Mid-Century Modern Design has been making a comeback in recent years and for good reason. The emphasis on clean lines and natural materials brings a warmth and texture that’s unfussy and uncomplicated. And while Midcentury homes are in abundance, few have retained the characteristics that make this style so noteworthy. This Elmhurst family loves the look of their home’s architecture and wanted to update the kitchen so that it aligned with the home’s style, as well as their own.

Normandy Designer Laura Barber, AKBD, was on task to bring functionality and flow to the kitchen while maintaining an emphasis on the Mid-century style.  “Their old kitchen had been remodeled some years ago and lost its connection with the home’s architecture,” says Laura. “The appliances were in need of replacement and the wall between the kitchen and family room made each room feel dark and isolated.” With young children and many years ahead of them in this home, they knew that this was the right time to create a kitchen that would be a true hub of the family home.

When developing the kitchen design, striking the right balance between vintage style and modern aesthetics led them to choose finishes and materials that were both period appropriate and of-the-moment.

“In keeping with the Mid-century modern style, natural materials like walnut cabinetry and quartzite countertops were a must,” shares Laura. “We used grain matching for the cabinets, where a single piece of wood is cut to make both the doors and drawer fronts, allowing the grain to flow seamlessly throughout the kitchen.  This creates a sense of movement that is stunning.”

The waterfall edge on the island countertop is an updated treatment of the stone but emphasizes the beauty of quartzite. “It’s the perfect way to blend the iconic Mid-century style with today’s modern aesthetic,” notes Laura.

Adding color was key, and this couple didn’t need much coaxing to go big on impact. “The dimensional marine blue backsplash brings in their love of color and is striking next to the walnut wood. This tile was chosen for the patterns it creates on the wall and is simply mesmerizing. The material and color add that touch of character and put their individual stamp on the kitchen,” says Laura.

The wall separating the kitchen from the living room came down, but its removal didn’t increase the footprint of the original kitchen. “By removing an unnecessary doorway, it allowed for a larger island, which is now accessible on all four sides. A new bar area was added that features reeded glass insert doors framed in brushed stainless steel. It also made both the kitchen and living room feel larger and more connected.”

Every element in this kitchen seems to pulse with its own heartbeat, from walnut graining to the bold backsplash. “This family is overjoyed with their new kitchen and will take it into the next century,” Laura says.

Is your kitchen stuck in a time warp? Reach out to Laura to discuss the ways your space can be updated with your unique style. You can find inspiration on our Facebook page and Instagram feed.