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Thinking about designing your own mid century modern kitchen in Adelaide or on the Fleurieu Peninsula?
About The Mid Century Modern Kitchen
Mid Century Modern Kitchen Designs are a departure from the ornate styles of the past. The style embraces simplicity, practicality and the innovative use of new materials. It champions the philosophy of integrated design with everyday living.
This emphasis on functionality without sacrificing aesthetics, coupled with a connection to natural materials and open-plan living, makes Mid Century Modern a natural fit for the Australian lifestyle. Our love for indoor to outdoor flow and appreciation for quality craftsmanship align perfectly with the core features of this enduring style.
Mid Century Kitchen Colour Palette & Design Choices
The Mid Century Modern palette typically features a harmonious blend of natural and bold colours. Think warm wood tones like teak, walnut and oak. These could also be paired with earthy greens, mustard yellows, burnt oranges and pops of turquoise or avocado green. White and grey often serve as grounding neutrals, allowing the richer hues and natural materials to truly shine.
Key design choices include clean, uncluttered surfaces, geometric patterns, and a focus on highlighting the inherent beauty of materials. You’ll often see a mix of textures, such as smooth timber veneer, glass, and perhaps even terrazzo or linoleum flooring.
Defining Features
A Mid Century Modern kitchen often showcases a statement lighting fixture with geometric shapes, such as pendant lights or chandeliers. Open shelving is another hallmark, providing an opportunity to display curated collections of ceramics or glassware. Consider incorporating iconic furniture pieces, like a sleek, minimalist dining table, to further enhance the style. Hardware tends to be simple and functional, often featuring clean lines and materials like brushed metal or wood.
Cabinetry
Cabinets with flat panel or minimally profiled doors are a defining characteristic of MCM kitchens. These sleek doors emphasise the clean lines and unadorned aesthetic of the era. Consider using natural timber veneers or painted finishes in the characteristic colour palette. Integrated appliances help maintain the streamlined look, allowing the cabinetry to take centre stage. Islands, if present, often feature a simple, functional design with clean lines and a contrasting countertop.
Benchtops & Splashbacks
A typical benchtop in a Mid Century kitchen would feature materials that complement the natural aesthetic, such as timber, laminate with a wood-grain effect or even terrazzo. Quartz and other engineered stones in solid colours or with subtle patterns can also work well. Splashbacks might be kept simple with a continuation of the benchtop material or feature interesting geometric tiles, perhaps in a subway pattern or a bolder, more graphic design. Glass tiles in muted tones are another choice.
Appliances & Sanitaryware
Appliances for an MCM style kitchen can at times feature statement colours and have a distinct vintage feel. If you can’t use original vintage, go modern but choose clean lines and a retro feel. Stainless steel also works well, providing a timeless contrast to the warmer wood tones. Sinks are typically understated, usually made of stainless steel or occasionally granite sinks in a matte finish are incorporated. Taps tend to have simple elegant lines, reflecting the overall minimalist approach of the style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for a Mid Century Modern kitchen design?
Key principles include clean lines, functionality, natural materials (wood), warm/earthy tones with bold accents, geometric shapes, open storage, simple hardware, statement lighting and connection to nature.
What is the difference between a modern kitchen and a mid century modern kitchen?
A modern kitchen features a sleek, minimalist look, while emphasising materials like steel/glass/engineered stone. It often has a neutral palette.
However a Mid Century Modern kitchen is more vintage inspired, using natural materials such as wood. It also features warmer colours and iconic elements like unique open shelving.
Is a Mid Century Modern kitchen still in style?
Yes, most definitely! A Mid Century kitchen style remains very popular and is considered a timeless classic due to its functionality and elegant simplicity.
What styles pair well with a Mid Century Modern kitchen?
Scandinavian, Bohemian, Minimalist, Industrial and Transitional styles can blend well by focusing on shared principles like simplicity or natural materials, creating balanced and interesting spaces.
