This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. The aluminium tambour in the corner houses shelves for oils, herbs, spices and cooking utensils. The client wanted ease of access to this cupboard for when they were cooking but can be easily hidden away once finished. Photo: Ian Hampson

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. Handmade leather banquette in Jura leather colour: Pesto by BeeJay upholstery. Bespoke curved table top echoes island shape and is 30mm birch ply finished with Formica colour: Patina. Photo: Ian Hampson

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. Sliding cupboards painted in Little Greene - Bright Bronze Green also house the electronic components of the media and entertainment system. A projector screen descends from above at the touch of a button for the full cinematic experience. Photo: Ian Hampson

7519-04 - Paris - Studio

Décimal 'Arc & Agencement

Studio rénové complet. Cuisine avec meuble Tv et table

Davis New Home

CitiBuilt Construction

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. The utility room was where the former kitchen stood. Cabinet doors are the same recessed handle style as the kitchen but in Pavillion Grey by Farrow and Ball. Maximum functionality has been planned into this compact space with sink, locker style cupboards, washer and drier, Fisher & Paykel Dishdrawer and tall storage cupboard fitting around a bright roof light. Photo: Ian Hampson

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. Microwave housed in mid century style curved elm frame. The clients had a love of Ercol furniture of the period, the curves are reminiscent of Ercol styling. The elm grain contrasts well with the Silestone Mont Blanc worktop Photo: Ian Hampson

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. One of the standout features of the kitchen is this work surface and storage cupboard based on our Hivehaus Grand kitchenette. Microwave and toaster plus other items can be hidden away behind the bifold pocket doors when needed. The clients wanted solid elm for the wooden details in the kitchen. Photo: Ian Hampson

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. The key themes that were important to the clients for this project were: Nostalgia- fond memories how a grandmother's kitchen used to feel and furniture and soft furnishings the couple had owned or liked over the years, even Culshaw's own Hivehaus kitchenette that the couple had fallen for on a visit to our showroom a few years ago. Mix and match - creating something that had a very mixed media approach with the warm and harmonius use of solid wood, painted surfaces in varied colours, metal, glass, stone, ceramic and formica. Flow - The couple thought very carefully about the building project as a whole but particularly the kitchen. They wanted an adaptable space that suited how they wanted to live, a social space close to kitchen and garden, a place to watch movies, partitions which could close off spaces if necessary. Practicality: A place for everything in the kitchen, a sense of order compared to the chaos that was their old kitchen (which lived where the utility now proudly stands). Being a bespoke kitchen manufacturer we listened, drew, modelled, visualised, handcrafted and fitted a beautiful kitchen that is truly a reflection of the couple's tastes and aspirations of how they wanted to live - now that is design! Photo: Ian Hampson

Hollywood Hills

Bohl Architects

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. The key themes that were important to the clients for this project were: Nostalgia- fond memories how a grandmother's kitchen used to feel and furniture and soft furnishings the couple had owned or liked over the years, even Culshaw's own Hivehaus kitchenette that the couple had fallen for on a visit to our showroom a few years ago. Mix and match - creating something that had a very mixed media approach with the warm and harmonius use of solid wood, painted surfaces in varied colours, metal, glass, stone, ceramic and formica. Flow - The couple thought very carefully about the building project as a whole but particularly the kitchen. They wanted an adaptable space that suited how they wanted to live, a social space close to kitchen and garden, a place to watch movies, partitions which could close off spaces if necessary. Practicality: A place for everything in the kitchen, a sense of order compared to the chaos that was their old kitchen (which lived where the utility now proudly stands). Being a bespoke kitchen manufacturer we listened, drew, modelled, visualised, handcrafted and fitted a beautiful kitchen that is truly a reflection of the couple's tastes and aspirations of how they wanted to live - now that is design! Photo: Ian Hampson

The Hardys: Oak Veneer & Yellow/Blue Laminated Plywood Kitchen

Wood & Wire

Wood & Wire - Oak Veneer & Yellow/Blue Laminated handleless Plywood Kitchen

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. The island unit was created as a square with one corner removed to allow easy access around it and to the door out to the garden. The beauty of bespoke design! Photo: Ian Hampson

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. Hand laminated curved door on the back of the leather banquette. Above perch useful locker doors for hiding board games and a media projector. Blum Aventos HF hinges hold the doors clear for easy access. Photo: Ian Hampson

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. Handmade leather banquette in Jura leather colour: Pesto by BeeJay upholstery. Bespoke curved table top echoes island shape and is 30mm birch ply finished with Formica colour: Patina. Photo: Ian Hampson

Country Modern Kitchen

A. Dorsey Construction & Remodeling, LLC

Country modern kitchen with navy tile backsplash, black appliances, brightened by white cabinetry and a large farmhouse sink.

Mid Century Modern Kitchen

Kristy Kropat Design GmbH

Gail Ownes

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. The key themes that were important to the clients for this project were: Nostalgia- fond memories how a grandmother's kitchen used to feel and furniture and soft furnishings the couple had owned or liked over the years, even Culshaw's own Hivehaus kitchenette that the couple had fallen for on a visit to our showroom a few years ago. Mix and match - creating something that had a very mixed media approach with the warm and harmonius use of solid wood, painted surfaces in varied colours, metal, glass, stone, ceramic and formica. Flow - The couple thought very carefully about the building project as a whole but particularly the kitchen. They wanted an adaptable space that suited how they wanted to live, a social space close to kitchen and garden, a place to watch movies, partitions which could close off spaces if necessary. Practicality: A place for everything in the kitchen, a sense of order compared to the chaos that was their old kitchen (which lived where the utility now proudly stands). Being a bespoke kitchen manufacturer we listened, drew, modelled, visualised, handcrafted and fitted a beautiful kitchen that is truly a reflection of the couple's tastes and aspirations of how they wanted to live - now that is design! Photo: Ian Hampson

Mid Century inspired kitchen & utility.

Culshaw Kitchen Makers

This Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. The Set Opera 90cm range cooker with gas hob sits proudly between drawer units. Matching splash back and hood extractor complete the look. Photo: Ian Hampson

Midcentury Kitchen with Yellow Cabinets Design Ideas

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to planning your kitchen design. Where do you even start? Gathering some inspiration in a photo gallery is always a good starting point, as looking at different kitchen designs often brings up ideas you haven’t even thought of yet.

Browse Photos of Kitchen Designs for Inspiration and Collect Your Ideas

You can browse through photos of all kinds of kitchen styles, layouts and sizes on Houzz to get started before jumping into any design software or contacting a local professional for help. Here’s a few considerations to keep in mind when planning your kitchen.

1. What Makes a Good Midcentury Kitchen Design, and Why is it Important?

For starters, you want to find a balance between aesthetics and function. You may have heard of the ‘kitchen work triangle’, which refers to the space between your fridge, sink and stove. You want everything within easy reach when you’re working in the kitchen and look beautiful at the same time. It’s a good idea to take note of both when browsing our photo gallery.

2. Consider Your Space to Determine Your Kitchen Layout

Firstly, consider the space you have, and the limitations that come with it. Do you have a small kitchen and need to maximise your workspace and storage? Can you allow yourself some more space and a big island with seating? Are you designing your kitchen from scratch or renovating an existing design? Which appliances do you already own and what are their measurements? Are there windows you need to take into consideration when planning cabinets? How do kitchen, living and dining areas connect? Depending on your space and needs, you want to use a shape that suits you. U, G, or L-shaped kitchen, with or without island or peninsula? Know your dimensions, plan cabinetry carefully and consider the placement of your appliances. You don’t want to end up with a finished design, only for your significant other to question where the fridge is supposed to go. Consider from the start where your fridge, oven, microwave and sink goes to save yourself from starting again from scratch - remember the kitchen work triangle! You also want to plan the layout of your cabinets. Maybe you’re planning for a pantry and can do with less storage space in your kitchen, so that your design can be one without upper or lower cabinets for a different look. A corner cabinet can be a smart storage solution if you want to keep the look clean and simple.

3. Decide on a Kitchen Style, But Don’t Forget Practicality

You want the style of your kitchen to reflect your personality and taste. We have curated a large array of kitchen styles here at Houzz, from traditional to contemporary to transitional and everything in between. Consider what your cooking style is for a start - Italy is known for its cuisine, so italian kitchen designs are generally popular. Also consider ergonomics - depending on how much time you spend in your kitchen, the height of your counters can make a big difference to your overall health. You also want to consider colour and finishes of cabinets, countertops and splashbacks. Which colour do you want your cupboards to be? Simple, timeless white or rather making a statement in black? Maybe rather a rustic wood? Also consider the colour of your floor - if you have dark floors, you may want to keep cabinets lighter. You could also go for an all-white look and choose black appliances for contrast. Once you know which style you fancy, don’t forget how you will be using the space. You want to keep cooking in mind, as well as how easy to clean and maintain the space will be. How many cooks do you need to accommodate? Do you have kids around? How much storage do you need? Maybe you want to go for open shelves rather than cabinets and allow for easy reach of key items you use when cooking. Again - remember the triangle! Lastly, choose lighting that both enhances the look of your kitchen as well as your cooking performance, providing light in all the right places.

4. Be Conscious of Your Budget

No matter what you plan for your kitchen design, cost is always a big factor. Be sure to plan with your budget in mind. It may make more sense to go for a modular kitchen design rather than custom build. You can save a lot of money if you get at least 3 estimates from professionals before locking in the job. And don’t forget to allow a 20% buffer for emergencies. Once you are ready to hire a pro, our directory will help you find one, no matter where you are. So whether you're looking for an Interior Designer in Melbourne or an Architect in Sydney, you can be sure to find a qualified expert for the job!