I was thinking something like this for the seating, but it’d probably need to be smaller scale given the space

New floors would be my choice. Clean the cabinets and only restain if they need it (which admittedly is quite possible for cabinets of this age). The color on them is great and I'd try to keep it. The hardware position is a midcentury thing. It's fine as long as you can reach them.

Nothing gray. Cream? blah. Try real colors like aqua paired with crisp whites.

Ok thanks for making me feel better about handle position! I am trying to learn to embrace character rather than make everything aligned with current trends.

What color floors would you recommend? I had considered marmoleum which would allow for brighter colors, but for cork I think I’m limited to muted tones. I’m having a tough time finding a marmoleum installer and cork seems super cozy.

I’m game to do bright colors on the backsplash. Being bold on more permanent things scares me haha. I’m learning though…

Question about dishwasher - currently there isn’t one so this would be an add, yes? Are you sacrificing drawers or end cabinet? Marmoleum would be so great! I wouldn’t do light gray countertop - regardless of whatever else you do, I’d do a cream / white counter as is there now.

KW PNW -> yes the dishwasher would be a new appliance installed to the left or right of the sink. Unsure which to sacrifice yet. I'd do an 18" DW to keep it on the smaller side.

Tiny seating area in the corner -- need to have a care with the baseboard heater but won't that be nice on a cool morning! How many are in the household/how many seats do you need? A drop leaf table could work.

A solid surface or laminate countertop would be authentic. If the cabinets need refinished, I would keep to a similar color but maybe just a shade more neutral tone. Restaining can be a big job, you could also price out refacing (i.e. new doors and drawer fronts).

I'd put better lighting up high on your list. Replace the boob light with a series of can lights, maybe a petite pendant over the breakfast nook if you go that direction. If that is not in the cards, you can at least upgrade the ceiling light and add undercabinet lights. There are a zillion MCM flush mount ceiling lights with multiple bulbs -- some of them are very "sputnik" which I don't think is right here but others are more adaptable.

I think gray with warm wood is doable, but not so easy to make it work well. Agree to shoot for white with a bold color accent.

https://www.dwell.com/article/midcentury-modern-kitchen-renovations-54de19cd

So a storage decision in your future. I’d suggest you make a first pass at that by picking a side based on how you use your upper cabs & do you want to load dw to left or right of sink? Empty the cab you think you can live without & see how that works for a bit. Will the eating nook be an additional eating space? What do you have now? My thought is maybe you’ll need to add extra storage instead of the eating nook in order to have the DW. Everything looks pretty bare so I also wonder if you live in this home yet?

Rebecca - it would be seating for 4. Thankfully the baseboard is hydronic and not electric so I don’t need to worry about fire risk, but I do want to ensure any chairs or benches still allow for air flow so as to not reduce efficiency.

I do love solid surface counters and could be up for doing one in white. I was thinking quartz because I have access to a slab remnant in a very very light gray. But I can price out the different options.

I will get a quote for refacing as well. I wasn’t sure how well wood can be matched and if the quality of wood would compare to what they made back then, but it could be a good option. My husband would cry if we ever got rid of these cabinets but he might be willing to part with just the doors.

New lights are a great option and very do able to change since there is an attic above for easy access. I might start there and see how this all evolves. Thank you!

KW PNW - I am leaning towards putting the dishwasher to the right of the sink because very large pots and pans need a home, and the cabinet to the left is the largest.

The eating nook will be the only eating space. It’s a small apartment.

Currently the home is not occupied. We have lived in it in the past then it was rented out until yesterday, so I’ve seen a few eating space set ups, but I am leaning towards keeping the eating space over in the corner since that allows the most space for maneuvering in the cooking area. I love small kitchens! They are such a challenge to figure out storage wise but once dialed in, they are so efficient.

Duro Cork has actual colors for cork flooring

I would strongly recommend putting the DW left of the sink. You get much better workflow when you don't have a DW between sink and range. Also, I think you would really regret losing those drawers. Drawers can be so useful for a million smaller items that you want close by. Larger items are easier to find alterante storage for--skillets could go on a wall on pegboard, an attractive stockpot could live on top of the fridge, less-used large pots could go in a hall closet or garage.

What are the full dimensions of the room? I'm wondering if you can fit a table for 4 and a small island cart. A 2'x2' island would add a really helpful bit of countertop, as well as a bit of extra storage.

Mcarroll - great advice. That makes a lot of sense. I will plan to put the DW to the left of the sink. Thank you!

The full room is 10x13

I think Mcarroll’s advice is great. You’ll need to be sure the baseboard heating unit doesn’t create a problem for the DW door opening. Don’t think it will but just check. A moveable island - with wheels - would be a great & useful. That little storage door won’t be affected with a table & chairs either - another plus.

18” dishwasher will clear the baseboard heater no problem. Full 24” size DW would not work but I don’t think full size is necessary anyway.

I can definitely play around with a small island cart. I think the room is too small for it to accommodate seating (based on min 3.5’ guidance for walkways), but it could be helpful prep and storage space.

My house has some MCM vibes (some vintage furniture and lights, mixed with new) but I didn't really stay MCM in my kitchen. (Some pics here if you're interested.) However, I'm posting because I did read and get some inspiration from a book that my KD gave me called Atomic Ranch: Remodeled Marvels. You might enjoy it! I hope you post your progress here - would love to see it!

ETA Yikes! I just saw the current price of that book on Amazon. (sorry - didn't realize it's that much.) There are also some Atomic Ranch magazines available for a whole lot less.

Keep us posted @C P !

Will you be able to put a DW to the left with the baseboard located where it is?

This website has amazing inspiration and resources for midcentury kitchens. Some of it leans kitschy, but they have really good info on what was authentic in this period. This kitchen made me think of yours: https://retrorenovation.com/2014/01/28/affordable-kitchen-remodel/

I love your wood cabinets, esp. the handles!