Midcentury Modern Kitchen Renovation
Midcentury Modern Kitchen Renovation Goals
Our client, a recent Washington, D.C. transplant, loved his Atlanta-area midcentury modern ranch. While he wanted to preserve the original charms of the style, he hired us to help update it and made it more functional.
At the top of his priorities for the midcentury modern kitchen renovation were:
- A better work flow
- Smartly outfitted cabinetry that would maximize storage
- A look that was a fresh take on the iconic style
Existing Issues
Problems and challenges presented by the kitchen included:
- The space felt very cramped, cluttered and dark
- There was limited counter space
- We needed to work within the existing footprint.
- The peninsula and cabinets over it made the kitchen feel closed off from the adjacent eat-in area.
- The fridge jutted out in an awkward way that interrupted the flow due to an existing window along that wall.
Seen in this “Before” photo, the biggest existing element we worked with was an original brick wall with the oven in it. Preserving the brick wall meant we could not have countertops or cabinet space on that side of the room. We also needed to trim out the new oven properly to make it fit into the wall.
Our Approach
The biggest challenge was to update the kitchen and make the kitchen functional while preserving the midcentury modern vibes. Priorities in our approach were:
- Maintaining original midcentury modern elements to honor the original architecture
- Creating ample storage space within the compact room
- Freshening up the style to suit our client’s personality
Midcentury Modern Details
As you can see in this photo, we preserved the original brick wall on the right. We also preserved a fun little original pass-through to the living room. These are the doors on the countertop above the microwave.
The existing elements we preserved inspired the material palette and streamlined look of the renovated kitchen.
As the design process evolved, we were able to fit all the pieces together.
Freshened-Up Midcentury Modern Style
We wanted to honor the midcentury modern architecture of the home without making the room look stuck in time. The challenge was finding the right balance between the 1950s and today. Here are a few ways we accomplished this.
- We preserved the original brick wall by using new trim and precise measurements for the new oven.
- We preserved an original pass-through to the living room that our client loved under the open shelves.
- We used flat-paneled, walnut-stained cabinetry with brass hardware to nod to the materials used during the midcentury era.
- The elongated subway tiles with variegated deep green hues are an updated selection. However, they embrace the gridded composition and playful use of color that were popular in midcentury design.
- The rectangular shape of the backsplash tiles plays off the long rectangular bricks on the original brick wall, creating a cohesive feel.
- The open shelves have a look that is at once retro and of today. The way our client chooses to style them can lean into either moment in time.
Layout Solutions
We met the challenges presented by the layout and compact size of the space by learning how our client liked to work in the kitchen. Accordingly, we came up with a zoned layout that met his needs while preserving an important architectural element, the existing brick wall.
Along the exterior wall, we placed a prep and cleaning zone. This includes the sink, dishwasher, trash/recycling pull-out, microwave oven, blind corner pull-out and room for countertop appliances.
Installing a microwave drawer saved precious countertop space for prep and small appliances. We also created a bar with open shelves over the existing pass-through. You can get a better look at these details in the drawings.
We placed the refrigerator, range and nearby wall oven within a work triangle. Placing the fridge in the corner of the room minimized its impact on the flow. It also makes it easier to grab ingredients when cooking.
Work Area Challenges
Here’s a look at the other end of the kitchen before. It shows how much the existing kitchen was bursting at the seams. The hulking fridge stuck out from the hodge-podge of cabinets, interrupting the clean, streamlined look our client desired.
Additionally, there was an existing window here that offered an unappealing view into the garage. This window limited storage options like upper cabinets, as well as the countertop height.
Cooking Zone
After getting rid of the window, we placed the refrigerator, range and nearby wall oven within a work triangle.
Choosing an energy-efficient induction range provided a smooth surface for work and a consistent aesthetic with the soapstone countertops. Induction stoves cool quickly after you turn them off, so you they can function as a countertop when not in use.
Maximizing Storage
We had to make the most of every inch in the kitchen. We also made sure items were located conveniently for maximum functionality.
- Because countertop space around the induction range was limited, we installed highly functional custom cabinetry under it. These includes pull-outs for herbs, spices, oils and cooking utensils.
- Other ways we improved storage was adding deep drawers for pots and pans.
- Now there is a place for everything and everything in its place. This eliminated countertop clutter.
Midcentury Modern Kitchen Renovation Results
Here is a look at the original and new floor plans. While keeping the kitchen’s original footprint intact, we gave our client a highly functional and efficient kitchen with a zoned layout.
We also made the space lighter and brighter. In addition, we met all his storage needs so he can keep his kitchen organized and uncluttered.
Stylistically, we preserved and honored existing midcentury modern architectural details. At the same time, we infused the room with our client’s personal style, finding he right balance between retro and new.
We hope you’ve enjoyed taking a closer look at our process during this challenging midcentury modern kitchen renovation. If you enjoyed this article, here are a few more we think you’ll like:
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