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Before + After

A previous remodel of the kitchen had changed the home's original layout by segmenting the kitchen and breakfast nook away from the rest of the home. The old remodel had also drywalled over the walnut beam which ran from the front of the home all the way through to the eaves of the backyard. Seamless indoor-outdoor transitions and open living space were hallmarks of Streng Brother's homes in the 1960s and 1970s so uncovering the beam and restoring the flow of the Kitchen were musts in this project.

The remodeled kitchen runs parallel to the exposed beam, and opens into the dining room which then flows into the living space, allowing clear sightlines throughout the home! Mid-century modern homes typically utilize organic color palettes as a nod to the outdoors. With this in mind, beautiful grain-matched walnut cabinetry was used throughout the Kitchen to give the space warmth. The visible wood grain adds depth and provides another nod to bring the outdoors, in!

The Program

This 1968 Streng home’s kitchen remodel revived its mid-century modern aesthetic while addressing functionality for a growing family. Removing a wall between the Kitchen and Dining Room transformed the space, creating a more open layout with ample counter seating, storage, and workspace. Thoughtful design features like a coffee bar, additional pantry storage, and playful, eclectic elements reflect the family’s vibrant personality and honor the home’s mid-century roots. The result is a connected, inviting kitchen that serves as both a functional hub and a celebration of the home’s original design.

Cooktop Chic

The matte “mid-century white” 1x3 handmade backsplash tile, by Heath Ceramics, was meticulously placed tile by tile to accentuate its stunning, yet subtle variation of color. The backsplash provides visual intrigue without detracting from the natural color pallet of the home. Shallow 4” quartz floating shelves on either side of the range move spices and accent decor off the working counter space, preserving the clean lines Mid-Century Modern style is based on.

Color Theory

It was important to the homeowners that their Kitchen be both stylistically mid-century modern and a reflection of their young, growing family. With this personality in mind, the Kitchen design incorporated pops of color throughout the Kitchen. The project designer, Kellie, was able to work with the homeowners to individually select which colors and cabinets would serve as accents. The result is a kitchen that is both in line with midcentury-modern design aesthetics and a joyful reflection of the growing family. These pops of color are balanced by the richness of the Walnut cabinetry used throughout.