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Serving Salem and the Willamette Valley Since 1961

Mid-Century Modern Kitchens: A Timeless Blend of Form and Function

By
Beth Rhoades
Modern kitchen with wood cabinets, black countertops, pendant lights, and a central island with greenery.

What is Mid-Century Modern Design?

Mid-Century Modern (MCM) design, a style that emerged roughly from the 1930s to the 1960s, continues to captivate homeowners and designers with its clean lines, organic shapes, and emphasis on functionality. This aesthetic, born from a post-war optimism and a desire for modern living, seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces while celebrating natural materials and vibrant colors. C&R Design Remodel has had the opportunity to work on some fantastic Mid-Century Modern Home Remodeling in Willamette Valley. Let’s take a look at some examples and past projects that illustrate how we incorporate this style into a remodeled space.

Key Elements of Mid-Century Modern Design:

Clean Lines and Simple Forms: Furniture and architectural elements feature smooth, uncluttered lines and geometric shapes.

After open house home remodel kitchen waterfall countertop quartz tile floor windows

Organic Shapes: Rounded edges, curves, and free-form shapes soften the overall look and create a sense of flow.

After West Salem remodel bathroom pink wall tile shower shampoo niche

Emphasis on Functionality: Form follows function. Designs prioritize practicality and usability.

Use of Natural Materials: Wood (especially teak, walnut, and oak), glass, metal, and natural fibers like wool and cotton are prominent.

Indoor-Outdoor Connection: Large windows, sliding glass doors, and open floor plans blur the lines between inside and outside.

Mid-century modern kitchen with wooden cabinetry, round table, and large windows. Cozy and stylish dining space.

Vibrant Colors and Bold Patterns: A palette of earthy tones (greens, browns, oranges) is often punctuated by pops of bolder colors like turquoise, yellow, and red. Geometric patterns and abstract art are also common.

Modern bathroom with abstract art, gray vanity, flowers, and glass bowl sink on a teal tile floor.

Inspiring Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Examples by C&R Design Remodel

C&R Design Remodel has masterfully captured the essence of MCM design in our kitchen and bathroom renovations. Here are a few highlights:

The Eugene Mid-Century Kitchen and Laundry Remodel: 

This project showcases the seamless integration of kitchen and laundry spaces while maintaining a consistent MCM aesthetic. Note the use of natural wood cabinetry, clean lines, and period-appropriate hardware.

After kitchen remodel skylight stainless appliances quartz countertops stained cabinetry white tile backsplash laundry area

Reawakening a Mid-Century Kitchen: 

This remodel breathes new life into an existing MCM kitchen, preserving its original charm while updating it for modern living. The use of period-appropriate colors and materials is evident.

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, central island, and wood flooring. Ample natural light from large window.

Mid-Century Modern Upgrade:

This project demonstrates how to tastefully update an MCM kitchen with contemporary elements without sacrificing its original character. The blend of old and new creates a stylish and functional space.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless steel hood, tiled backsplash, and sleek countertop decor.

West Salem Hill Mid Century: 

While focused on bathrooms, this project highlights the consistent use of MCM design elements throughout the home, creating a cohesive and stylish environment.

Mid-century modern living room with wood paneling, blue tile fireplace, and abstract art decor.

Tips for Incorporating Mid-Century Modern Design into Your Kitchen:

Choose the right cabinetry: Flat-panel cabinets in natural wood tones are a classic MCM choice.

After kitchen remodel blue tile backsplash quartz countertops white upper cabinets stained base cabinets

Select period-appropriate hardware: Look for simple, streamlined pulls and knobs in brushed nickel, brass, or chrome.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, white countertop, and cooking utensils beside stacked plates and books.

Use natural materials: Incorporate wood countertops, backsplashes, or flooring.

Modern kitchen with sleek dark cabinets, wooden countertop, built-in coffee maker, and geometric tile backsplash.

Incorporate pops of color: Add colorful accessories, artwork, or textiles.

Modern kitchen with orange accents, gray cabinets, and colorful checkered flooring, featuring a central island and eat-in nook.

Consider vintage or reproduction furniture and lighting: Iconic MCM pieces can add authenticity to your space.

After open house home remodel bathroom double vanity window toilet tile floors mid century

Keep it uncluttered: Embrace clean lines and avoid excessive ornamentation.

Modern living room with skylight, wooden walls, stone fireplace, and stylish furniture, creating a cozy and bright ambiance.

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?

If you’re inspired by the timeless elegance of Mid-Century Modern design and are considering a kitchen remodel, C&R Design Remodel can help you bring your vision to life. Our expertise in MCM renovations ensures a beautiful, functional, and historically sensitive transformation.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Schedule a Free Consultation
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Five Stars
From the initial meeting with Beth to the closeout visit, working with C&R was a pleasure. Beth listened, offered advice, and was willing to work within our budget. Every worker who came to our home was punctual, courteous, and cleaned up each day. We truly could not have asked for a better experience!
Nancy B
Five Stars
Staff were so skilled, knowledgeable, and professional. The design team was so easy to work with and immediately saw our vision. The result is so beautiful! We highly recommend this company, you will never be disappointed.
Dick and Joi Hayden
Five Stars
Excellent service and workmanship. We could not be happier with our kitchen remodel. Beth helped design the perfect kitchen and our Lead Carpenter completed the work in a timely and professional manner. Everyone we came in contact with at C&R was great—we are already working with them on a second project!
Roslyn Owen
Five Stars
C & R did a kitchen remodel for us November-December 2021.  From start to finish, they provided EXCELLENT service.  Beth guided us expertly through making decisions on products and design.  Mark led their team of professionals to expertly …
Christy Austin
Five Stars
We just completed a remodel of a 1980 sunroom to utility room, as well as expanding the downstairs bedroom, bath, half bath and closet and are thrilled with the result. It was a pleasure to work with C & R. We were so impressed with the …
Janet Lorenz
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