I love the lavender and grey, lol.

I don't think the lavender is part of the color scheme. I think it's just how the software is rendering the design.

LOL. Yes the lavender and grey are from the designers software. The lowers are deep blue

the blue is beautiful and the pullouts chosen are timeless so great choice. the hood is gonna be custom or purchased? Hoods are an accent so the blue will break the white nicely.

Nice layout but I have one teensie query. Did you want something so traditional on your cabinet design in what seems to be a fantastic Mid Century home? Don't get me wrong, I love a nice Shaker cabinet as much as the next designer, but I think you have an opportunity here to really speak to the bones of the house. Its rare that you see a "never been updated" space like this where it has such easy, breezy, no-walls-need-removing kind of kitchen. If you were my client, I would probably come up with some finishes that were more in line with the 60s feel of the space. That might not be your style at all though!

Wood floor: I had one in the kitchen of a 1920s Cape Cod house in New England, and during a remodeling all we did to it was refinish. It was fantastic. In my present house I'm hoping to install cork flooring, which is in period for the house.

Its rare that you see a "never been updated" space like this where it has such easy, breezy, no-walls-need-removing kind of kitchen.

The kitchen in my 1951 early MCM house has never been updated, and I wouldn't change it if the cabinet configuration were more functional. What I have in mind - it's not imminent - isn't a lot different in style, except that some 1951 touches that were never really compatible with the design will be going away.

Love it all, the only thing I would change is sink and wine fridge switch. Sink centered under the window and the fridge under the island. That would give the island more counter space.

I think it's great. From a functional perspective, it might be better to put the sink under the window and move the wine/bev fridge to the peninsula so people can access it without walking through the kitchen. But that requires moving plumbing, so probably not in the cards?

Otherwise, yes to pullouts under the cooktop. I would say that I'm not convinced the vertical pullouts are that great for oils/vinegars/spices (mostly that stuff isn't used directly while cooking and is better located near prep areas). They're fine for utensils. I can't tell the size of your cooktop, so if you have 36" drawers there it should be enough for pots & pans.

Why not the sink under the window? Do you need a pony wall? The upper is the side of the cabinet, why a pony wall for the lower? Why an over offset from the range top? Why a closet?

@Greta Interiors I'm glad you mention the mcm style- and I'm certainly open to ideas. Even though it's a 60s house with terrazzo, in many ways it feel pretty traditional. I'm adding a couple more pics so you can see what I mean. The original owners had the house custom built and it was a labor of love. He was from Savannah and transported all the bricks from there (we are 30 min. north of Orlando.)The foyer is beautiful old brick and it has a very cool curved fireplace wall.

I'd love to hear your suggestions to lean more mcm in the kitchen.

Exterior

Living room (previous owner furnishings, pic from the real estate listing)

We have opened up the foyer by removing the large closet, also the wall with the metal hanging is becoming a half wall into the kitchen

newly restored terrazzo, walls are down to the studs. We will paint the walls SW Shoji white. Keeping the upper 6 inch wood trim, the beams and the wood cornice.

Unfortunately the footprint is what needs the work. With all the money you're spending on a new kitchen, why not try and get the most functional kitchen possible?

Why do you want the oven under the counter? When it's below the counter, it means you have to completely bend down as it's lower than a standard oven. (Ask me how I know.) Trust me it gets old quickly.

Where will you prep? I ask because one normally takes food out of the fridge, and brings it to the sink to wash and then preps besides the sink. You don't have enough room besides the sink to prep as the bare minimum is 30" and trust me 42" is better for prepping. Especially since your counter ends. I can now see things falling off the edge.

What's in the two cabinets on either side of the window wall?

I would ditch the two narrow cabinets underneath on either side of the cooktop. You'd be better off with one larger cabinet with drawers.

Where does the door next to the oven lead to? Do you absolutely need it?

As for your design choices I think the blue is great but if it were me, I'd play homage more to the style of the house with slab front doors instead of the overdone and not appropriate for a 60's house shaker style. Additionally I'd pick up one of the colors in the terrazzo for the backsplash or your idea of continuing the quartzite is a good one.

Beautiful house btw

@lmp1959 I am not one of those people who think a sink always HAS to be under a window. I could definitely make a case for pulling a nice bottle of sancere from the wine fridge and standing there sipping while admiring that view! This strikes me as an entertaining kitchen (when we can all entertain again) as well as one that needs to function properly. I don't have any quarrel with your lay out as it stands on your rendering as I assume you have sat down with someone and talked about your lifestyle in detail to get to that point.

Check out this ideabook. It is a beautifully preserved MCM home. You can see there is a lot of wood, flat front cabinets, great natural light, open spaces, etc.

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-mcm-residence-pj-vj~1154221

Its certainly a more "period correct" example and definitely at one end of the spectrum. Your home is a bit more of a pastiche, as you say. If I had you as my client, I might push a bit for a less traditional cabinet design, or at least, fewer elements like the crown molding. I might present you with an ideaboard full of laquered and wood flat front cabinets, with concrete counters and funky pendant lighting. I can just see the "ladies who lunch" floating through this space with colorful Pucci prints and big cocktail rings asking for a martini, extra dry. I think this house has such a great and strong vibe, I would probably try to tie back into its history as much as I could.

My reasoning for suggesting moving the sink was more for function than that it needs a window. As cpartist mentioned, there's not a lot of counter around the sink for prep. Also, moving the wine etc. out of the cooking zone (or at least to the edge of it) will result in less butt bumping. I think, if it's possible, cleanup sink on the window and prep sink on the peninsula would be a great layout.

Agree with anj_p

@zthar and @anj_p Never considered moving the sink under the window - This house is all about the view through the living/dining room to the water- a much nicer view than my driveway out the window!

@houssaon regarding the pony wall- personal preference I guess. I didn't want the blue of the cabinet on that side even though the uppers are exposed.

Why an over offset from the range top? I'm sorry I don't know what this means! :)

Why a closet? Do you mean the 2 cabinets on the window wall? The right one will house the microwave, coffee maker, etc. as well as some barware. The one on the left will be pantry plus storage for china and misc stuff. The lower part of both will be roll out drawers.

@cpartist I hear you! It's just the 2 of us and neither of us are into cooking, so the layout actually works fine in terms of prep. I'm also used to the under cabinet oven, having had a similar setup in our last house- again, it doesn't get THAT much use :)

The door next to the oven goes into the foyer. We are actually removing the door so it will just be a doorway. I haven't ruled out slab front cabinets- I just don't love them.

Thanks soo much for your comments- you're giving me food for thought and helping me really consider my choices! I appreciate the help :)

@lmp1959 aha, so now I understand more. This is a house for two people who want to take in that view! Lucky for the both of you. Its also just my husband and I and I am not much of a cook. Our kitchen is designed around entertaining. We have some prep space for catering but I can't tell you when the last time I cooked a meal on the range. Its really all about your lifestyle. What might be functional for an avid cook may just be a nuisance for someone who uses their space for having espresso and chatting about the news of the day. Everyone uses their kitchen differently. I can see you having some friends sit across from you on that island while you mix them a drink. The sink could be very handy in that space.

Don't do anything in your kitchen you don't love because it is yours, after all. But one thing I always start with when working with someone new is: "Close your eyes and remember the first time you saw your house. What did it remind you of? What stood out to you that you really liked? If your house could talk, what would it tell you?" Sounds corny but it really works to help get to a place where I understand what my clients love or don't love about their home, what really appealed to them, and what they think would actually work in their space. Often people will go with something that they loved in a different space. If you can connect with what this place is, and what you love about "the bones" you will have an easier time deciding on what goes into it.

@Greta Interiors I love the image you conjure up- makes me want to break out a caftan and pour myself a cocktail!

I'm looking at counters this week- not at all sure what I want. I'm hoping I'll know it when I see it.

I will give more thought to flat front cabs- I feel like that look is better with stain vs. paint...but maybe that's just me.

Here are a couple of pendants I'm considering, as well as sconces for over the window- what do you think?

@Greta Interiors such good advice. Your clients must love you!

@lmp1959 now you are cookin with gas! Love those choices.

I can see a flat front high gloss white lacquer cabinet in this space if you want to take the plunge. Check out Cesar NY cabinets. They carry Italian lines that may suit. Their "transitional" is not as modern as what I am thinking I would recommend but it isn't quite as traditional as what you have picked. Something like that would be a good compromise.

I would probably go with a plain quartz if you aren't ready to take the plunge with concrete. But concrete is a LOT of fun and so versatile, so I would consider that!

@Greta Interiors LOL. Thanks! Forgot to mention that I don't love that crown either and will prob have just a plan 2-3" flat header instead. I will check out the cabs you suggest. Thx again so much.

The view is awesome! I don’t think you are jute there yet on your kitchen design. Most of the issues I saw have been mentioned. But as a wine connoisseur, if you want a wine cellar don’t put it in kitchen. You seem to have loads of space so make an area “bar zone” where you could have a bigger cellar unit, your proper wine glasses, and other equipment. The refrigerator needs to be relocated so doors aren’t interfering with person at sink. I would move sink to under window with dishwasher next to it. The rest I have to study. Bbl

Do you have scale drawing? That would help.

Do you want a certain look for window treatment?

Intriguing what they do with LED lights. Idea for vertical, straight lines for upper cabinets, to ceiling. At top of wall a horizontal architectural piece to hide a glowy LED light ...

Have pendants also idk.

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I love all your ideas and your home AND view! But my initial thought was that if someone is at the sink and someone wanted to grab something from the fridge, they'd be bumping bodies. Can the fridge for on the wall opposite? OR, maybe simpler to have the main sink under window and a bar sink on peninsula if that is where wine fridge and entertaining happens. Will give more counter space for buffet/drinks/snacks for guests. And then you'll have your fridge -> sink -> oven/stove triangle. Person doing dishes/cleaning won't be in the way of someone sneaking into kitchen to grab something from the fridge, etc.

@User - I completely agree with it looking like so many other transitional kitchens. That's what is keeping me from signing off.

The layout actually works quite well for the 2 of us and we plan on staying here forever (never moving again!!) so I'm not concerned about resale.

Honestly, the house doesn't scream mcm to me, which is both good and challenging. I like mcm elements, but I don't like the very sleek lacquer cabinet look. Having said that, I am interested in leaning in that direction, if that makes sense. ie lighting, decor. Everyone's feedback is helping me zero in on what I might want to change. I think my real dilemma is around the cabinet finish and door style, and countertop material. That's what's keeping me up at night, I've looked at so many pics my eyes are starting to cross!

Thanks much :)

I’ll leave the layout to the pros but also agree with ours that the style of the proposed kitchen, while lovely, doesn’t seem to fit into the house. I’m imagining something more along these lines for your house. Would you like something like this?

https://www.houzz.com/photos/tennis-house-contemporary-kitchen-new-york-phvw-vp~120004209

I have no idea how to insert that as a photo :/
Here’s a screenshot

Basically, everything is great. Especially the Rev-a-shelf pull out wine rack.

But for me, personally, the wood color outside your kitchen could be better if you use a darker color.👀

@Acryliccult Yes- that wine rack is awesome!

Not sure what you mean by

the wood color outside your kitchen could be better if you use a darker color.👀

but I'm in interested!

@kpkowski Totally true. But I think it’s the navy cabinets that are really throwing me off, in addition to the Shaker and crown molding. That color seems too traditional? preppy? 2018? for a mid-century house. *Shrug

@Ephma I call 2020 'the year of the blue kitchen island." The color the OP chose is gorgeous and rich but very much of the moment. I don't think its trendy per se, as blue is classic, but I do agree that its more traditional than this home might call for. That said, if the OP loves it, I would find a way to work with it. MCM interiors are typically very earthy with their wood tones and orange/mustard/red leanings. This house is not a strict restoration, and the OP is using Shoji white and only keeping some of the wood, so you could definitely tilt the color wheel more towards the blues. But I am in agreement that this house is asking for a different style kitchen. She (yes, I think houses can have male or female energy, and this one is quite the sophisticated lady) is asking to be decked out in more period-appropriate attire. Maybe not the full mini skirt and beehive but more a Jackie O classic take on that.

@Greta_Interiors that’s interesting! I feel like the navy island was a couple of years ago around here, but I’m sure it’s all regional.

@Ephma it probably was, but we are seeing a lot of delayed projects get started this year as people are home with nothing to do. If they picked out SW Naval last year, its going on the island this year :)

@cpartist I hear you! It's just the 2 of us and neither of us are into cooking, so the layout actually works fine in terms of prep. I'm also used to the under cabinet oven, having had a similar setup in our last house- again, it doesn't get THAT much use :)

I am no cook either. My idea of cooking is making reservations and until the shutdown I was excellent at doing that. I'd cook at home maybe 3x a week and that was only because DH insisted we stay home and one of those 3 days was him barbecuing. (Now the joke's on him since every night is at home and now he's complaining how he'd love to go out to a restaurant. LOL)

However, twice in my life I had an ideal setup in terms of kitchen flow (my first house and my current house) and layouts that made cooking less of a chore. You don't realize it at the time, but trust me, now that I'm actually cooking an extra day (and doing take out 3x a week) I can see how a great kitchen layout makes an unpleasant chore so much more pleasant. Get the layout to work better and the rest will not be so onerous.

The door next to the oven goes into the foyer. We are actually removing the door so it will just be a doorway. I haven't ruled out slab front cabinets- I just don't love them.

Have you considered closing the opening completely or would that not work?

I also agree that you really need to pay attention to who this house is in terms of style and not try and change her into something she isn't.

This is so helpful. I had already nixed the crown on top of the cabinets for a 3" cap (not sure what the correct term is) and all the top drawers are slab front.

Some of the changes I'm thinking about are:

• Natural wood uppers - possibly slab doors
• I love the deep moody blue of the lowers and floor to ceiling cabinets. The top drawers are already slab front...do painted cabs look ok painted??
• Plain white countertops

I like mcm touches in the less permanent elements, like lighting, pulls, decor.

To answer some of your questions:

@cpartist- definitely not trying to make the house something it isn't- that's what I'm trying to avoid with the help of Houzzers' objective eyes :) The house has more traditional elements as well so there's a bit more flexibility in design. The doorway is to the foyer- we looked at closing it up but it didn't add anything so we just removed the actual door.

@Greta Interiors again, I love your imagery. I'm on a mission to 'Jackie O' this kitchen! :) My husband loves wood so we are definitely open to using more in the kitchen. @Ephma I just really love the blue that reads very dark teal in the space. I first considered black, but opted for the dark blue once I saw a sample in the room (not alot of natural light). My concern is how painted slab doors look.

Thanks!!

From a non-professional perspective, I‘m not sold on the cabinetry design and colors; just be 100% sure before you take this huge step. I think the kitchen choices below are lovely; inviting, modern yet a touch MCM.

- Love the honed slate idea on counter and backsplash and it would be beautiful with your floor. If you found cabinet stain too dark, you could go lighter.

- Consider moving sink/dishwasher to window area and use one of the tall cabinets for dishes, etc for convenience

- Be sure pendants are not too low, as you don’t want to obscure the view.

- The last cupboard over peninsula is not easily accessible and I think open shelving would be attractive to look at instead and would also have easier access to wine glasses, cheese trays and platters.

- The peninsula becomes a more congenial area with more room for eating, snacking and entertainIng. A much better choice I think than having a sink (and dishes) in the way.

- Consider adding a bar sink with a cutting board, on the far end

- Be sure to add pendants on dimmers

@Maureen- thanks for the pics and suggestions. I love the honed slate idea for counters. One of the tall cabinets will be almost exactly as you suggest :)

Good luck. Lots of decisions!

I know there are design ideas flying.. but I just thought I'd throw in that every time I see this thread, this is the kitchen that comes to my mind:

Not really MCM per se, but modern (it's a HenryBuilt kitchen I've long admired the look of).

Plus, I'll join the fan club your house has gained: holy cow that's gorgeous paneling, and those floors!! I'm in love. (Have you ever considered removing the shutters on the outside? Ok.. I'll stop now.)

@jslazart I love that kitchen!!

If you like honed slate, a less costly, easier to maintain option is Virginia Mist granite or it's sister Jet Black Granite. These come in honed versions and resemble soap stones/slates and are so easy to maintain!

The big issue I see is the wine racks. Do not put them next to a refrigerator or oven. Both have waste heat. If your wine is worth keeping in racks, you need to keep it cool. You don't want your kitchen racks to be worse places to keep the wine than in a carton on the floor of your closet. At least you show them below counter, which is correct unless you have heater vents there.

For that matter, if you're having a wine fridge, perhaps the best place for extra wines would be in cartons on the floor of your closet, and use the space for the racks for something else, like fruit baskets or pitcher storage.

is there another space to sit in your home that takes in that water view while entertaining? Though you are in FL so may not be a big deal...but what about some kind of seating instead back at the window area? so you can take in the view?

The sink is in a very awkward spot. If you open the fridge, you run the risk of it hitting you. Put the sink under the window and put your beverage center closer to what I assume is your family room (at the peninsula).