5 Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Features I Want to Bring Back
Mid-century modern (MCM) design is one of those styles that never really goes out of popularity for homebuyers. After all, Frank Lloyd Wright homes are as valuable and desirable as ever, and it’s always news when they (rarely) hit the market.
But why does the architectural and design style have such a chokehold on homebuyers? “I think it’s the simplicity,” says Karen Nepacena, the co-owner and principal designer of Destination Eichler and author of Midcentury Modern Style: An Approachable Guide to Inspired Rooms. “If a space is designed functionally to meet everyone’s needs, and it looks pretty, that’s a timeless feature to have, right? The spaces were designed to work well for what you’re doing, and there’s a beauty to simplicity.” For a lot of people, Nepacena says, MCM just fits that bill.
In no space is the functionality of original MCM architecture more felt than the kitchen. But unfortunately the designs that were featured in original MCM kitchens — like colorful appliances, fabulous laminate countertops, and slab wood cabinets — don’t really exist in kitchens today, or are just starting to make a comeback. And honestly, in my opinion? That’s a shame. Other features (like stainless steel and chrome appliances) never left.
Today there are tons of modern-build kitchens that take inspiration from mid-century modern design, or even renovated MCM kitchens that take some of the best of both worlds. There’s no surprise there because mid-century kitchens weren’t just stylish; they were built for actual living.
Why was that all left behind? If I could bring back some of the forgotten features of MCM kitchens into my current kitchen or the next one, these would be at the top of my list.
Colorful appliances that weren’t afraid to have fun.
Back in the day, kitchen appliances weren’t just functional — they were statement pieces.
“One of my favorite things about [MCM] kitchens is the infusion of color. If there wasn’t a stainless steel kitchen sink, there were oftentimes brightly colored sinks and appliances that matched. That’s really fun,” Nepacena says, and the good news is that she’s been noticing the trend coming back into modern appliances.
Color psychology purports that bright, warm colors encourage social interaction and an inviting atmosphere — so it’s no wonder MCM kitchens felt so homey. Today, many kitchens have stainless steel or matte black appliances for a “timeless” look that has, of course, resale value, but where’s the fun in that?
A bold, colorful appliance can bring so much personality to a space. Thankfully, some brands have started bringing back retro-inspired models, but it would be great to see even more homeowners embrace the idea of adding a pop of color to their kitchens again.
Stainless steel appliances and features that were futuristic.
“A common countertop material in the time was stainless steel,” Nepacena says. What’s so great about it is that it’s classic and timeless — not a material prone to seem dated in any kitchen. “Stainless steel kitchen sinks were very common.”
Of course, it’s not uncommon to see stainless steel in kitchens today, obviously — but they did come from kitchens of yesteryear.
Nepacena has “walked into kitchens with completely original appliances, like by Thermidor, which is still around today, and sometimes they even still work after 60, 70 years.”
One feature of MCM kitchens that Nepacena really likes is their faucets. The “kitchen faucets were also polished chrome, typically,” and oftentimes they came right out of the wall, almost like a pot-filler.
Clever built-ins that actually made life easier.
Mid-century modern kitchens were all about efficiency. Built-in features weren’t just for show — they made cooking, cleaning, and organizing a breeze. Think: appliance garages that kept countertops clear, pull-out cutting boards that saved space, and spice racks built right into cabinet doors.
A friend of Nepacena’s who lives in a house with a kitchen that has original MCM features has the holiest grail of kitchen features: a blender that’s built into her countertop. “[The] original MCM house was untouched when she purchased it, and she has the blender built into the countertop. It works today. So she has a glass blender top, and she just hooks it right into the countertop. It’s so awesome.”
Another kitchen Nepacena worked on had an original radio built right into the underside of a kitchen cabinet. They had to update the kitchen — or, rather, bring back original features changed up during an ’80s renovation — but kept the original radio.
“I love seeing all those original built-in pieces. No one really does that today — and they still work.” Nepacena has also seen a built-in can-opener. “There were some really fun features, especially in more custom mid-century homes,” she says.
It’s such a simple idea, but it made hosting and everyday meals so much easier. Why did people stop designing kitchens with this level of thoughtfulness? Instead of stuffing modern kitchens with bulky stand-alone appliances and cluttered countertops, designers could learn a lot from the seamless built-in solutions of the mid-century era.
Kitchen cabinets that were made of wood slab.
A material “really near” to Nepacena’s heart is that in kitchens original to the mid-century, they tend to “be made out of slab wood.”
“You’ll see really simple flat slab cabinet upper doors and cabinet drawers with a natural finish. That’s very typical of an original mid-century kitchen.” Today, they’re not found in modern kitchens because they’re too costly. They were handmade, out of solid wood.
“That kind of wood faced cabinetry today is quite expensive — it’s not anything you’re going to get from a big-box kitchen cabinet company.” While Nepacena has put in new cabinets into these homes by way of a local cabinet maker, they’re pricey and mostly seen in luxury homes.
“They’re just features that were built. [MCM homes like Eichler homes] weren’t for super-wealthy people. They were meant for middle-class families. So it was neat that these homes offered all those different components, were designed by architects, but meant for middle-class families. You didn’t have to be super wealthy to have a really special designed home.”
Laminate countertops that last.
Laminate countertops are a cornerstone of MCM kitchens — and when taken care of, were extremely practical.
“A lot of [kitchens would have] laminate on the countertops and even up a little bit onto the backsplash,” Nepacena says. “It was actually a really great material back then and today, because it’s super durable. So when I walk into a mid-century kitchen that hasn’t been touched, oftentimes there’s laminate and it’s seamless, so there’s no grout to worry about. It was kept clean for years and years, it’s still in great shape.”
Formica laminate is an affordable and durable option that’s been pushed aside in favor of more expensive materials. But modern laminates have come a long way, and they can give a kitchen a fresh, retro look without feeling dated. Luckily, a recent study has found that Gen Z is interested in bringing back laminate countertops.
Plus, they’re incredibly easy to maintain compared to high-maintenance stone surfaces. Imagine a vibrant, patterned laminate countertop paired with stainless steel appliances and sleek wood cabinets — talk about a perfect blend of old and new.
Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
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