I'll admit that, but the mid-century modern decor craze has finally died down. Gone are the days when everyone had to have a retro living room inspired by movie sets with their mom. mad men and Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. But now that the public's interest in 1950s and 60s style has waned somewhat, we think it's time to refocus on it. In fact, as fashion writer Harling Ross writes in his newsletter Gumshoe, even if a trend goes out of style, it's still worth following if you like it.
Rather than setting out to recreate a time capsule of the era, interior designers reimagined the aesthetic for modern living, reviving the original midcentury architecture in the process and incorporating the period's trademark cleanliness. Both clean lines and a warm palette can be used to outfit a space with a more contemporary layout.
Nowhere in the home exemplifies this new chapter in midcentury modern style like the kitchen, where the shapes, materials, and colors of the 50s and 60s meet today's functionality. To show you what this beautiful arrangement looks like, we've put together 12 midcentury modern kitchens we love, along with design ideas and advice for achieving that look in your home.
What makes a kitchen mid-century modern?
Midcentury modern kitchens incorporate design elements from the '50s and '60s, such as flat-front cabinetry, walnut woodwork, terrazzo countertops, and geometric tiles, while also incorporating contemporary appliances and amenities. It has a cooking space. Midcentury modern kitchens are often installed inside recently renovated midcentury modern homes.
Is midcentury modern the right style for your kitchen?
We think so, especially if the style is period-appropriate to the home's architecture. Mid-century modern kitchens feel like they belong in homes built in the '50s to his '60s, but even in a home from another era, a mid-century modern kitchen would still work. Mixing eras is recommended as a way to add depth, unless the color or material contrasts too much with the rest of the home. Read on for 12 midcentury modern kitchen ideas that are stylish and timeless while evoking a classic aesthetic.