Introduction
Kitchen remodels can be daunting, but also exhilarating. Opening up walls and reconfiguring layouts creates opportunities to make the kitchen more functional and integrated with living areas. Embracing color in a midcentury modern style kitchen renovation adds character. This week’s stunning kitchen remodel in a midcentury home illustrates how knocking down walls and selecting vibrant hues can utterly transform the heart of a home.
Overview of the Midcentury Kitchen Remodel
This kitchen remodel involved removing walls to improve flow and sightlines. The dated, cramped kitchen lacked connection to the rest of the home. By opening the space and using color on cabinets and an island, the homeowners created a cheerful, spacious cookspace.
Key elements of the remodel include:
- Demolishing walls between the kitchen, dining room and living room
- Adding a large central island
- Installing custom teal-colored cabinetry
- Painting upper cabinets black for contrast
- Selecting gold hardware and light fixtures for midcentury style
- Choosing colorful patterned tile as a backsplash
- Incorporating wood elements on the ceiling and island for warmth
- Adding a peninsula with bar-height seating
The finished product is a stunning, open-concept kitchen perfect for entertaining. Vibrant colors give the space an energetic, retro vibe, while increased functionality makes cooking a delight.
Evaluating the Existing Layout and Developing a New Open-Concept Design
The original kitchen was stuck in the past. It was small, isolated, and compartmentalized from the rest of the main living space. The homeowners felt cramped and wanted better flow for entertaining.
By removing walls, they knew they could improve sightlines and create a more unified space. However, careful planning was needed to ensure proper structural support once walls were torn down. This required an expert contractor comfortable with remodeling load-bearing walls.
Several meetings with designers helped map out a new kitchen footprint. Space was allocated for a roomy island that could seat guests. A peninsula replaced one wall to define the kitchen zone while keeping it connected to dining and living areas.
Throughout the design process, the homeowners were inspired by midcentury architecture and style. They wanted to embrace colorful, retro elements in a way that suited the home’s 1960s origins. This included choosing eclectic tile, painting the cabinets, and selecting gold accents and fixtures.
Months of coordination went into finalizing the floorplan. The end result was a thoughtful open-concept design rooted in midcentury style.
Demolishing Walls to Open Up the Space
With blueprints finalized, demolition work could commence. The contractor’s first task was safely knocking down the walls enclosing the kitchen.
This began by identifying load-bearing walls that could not simply be removed. Structural supports were added temporarily to reinforce the ceiling during construction. Then drywall was cut out carefully in planned phases.
Once sections of wall were cleared, new headers were installed to redistribute weight properly to remaining walls. This step was critical to avoid roof or ceiling collapse. The contractor reinforced the adjoining dining room wall to compensate for removing the kitchen wall parallel to it.
Opening up the kitchen was messy work, generating dust and debris. Tarps contained the chaos, protecting the rest of the home during demo. Finally, the last remnants of wall were hauled away, leaving an open shell ready for building.
Constructing a Spacious Central Island
The massive kitchen island was constructed early in the remodel process. This impressive 10 foot by 5 foot fixture anchors the new space.
The island base consists of cabinet boxes secured together into one sturdy unit. Plywood reinforced the underlying framework attached to the subfloor. Next, the granite countertop and backsplash were fabricated and installed.
On one long side, an overhang creates a eating bar with enough seating for four. The semicircular bar area neatly fits against the curved living room wall.
Cabinets and drawers offer abundant storage. The deep sink and dishwasher are also built into the island. It is wired for pendant lighting and outlets.
Finally, vibrant teal-colored paint was rolled onto the island base. The eye-catching hue perfectly suits the midcentury modern vibe.
This expansive island provides ample workspace and transforms into an entertainment zone when entertaining guests. It reflects thoughtful construction and design choices.
Painting Kitchen Cabinets Black and Teal for Retro Contrast
Painting kitchen cabinets black is a bold but classic choice suited to midcentury decor. To modernize the look, the homeowners opted for contrast by pairing black uppers with teal base cabinets.
After cleaning and priming existing cabinet boxes, the contractor sprayed on black paint. Multiple coats ensured full coverage and a silky finish that beautifully contrasts against the teal lowers.
New teal cabinets were constructed to replace old lower ones. The durable paint finish involved several layers applied with a spray gun. Then doors and drawers were attached to finish installation.
Painting kitchen cabinets requires meticulous prep and application for a flawless look. The black and teal combo achieves the vintage style the owners desired while adding warmth and sophistication.
Choosing Gold Hardware and Lighting for Midcentury Glamour
Gold hardware and lighting accents add a rich midcentury vibe. Polished brass knobs and handles stand out boldly against the black and teal cabinets. “#”shaped pulls on drawers continue the retro geometric theme.
The gleaming brass pendant lights are sphere-shaped with diagonal perforated details. Over the central island, five pendants aligned linearly create a striking focal point. More pendants light up the peninsula bar.
Vintage style gold sconces flanking the stove backsplash provide task lighting. Americana-inspired switches and outlets finished in black and gold complete the 1950s motif.
By combining the dark dramatic cabinet colors with glimmering metallics, the kitchen achieves a Hollywood regency aesthetic. The gold accents lend glamour to what could otherwise feel like a dark, brooding color scheme.
Using Vibrant Patterned Tile as a Midcentury-Inspired Backsplash
The jewel-toned backsplash tile embodies midcentury style. Rectangular stacked tiles in sapphire blue, chartreuse, and terra cotta form an eye-catching mosaic.
Thin grout lines allow the earthy Southwestern pattern to shine. Rows of tiny square mint tiles provide contrast along the top and base of the backsplash.
This handmade art tile has texture and depth that feels almost three-dimensional. The colorful mosaic pairs beautifully with the painted cabinets. It injects liveliness into the eating zone.
During installation, the tile was carefully laid row by row. Grout work filled in gaps while accentuating the pattern. The bold backsplash transforms a typically mundane area into a work of art.
Incorporating Wood Elements for Warmth
Wood introduces natural elegance that offsets the brightly colored cabinets. Rich wood beams on the ceiling add texture while concealing ductwork and wires.
The base of the large island has a wraparound wood shelf for open storage. A wooden peninsula replaces one wall, offering a subtle divide between kitchen and living room.
For the flooring, wide walnut-stained planks run lengthwise, selected to complement the wood accents. A checkerboard tile floor would also enhance the retro motif.
The rich wood elements infuse warmth and balance to the space. Wood’s natural beauty ties together the more flamboyant color choices in a harmonious midcentury style.
Adding a Peninsular Bar for Seating
Building a peninsula along one side of the kitchen created space for a casual bar dining area. The rectangular peninsula has an overhang for bar stool seating.
The base of the peninsula matches the teal lower cabinets. Black quartz countertops coordinate with the island surface and upper cabinet color scheme.
Pendant lights hang over the counter to spotlight the bar zone, which accommodates family meals and entertaining. People can be together in the kitchen without crowding the chef.
The partial wall of the peninsula helps delineate the kitchen while keeping it connected to the living areas. Open sections on either end allow traffic to move freely about the whole space.
Final Touches: Styling an Inviting, Functional Midcentury Kitchen
Final decorative touches completed the transformation to a stylish but highly functional kitchen. Vintage-inspired appliances, pops of color via accessories, and live plants helped tailor the space.
The retro fridge has a mint green exterior and curved corners fitting the midcentury motif. Other stainless appliances receded visually so as not to compete with the colorful cabinets.
Decor includes a living succulent wall, blue ceramic canisters, multicolored dishware, and whimsical patterned fabrics. Plants interspersed throughout add freshness and life.
By keeping the decor simple yet thoughtful, the kitchen achieves a balanced, welcoming look. The vibrant space brilliantly fuses midcentury inspiration with contemporary open-concept ideals.
Benefits of an Open-Concept Kitchen Remodel
Opening up walls to create an airy, unified kitchen and living space provides many lifestyle benefits. Here are some of the top perks of an open-concept remodel:
- Improved natural lighting throughout the space
- Better traffic flow for multiple cooks or entertainers
- Flexible room usage for formal or casual dining
- Increased visibility lending a sense of safety for kids’ play areas
- Greater interaction and conversation between kitchen and living activities
- Display areas to showcase beautiful kitchen elements like tilework
- Modern aesthetic that appeals to buyers and looks updated
The kitchen is no longer isolated but becomes the social epicenter of the home when walls come down. An open-concept design maximizes both aesthetics and functionality.
Challenges of Removing Walls Between Rooms
Embarking on an open-concept remodel also comes with some unique challenges to consider:
- Structural changes require hiring contractors experienced in load-bearing walls and foundations
- Floorplan changes impact lighting, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems
- Kitchen messes, noises and smells spread more easily without contained walls
- Lack of privacy separation from living spaces
- Potential difficulties meeting resale value if open layouts fall out of favor
- Up-front costs tend to be higher for major structural renovations
- Overall project timeline expands significantly for extensive work
Homeowners willing to take on these challenges will reap the lifestyle benefits of open-plan living. Weighing pros, cons and costs beforehand ensures a sound investment.
Preserving Midcentury Architecture Character During Remodels
Many midcentury homes have distinct architectural elements worth preserving even during extensive renovations. Key features to thoughtfully integrate into new open designs include:
Low-Slung Silhouettes
The elongated, horizontal lines of midcentury homes should remain intact. Design changes should hug existing roof lines rather than towering upwards.
Atrium Courtyards
Central atrium spaces bring in natural light. If courtyards will be impacted by layout changes, incorporate glass walls or skylights to maintain a bright aesthetic.
Strong Lines
Defined edges and clean lines emphasize geometric shapes. Keep additions looking seamless by echoing the angles in existing roofing and walls.
Natural Materials
Wood, brick and stone exteriors create organic texture. Incorporate natural materials like wood beams or ceramic tile to retain earthiness.
Windows
Big picture windows usher in scenic outdoor views. Preserve window walls instead of obstructing them with structural changes.
Negative Space
Void space helps define room proportions. Allow breathing room around furnishings and avoid overcrowding remodeled layouts.
With careful planning, you can harmoniously interweave original midcentury features into a new contemporary open-concept home design.
Customizing a Kitchen Remodel to Your Lifestyle
How you live day to day should dictate the details of your kitchen remodel. Evaluate how you use your existing kitchen as well as pain points you want to fix.
Key questions to ask:
- When do you typically cook – morning, fast breakfasts or bigger evening meals?
- Does your family/household all cook together or in shifts?
- What meals or baking do you prepare most often?
- Do kids do homework at the table or couches?
- Do you frequently work from home or entertain?
- What activities happen in the nearby living room or dining room?
Analyze how you circulate through each area and where you converge. Be sure your remodel open up circulation routes to match your habits.
Storage needs are also highly personal depending on cooking gadgets, serving pieces, pantry items and more. Make sure to incorporate customized organizational solutions in your new kitchen layout and cabinets.
There are many ways to approach open concept kitchen designs. Focus on how your family actually lives and entertains to create the ideal flow.
Design Ideas for Small Open Concept Kitchens
Just because space is limited doesn’t mean you can’t knock down a few walls. Opening up cramped kitchens creates a more unified living space. Here are great small open concept kitchen ideas:
- Use a peninsula or counter rather than a full wall to separate kitchen and dining zones
- Remove closet or pantry walls to expand footprint
- Extend kitchen space into an unused foyer area
- Add a counter area or bar-height seating into living room
- Use glass doors or an open shelf design on wall cabinets for an airier feel
- Opt for smaller-scale tile patterns to make the space feel larger
- Paint ceiling, trim and cabinets all one color to streamline
- Incorporate mirrors or reflective surfaces to add depth
- Use lightweight sheer curtains on nearby windows instead of heavy drapes
- Install sliding doors or pocket doors for easier access
With smart spatial tricks andfurnishings scaled down to fit, even the tiniest kitchen can feel open and airy.
Bright Color Palettes for an Energetic Open-Concept Kitchen
White kitchens feel timeless, but color energizes a space. If aiming for an upbeat vibe, consider a vibrant palette for your open-concept kitchen:
Primary colors
Red, blue and yellow act as bold anchoring shades. A little goes a long way, so use one as an accent.
Vivid hues
Saturated colors like emerald, orange and violet make dynamic statements. Paint an entire wall or just the cabinets.
Retro pairing
For contrast, match a deeper tone like navy blue with a bright complementary color like taxicab yellow.
Tonal look
Pick three colors in a similar family such as seafoam, sky and robin’s egg blue. Vary textures.
Neutral base
Ground the space with white or wood tones and overlay patterns in contrasting jewel tones.
Metallic
Incorporate shiny silver, copper or gold touches for glamour. Limit to accessories against neutral walls.
Color instantly modernizes a kitchen. Choose a fun combination that reflects your personality.
Creating an Inviting Open-Concept Kitchen Dining Area
An open kitchen dining space seamlessly brings together cooking and gathering. For best flow, incorporate these design tips:
- Define the dining zone with area rugs and distinct lighting fixtures.
- Choose a table shape that melds well with existing architecture like round to soften corners.
- Allow at least 36 inches around seating areas for traffic flow.
- Use curtains, screens or glass cabinet fronts to obscure kitchen messes.
- Place the table near, but not directly next to, cooking surfaces for safety.
- Incorporate sound-absorbing elements like padded chairs and curtains to minimize noise.
- Use consistent flooring materials throughout the contiguous spaces for unity.
- Display serving ware prominently for easy buffet-style dining.
- Maximize natural light with generous windows and skylights.
Blending kitchen workflows with a relaxed dining experience results in a highly functional, inviting space.
Creating Kitchen and Living Room Harmony in Open-Plan Spaces
With the Kitchen now flowing freely into the living room, use these tips to fuse the two spaces harmoniously:
- Repeat paint colors from one room into the next for cohesion. Use the same tone on walls or cabinetry.
- Anchor the overall palette with similar neutral hues on large surfaces.
- Eliminate overhead soffits or walls blocking sightlines between rooms.
- Use variations of the same flooring material and trim molding profiles throughout.
- Incorporate transparent elements like shelving units and glass cabinetry.
- Layer rugs and lighting to define functional zones within the open space.
- Float matching freestanding cabinets or hutches in the living room for storage.
- Add furniture like sofas and ottomans that orient sightlines toward the kitchen.
Integrated spaces feel purposefully designed when decorative details are carried throughout. Craft an overall vision versus arbitrarily joining rooms.
Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Colors to Brighten Dark Spaces
Dark, cramped kitchens can expand visually with the right cabinet color scheme. Bright hues make small spaces appear larger.
- White or extra light neutrals like ivory reflect light. Use glossy finishes for sheen. Add warmth with unpainted wood accents.
- Soft sunny tones like peach, butter yellow and sage green add cheery brightness. Pair with white trim for crisp contrast.
- Robin’s egg blue, mint and lime green provide fresh color without feeling overwhelming. Accent with bronze hardware.
- Opt for lighter, breezy variations of navy or charcoal gray. Avoid going too dark.
- Inject brightness with colorful upper cabinets atop creamy white or beige bottoms.
- Add pops of citrus tones like lemon, tangerine and sunflower on an accent wall or the backsplash.
By limiting darker hues only to accents, you can infuse a sense of airy lightness using strategic shades.
Making a Small Kitchen Feel Larger Through Lighting Design
For cramped kitchens, lighting can make all the difference in improving spatial perceptions. Use lighting design to open up tiny spaces:
Add abundant ambient light
Maximize natural light through generous windows, skylights and solar tubes. Supplement with diffuse overhead fixtures like LED panels.
Layer lighting levels
Incorporate general, task and accent lighting with separate controls. Vary fixture heights and beam direction.
Illuminate dark corners
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