Mid-century modern has never been more popular. And that’s because homeowners and renters want a modern style that’s also warm and full of personality. Add mid-century modern elements to your small kitchen design ideas to enlarge and brighten your small space and put fun back into cooking!
Small kitchen design ideas and elements
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Cool, modern and with a touch of whimsy, this small kitchen looks larger than its footprint thanks to the high ceilings. Image: HGTV
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Let’s review the basics on mid-century design and why it works for a small kitchen:
Pastels and bright, vibrant colors add life to a small kitchen by brightening it and giving it a cheerful vibe.
The minimalist open space concept of tall ceilings, fewer walls or open shelving makes a small kitchen look larger and removes some of the heaviness dark cabinets can create.
Wood adds value and a warm, earthy feel.
Fun, quirky retro or vintage accessories and appliances put fun back into a small kitchen design.
Check out these beautiful mid-century modern small kitchen design ideas:
Small kitchen breakfast nooks
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Breakfast banquettes were big in their heyday. Take a small corner and create your own as a cozy breakfast and homework spot. Image: McKinney York Architects
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Retro wallpaper that coordinates with the bench vinyl adds a spot for loved ones in this mid-century modern small kitchen. Image: Elle Decor
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Bright colors for a small kitchen design
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Turquoise, golden yellow and orange are striking and cheerful colors for a small mid-century modern kitchen. Images: Elle Decor
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Add color to your small kitchen design via bold, geometric backsplash tiles. Image: Finch London
Shop These Products Now: Kitchen Shelves – Magnetic Knife Strip
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A two-tone combination of chartreuse green and turquoise works well with both wood tones and stainless steel appliances. Image: Loop Design
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Pastels to brighten your small kitchen
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Light buttercream yellow cabinets look modern and expand the space in this mid-century inspired kitchen. Image: Karen Garlanger Designs
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High gloss cabinets in a retro aqua shade reflect light and expand the space in this small kitchen. Image: Interiors by Maite Granda
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Small kitchen ideas featuring wood and bamboo
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This mid-century modern small kitchen is sophisticated thanks to matte black finishes and bamboo cabinets. Image: Designed Space
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The homeowners restored the original wood cabinets by stripping them from years of paint. Image: M3LD Designs
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Grain matched walnut cabinets give this mid-century style kitchen a high-end look. Image: The Jack+Mare Design and Build
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Light oak cabinets flow beautifully with the pale celadon tiles of this small mid-century modern kitchen design. Image: Freedom Kitchens
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Small kitchen design ideas with an open concept
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The most effective way to turn a small kitchen into an open, airy space is by raising the ceilings and getting rid of unnecessary walls and wall cabinets. Image: Becca Stephens
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A minimalist galley-style kitchen opens up to the rest of the living area. Image: Plan It Green
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Opening up a kitchen using wall cutouts and adding a small counter area can expand a small kitchen’s feel. Image: Monroe Design
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When working with an open-plan kitchen space, continue the mid-century modern decor into the adjoining rooms. Image: NJW Construction
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A custom floating shelf divides the small kitchen area and offers a place to display items. Image: General Assembly
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Add fun with accessories and appliances
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A vintage refrigerator adds retro personality to a contemporary kitchen. Image: Studio BMK
Shop These Products Now: Range Hood – Microwave Oven
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Bertoia inspired barstools and retro appliances in turquoise add the mid-century chic vibe to a minimalist grey kitchen. Image: Flipping Diaries
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A collection of colorful glass vases and a sunburst clock give this small contemporary kitchen a mid-century vibe. Image: Creative Interior Designs
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Red accessories are great additions in this turquoise and white kitchen. Image: Tammara Stroud Designs
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Kitchen appliances in vintage colors and shapes reinforce the retro feel of the small kitchen. Image: HGTV
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Turquoise is perhaps the most popular mid-century modern design color. Add some turquoise accents to your contemporary kitchen to personalize it. Image: Knock Knock
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Want more small kitchen decorating ideas for a minimalist and modern kitchen? Check out How to Free Up Counter Space in Your Small Kitchen.