Here’s how to plan a remodel that respects the home’s design and meets today’s needs.
What Makes an Eichler Kitchen Unique
Before starting any remodel, it’s helpful to understand what sets an Eichler kitchen apart:
Open Floor Plan: The kitchen often connects directly to the dining and living areas.
Flat or Low-Pitched Roofs: Limited attic space can affect lighting and venting plans.
Exposed Beams and Wood Paneling: These architectural features are part of the home’s charm.
Post-and-Beam Construction: Walls often don’t carry weight, allowing for layout changes.
Slab Foundations: Plumbing can be hard to move without major work.
These features influence what’s possible—and what’s worth preserving.
Balancing Old and New
The best Eichler kitchen remodels honor the home’s original spirit while improving function. Here's how to find that balance:
Keep the Open Feel
Avoid adding upper cabinets that close off the room. Use open shelving or tall storage on side walls instead.
Respect the Lines
Use clean, horizontal lines in cabinetry and fixtures. Avoid ornate details or heavy molding.
Update Materials Carefully
Choose natural or mid-century-inspired finishes like warm wood, matte white, or terrazzo. Avoid anything too glossy or traditional.
Modernize Appliances
Pick sleek, built-in models that blend into the background. Stainless steel works well if the design stays minimal.
Smart Layout Choices
Eichler kitchens weren’t always designed for modern life. Appliances were smaller, and storage needs were different. Consider these changes during your remodel:
Add an island or peninsula for prep space and seating, if the layout allows.
Widen walkways to create better flow between kitchen and living areas.
Install deeper drawers instead of lower cabinets for easier access.
Rearrange zones for a more efficient cooking triangle: sink, stove, and fridge.
Since most walls aren’t load-bearing, it’s often possible to reshape the kitchen—just be mindful of plumbing and slab limitations.
Lighting and Ceiling Challenges
One common issue in Eichler remodels is lighting. Original kitchens may rely on natural light from nearby windows or skylights. Here’s how to improve visibility without ruining the ceiling design:
Use track lighting or pendants hung from beams.
Add under-cabinet lights for task areas.
Consider floor or wall-mounted options if ceiling wiring is difficult.
Avoid recessed lights unless you’re willing to cut into the tongue-and-groove ceiling.
Flooring and Surface Ideas
Choosing the right surfaces is key to blending old and new:
Flooring: Polished concrete, cork, or light wood are all mid-century friendly.
Counters: Quartz or matte stone in soft tones works well.
Backsplash: Simple tiles in solid colors or geometric shapes can add interest without clashing.
Avoid busy patterns or faux finishes—they can feel out of place in a clean-lined home.
Tips for a Smooth Remodel
Work with a contractor familiar with Eichlers—they’ll understand the quirks of these homes.
Get a floor plan to understand plumbing and electrical lines.
Preserve or reuse original materials where possible—some homeowners keep cabinet frames and just update the doors.
Stick to a consistent palette throughout the open space to avoid visual clutter.
Think long-term: timeless updates often add more value than trendy ones.
A Kitchen That Belongs in the Home
An Eichler kitchen remodel is more than just a style upgrade—it’s a chance to breathe new life into a design that’s already stood the test of time. With smart planning and an eye for simplicity, you can create a space that feels both modern and true to its mid-century roots.