Eichler kitchen remodel can be exciting — and tricky. You want to bring it into the 21st century without losing the mid-century soul. Here’s how to do it right.
Understand the Eichler Style First
Before making any changes, take a moment to understand what makes an Eichler home special. These kitchens were:
Open and integrated with the rest of the living space
Minimalist, with flat-front cabinets and little ornamentation
Functional, often with a galley or U-shape layout
Light-filled, thanks to clerestory windows or skylights
Preserving this spirit is key to a successful remodel.
Start with the Layout
If your Eichler kitchen feels cramped or disconnected, layout should be your first focus.
Common goals include:
Creating better flow between kitchen, dining, and living spaces
Improving access to natural light
Adding a kitchen island (if space allows)
Replacing closed-off sections with open shelving or pass-throughs
Tip: Avoid major structural changes if possible. Many Eichlers use post-and-beam construction, and altering the structure can be complicated and expensive.
Cabinetry: Keep It Clean and Timeless
The original cabinets in Eichler kitchens were flat-panel and wood — often mahogany or walnut. You don’t need to match them exactly, but it helps to keep things:
Simple: flat fronts, clean edges, no crown molding
Warm: wood tones or muted colors
Functional: modern storage solutions inside (pull-outs, lazy Susans, drawer organizers)
Handle-free cabinets or slim horizontal pulls can add a modern twist while staying true to the home's roots.
Light It Up (Without Overdoing It)
Lighting plays a huge role in Eichler design. Large windows and skylights brought in daylight, and simple pendant lights provided evening illumination.
Consider these upgrades:
LED strips under cabinets for task lighting
Dome or globe pendants above the island or dining area
Recessed lighting with dimmers to maintain flexibility
Avoid overly ornate fixtures — clean and minimal is the way to go.
Choose Materials That Respect the Architecture
Eichlers are known for their honesty of materials: nothing fake, nothing flashy.
Good material choices include:
Quartz or concrete countertops
Glass, ceramic, or stacked tile backsplashes
Natural wood or matte laminate cabinets
Exposed wood beams (cleaned and preserved)
Keep the palette natural — soft grays, whites, warm woods, maybe a pop of mustard or teal for mid-century flair.
Flooring: Match the Flow
If your Eichler still has original concrete slab floors, consider polishing or refinishing them for a modern look. Otherwise:
Cork and linoleum were popular mid-century options and are still great today
Engineered wood can work if it's slim and low-profile
Tile can be used, but choose large formats in muted tones to keep things calm
Avoid anything too textured or rustic — it can clash with the sleekness of the Eichler design.
Modern Upgrades (Yes, You Can!)
You don’t have to freeze your kitchen in time. It’s totally fine to include:
Induction cooktops or energy-efficient appliances
Built-in microwaves and smart storage solutions
Soft-close drawers and hidden trash systems
Just keep the design clean. Hide the tech where you can. The goal is comfort without clutter.
Color and Personality
Even in a minimalist space, there’s room for charm. You might:
Paint one wall a bold color (like avocado green or burnt orange)
Display vintage dishware on open shelves
Add a colorful rug under the dining table
Hang graphic prints in simple frames
These small touches can tie your modern kitchen back to its mid-century roots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Removing too much original character — Don’t erase what makes your home unique.
Choosing trendy finishes — Stay classic to avoid fast-dating your remodel.
Over-cluttering — Remember, Eichlers are about clean, open space.
Forgetting the ceiling — Exposed beams and tongue-and-groove ceilings are iconic. Preserve them if possible.
A Kitchen That Honors Its History
An Eichler kitchen remodel doesn’t mean copying the past exactly. It means understanding the spirit of the architecture and updating it with care. With thoughtful choices, you can create a space that’s functional, beautiful, and still feels like it belongs to a home designed 60 years ago — in the best way possible.