they look great in the kitchen below. The white, brass elements and teak cabinetry keeps it firmly rooted into midcentury design, yet the pink and blue add a more playful addition that just works!
6. Consider Curvature
Angular lines are synonymous with this design trend, but consider adding curvature too!
They bring much more of a softness to a kitchen, wrapping around and cocooning a space. Take inspiration from the below and see how it wraps around so beautifully on the cabinetry.
7. Geometric Shapes Are Welcome
Tiles are one of the best ways to inject some punchy colour into a kitchen and geometric designed tiles like shown in the kitchen below are ideal for creating that retro, dated feel.
Tie in the colours on the tiles with a piece of furniture such as a sofa or bar stools for an intentional, cohesive feel,.
8. Simple Glass Lighting
Don’t overthink lighting. Simple, glass lighting tells the best story in a midcentury kitchen, it allows swathes of beautiful lighting to pass through and lets the rest of the design accents – such as teak and defining accents take centre stage.
9. Yellow & Cobalt Blue
You don’t have to be led by using only teak in your cabinetry. Flip it on it’s head and instead choose a bold accent colour (or two for your cabinetry).
You should still feature some hardwood in your kitchen for that nod to the era, such as on accent legs of your bar stools, side tables or even decorative accessories.
10. Teak & Geometric Tileplay
I love the juxtaposition between the teak cabinetry and geometric backsplash here. It’s fun, punchy and has a retro twist.
The waterfall island and white worktop allows for a balance between the teak and tiles without everything fighting for attention.
11. Curves & Pattern
Don’t forget to consider pattern! Tiles aren’t the only way you can introduce this tactile element into a kitchen, upholstery on dining nooks and wallpaper is a beautiful way to add a touch of colour and pattern into your kitchen.
This dining nook has certainly understood the design brief with beautiful curves and a mix of leather and patterned fabric for a fun, balanced look.
12. Fluted Cabinetry Detailing For Contemporary Appeal
Add more of a contemporary twist on classic midcentury design by using fluted cabinetry. It adds an almost 3D element to a kitchen and really pops in this teal shade.
13. A Comfortable Green
Green will forever be a good idea in a kitchen, it’s relaxed, soothing and feels good to be around.
A popular accent colour for a mid-century kitchen, but do think about pairing with at least another accent colour such as a mustard yellow or blue for some variation in your scheme.
14. Monochromatic Details
Ground that mid-century kitchen of yours with some feel good black and white definition. Checkerboard tiles are a classic, yet timeless approach.
I adore the different black accents such as the fridge and grout lines, subtle definition which adds to the overall finished look.
15. Add A Tactile Feel With A Rug
Break up the monotony of your flooring with a gorgeous oriental or geometric rug. It brings character, colour and ties the room together.
16. Go Bold With Orange
Orange and teak is mid-century design to a tee! With a slight retro vibe, this look is fun, punchy and firmly set in the past with good intentions for today.
Keep the rest of your kitchen white and bright to handle the demands of the warmth.
17. Dark Teak & Black Accents
Hardwood cabinetry rules and whether you choose teak, rosewood, elm or oak, it will guarantee a timeless kitchen with longevity.
Ground the scheme with black hardware details such as handles and taps. It’s a simple addition that will really tie the room together.
18. Soften With White and Grey
Combine contemporary elements with your favourite mid-century elements for an on-trend look. Soften with colours such as white and grey for a no nonsense, breathable kitchen.
19. Mid-Century With A Contemporary Twist
Kitchens are expensive investments so make it one that you know you will love today and in a few years time too.
Hardwood cabinetry is something that is timeless, yet nods to the mid-century design era, it always looks good in a kitchen!
Which of these kitchen designs is your favourite?
