MID-CENTURY KITCHEN MAGIC

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[caption id="attachment_149" align="aligncenter" width="267" caption="Eames and an ocean view, how good is that? by Tracy Murdock Allied ASID"][/caption]

Innovative and creative couple Charles and Ray Eames are most commonly known for their slick ergonomic bentwood chair designs of the post-war era.  They sought to bring comfort, edgy style and affordability to all the furniture they designed.  They were proponents of mass production and design for all people.  Mid-century design is enjoying a resurgence not only in home decor but also in the media with the popularity of Mad Men (love that show!).  If you live in an area with an abundance of ranch home designs of the 50s and 60s you may want to add an authentic touch of  the Eames aesthetic in your kitchen which is easy to do.  Here's how:

 

[caption id="attachment_154" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Blonde wood and slab doors, Eames reading chair in foreground photo by Mark Brand Architecture"]

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1. Choose blond to medium toned natural wood finishes.  Cabinets in these finishes are among the most affordable.  A simple stain rather than coats of paint, glazes or washes is less labor and less product needed.

2.  Slab doors and drawer fronts give you an overall modern look which can be Mid-Century depending on the other elements in your kitchen.

3.  Keep it simple!  The designs of the 40s-50s were all about clean lines and no visual clutter.  Try to get it of the counter (of course unless you have a cool toaster, coffee pot or other authentic looking small appliance)

 

 

[caption id="attachment_156" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Clean and simple (There's a large pantry close by, we're hoping)"][/caption]

4. Paint color is a great way to add the MCM feel.  The colors of this prosperous era were upbeat and cheerful, just what we need to come home to today!  Sherwin Williams even carries a line called Suburban Modern which offers an authentic pallette.

 

[caption id="attachment_157" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Some MCM fun fabric!"][/caption]

5.  Don't forget the boomerang!  As I was growing up (my formative design years)  I remember our Formica kitchen table with its gray and pink boomerang  pattern.  Now whenever I see it I go right back to my first kitchen experience.  So you don't want Formica?  No worries, how about fabric?  Cover your kitchen chairs or create a wall hanging in your favorite MCM pattern.  Find some awesome designs on line right here at Contemporary Cloth.

Last but not least send me pix and I will post!  If you are a professional or an enthusiast leave a comment and your contact info.  We're all about good content.  With your input Kitchens for Living becomes an even more valuable resource.