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16 Great Midcentury Modern Kitchen Accents and Ideas

16 Great Midcentury Modern Kitchen Accents and Ideas

By West Elm – Shop this look at Havenly 

16 Great Midcentury Modern Kitchen Accents and Ideas

Meet the Author and Your Future Designer: Julio Arco is a passionate architect with years of experience in architecture, interior design, urban design, and housing. He studied at prestigious universities across North America and Europe. 

 

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16 Great Midcentury Modern Kitchen Accents and Ideas

Mid Century Modern Kitchen Ideas – Introduction Video 

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These kitchens are best suited to people who want to experiment with materials, colors, and forms in their mid century modern kitchen ideas and designs,

Wood paneling, wood cabinets, and brilliant vintage colors like mint green, pink, orange, and jewel tones are common features in mid century modern design and kitchen decor.

Colors and forms are allowed to play an important role in the overall design, which includes curved pendant lighting and flat mid-century contemporary kitchen cabinets.

Mid-Mod design was popular in the late 1940s through the early 1970s, bringing a practical approach to furniture manufacturing in order to meet the burgeoning post-war economy and increasing suburban sprawl in the United States.

It’s all about quality craftsmanship, striking forms, and a diverse color palette that allows homeowners to put their personal stamp on their homes.

While often associated with simplicity, there’s nothing boring about a mid-century modern kitchen – they’re bold, vibrant, and full of personality.

1.- Natural light in Mid Century Modern Kitchens 

Natural light is an important element to spruce up any design. Mid-century modern kitchens were built around large windows or skylights to maximize light and space, making them ideal meeting places. Kitchens that open to the dining area are common (particularly in hotter regions) for a more seamless transition from the inside to the outside.

This aesthetic is still relevant today. Don’t worry; a major makeover isn’t necessary to add light to your kitchen. When the sun is shining, make sure your windows are open and consider putting some of these under-cabinet lighting strips to bring in some warm light into your kitchen.

Natural light makes your modern kitchen feel more spacious and reflects off surfaces making it easier to see what you’re cooking. So let the sunshine in and enjoy a bright, airy kitchen!

Curated image with Tour a modern coastal home, Frame Kitchen Console, Butcher Block, White, Winds...

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2.- Sleek and Modern Cabinet Designs 

Cabinetry is a key component of any kitchen. Sleek, simple, and functional cabinets were popular then and are still in style today.

These kitchens often featured flat-panel or raised-panel cabinet doors with minimal hardware. The focus was on functionality and clean lines rather than ornate details.

If you’re looking to update your kitchen cabinets, consider a sleek, minimal design. You can find many midcentury modern design-inspired cabinet styles at your local home improvement store or online retailers.

Curated image with Mill Kitchen Accessories Utensil Holder Stoneware, Recycled Glassware, Double...

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3.- Midcentury Modern Design Pendant Lighting

Pendant lighting is another popular element in mid-century modern kitchens. Mid-century pendant lights often featured colorful glass shades in bold geometric shapes. These lights were designed to add a pop of color and style to the kitchen while still providing plenty of light for cooking and prep.

Curated image with Modern Petal Backless Counter Stool, Sierra Leather, Black, Dark Bronze, Found...

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4.- Open Shelves in Midcentury Modern Kitchens

Open shelves are a great way to add extra storage to your kitchen without making it feel too cramped. Mid-century modern kitchens often featured open shelving, which was both practical and stylish. This type of shelving is perfect for displaying dishware, cookbooks, or other kitchen items.

If you’re considering adding open shelves to your kitchen, make sure they’re installed at the right height. You don’t want them to be so low that you can’t reach items on the top shelf or so high that they’re difficult to dust.

Mid-century modern kitchens are all about function and style. By incorporating some of these key elements into your kitchen, you can create a beautiful and practical space.

Curated image with Mill Ceramic Serveware, Serve Bowl, Oil + Vinegar, White + Gray, Set of 2, Min...

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5.- Furniture in Midcentury Modern Designs

These kitchens often feature furniture with clean lines and minimal details. This style was designed to be both stylish and functional. Mid-century modern kitchen tables and chairs were often made from wood or metal and often had simple, straight legs.

If you’re looking for mid-century-inspired furniture for your kitchen, look for pieces that are made from natural materials. And don’t forget the details – choose furniture with simple, straight legs for a truly mid-mod look. It’s also important to take proper care of your furniture, especially if you have pets. 

Curated image with Ceramic Bowl, Sage, Small, Yvette 40" Tall Cabinet, White Wash, Anton Solid Wo...

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6.- Backsplashes as Kitchen Design Ideas 

Backsplashes are a great way to add midcentury modern flair to your kitchen. Choose backsplashes made from colorful tile or patterned wallpaper. These backsplashes added a bit of fun and flair to the kitchen while still being practical.

Curated image with Hudson Rounded Serveware Large Round Serve Board, Acacia Wood, Salad Server, A...

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7.- Spruce it up with Mid-century Modern Kitchen Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles is a popular mid century modern kitchen idea for backsplashes. Ceramic tiles often feature bold colors and geometric patterns. These tiles can add a pop of color and personality to your kitchen while still being easy to clean.

If you’re considering adding a tile backsplash to your kitchen decor, make sure to choose a tile that’s easy to clean and maintain. Ceramic tiles are a great option because they’re durable and easy to wipe down. But if you’re not a fan of ceramic tiles, there are many other options and modern designs available, like glass or stainless steel.

Curated image with Terracotta Vase, Brynn Table Lamp Terracotta Natural Linen (18"), Aaron Probyn...

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8.- Retro Kitchen Appliances and Accessories 

Retro kitchen appliances are a great way to add some vintage flair to your kitchen. Mid-century modern kitchen design often featured colorful appliances in bold, geometric shapes. These small appliances add a touch of fun and personality to your cooking space while you prepare food.

If you’re looking for century modern kitchen design ideas, there are many options available online and at your local home improvement store. You can also find vintage-inspired appliances that mimic the mood of mid-century modern kitchen appliances.

Whether you choose retro or vintage-inspired appliances, make sure they fit in with the overall aesthetic of your cooking space. You don’t want your appliances to stick out like a sore thumb – instead, choose ones that complement the rest of your kitchen’s design.

Retro Appliance - Photos & Ideas | Houzz

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9.- Kitchen Runner Rug

A mid-century modern design runner rug is a great way to add some personality to your kitchen. Mid-century kitchens often featured rugs in bold, geometric patterns. These rugs added a touch of fun and flair to the kitchen while still being practical.

If you’re looking for a kitchen runner rug, make sure to choose one that’s made from durable materials. You’ll also want to make sure it’s machine-washable so you can easily keep it clean.

And finally, make sure the rug is the right size for your kitchen. You don’t want it to be too small or too large – just big enough to add some personality to your space. Additionally, if you have pets, don’t forget to choose a pet-friendly rug. 

My Kind of Sweet Home: Rugs, kitchen

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10.- Go For Bold Contrasts in Decor

Midcentury modern style kitchens often featured bold color contrasts. This is a great way to add some personality to your kitchen. Mid-century modern kitchen cabinets were often white, while the walls and floors were a dark, contrasting color.

If you’re looking to add some bold contrast to your kitchen, consider painting your cabinets white and using a dark flooring material, like black tile or dark wood. You can also use wallpaper or tile backsplashes to add some contrast. Just make sure the overall effect is one of cohesion and not chaos. There are a lot of mid-century modern color palettes you could try, so have fun!

Farmhouse Kitchen Design

By Wayfair – Shop this look at Havenly

11.- Incorporate Natural Materials

Mid-century modern kitchens often featured natural materials, like wood and stone. This is a great way to add some warmth and texture to your kitchen. Mid-century modern kitchen cabinets were often made from wood, while the countertops and floors were made from stone or tile.

If you’re looking to add some natural materials to your kitchen, consider using wood for your cabinets and stone or tile for your countertops and floors. You can also use natural materials for accent pieces, like a wooden cutting board or a stone vase.

Just make sure to balance the different materials, so your kitchen doesn’t feel too busy or cluttered. Mid-century modern kitchens are all about simplicity and functionality, so don’t go overboard with the different materials.

Industrial Kitchen Design

By Wayfair – Shop this look at Havenly

12.- Bold Color Combinations

Mid-century modern kitchens were all about making a statement with bold colors. Reds, oranges, and yellows were popular choices for cabinetry, backsplashes, and appliances. And it wasn’t uncommon to see a mix of different colors used in one kitchen.

The key to creating a mid-century kitchen is to have fun with color and not be afraid to experiment. Mix and match different colors until you find a combination that you love. And don’t be afraid to add in some unexpected pops of color. A mid-century kitchen should be a reflection of your personality and style. So have fun with it and let your imagination run wild.

Modern Kitchen Design

By Wayfair – Shop this look at Havenly

13.- Mid century kitchens Go for a Moody Palette

Midcentury Modern kitchens often featured dark, moody color palettes. This is a great way to add some drama and sophistication to your kitchen. Mid century kitchen cabinets were often painted in dark colors, like black or navy blue. And the walls and floors were often a light, contrasting color.

If you’re looking to add some drama to your kitchen, consider painting your cabinets in a dark color. And don’t forget – Mid century kitchens are all about simplicity and functionality. So don’t go overboard with the different colors and materials. Choose a few key elements and stick to a cohesive color palette.

Modern Kitchen Design

By Wayfair – Shop this look at Havenly

14.- Bring in Nature

Mid-century Modern kitchens often featured natural elements, like plants and flowers. This is a great way to add some life and vibrancy to your kitchen. It’s also known that nature has a positive psychological effect on humans; follow the link to learn more.

Just remember there are some houseplants that are toxic to pets, so choose wisely if you have furry friends at home. You can review our list of 25 pet-friendly houseplants and which houseplants are toxic to pets.

Modern Kitchen Design

By Wayfair – Shop this look at Havenly

15.- Add Statement Textures to your mid century kitchen

Mid-century Modern kitchens often featured textured elements, like stone or glass. This is a great way to add some visual interest to your kitchen. Mid-century modern kitchen cabinets were often made from wood, while the countertops and floors were made from stone or tile.

If you’re looking to add some texture to your kitchen, consider using stone or tile for your countertops and floors. You can also use wallpaper or tile backsplashes to add some contrast.

Modern kitchen. Just remember to keep things simple and choose a few key design elements. And don’t forget – Mid-century Modern kitchens are all about simplicity and functionality. So make sure your kitchen is both stylish and functional.

Industrial Kitchen Design

By Wayfair – Shop this look at Havenly

16.- Midcentury Modern style Pet Bowls

Mid-century modern kitchen style is having a moment, and your pets deserve the best of the best. The Outerspace is a U.F.O.-shaped product with a stable yet removable stand. If the bowl is empty, you may invert the glass bowl to become a well-designed prop.

Whether it’s for your cat or dog, the Mid-century modern pet bowls will elevate your pet’s dining experience. The set comes with two bowls, one for food and one for water.

This sleek design is perfect for any home decor ideas implementation and is also easy to clean. Your pet will love the Mid-century modern pet bowls, and you will love how they look in your home. Order your set today!

16 Great Midcentury Modern Kitchen Accents and Ideas

MYZOO-Outerspace

Midcentury Modern Kitchen – F.A.Q.

What are some unique midcentury modern home design colors?

Slate blue, avocado green, and chocolate brown, are some retro colors you can incorporate into your room. You can also always go for your favorite color and pair it with some midcentury-era colors.

What backsplash colors are recommended for midcentury modern kitchens?

For a midcentury modern kitchen, you want your backsplash color to be different than your countertop. This will help create contrast and make your room pop.

Should I match my midcentury modern kitchen design with any adjacent room?

You could add matching accents, and this will make the space look more uniform. However, you don’t have to match your kitchen design with any other room, and you can make your kitchen its own unique space.

What type of art can I add to my midcentury kitchen design?

Midcentury modern kitchen art should be cheerful and whimsical. You could add a vintage posters or opt for a more modern take on midcentury art. Either way, make sure your art makes you happy and brings some life into your kitchen.

Modern Kitchen Design

By Wayfair – Shop this look at Havenl

16 Great Midcentury Modern Kitchen Accents and Ideas

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M.Arch. Julio Arco
M.Arch. Julio Arco

Bachelor of Architecture - ITESM University
Master of Architecture - McGill University
Architecture in Urban Context Certificate - LDM University
Interior Designer - Havenly
Architecture Professor - ITESM University

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