Wowza When it comes to midcentury houses, how well the design has been maintained, restored, or updated is always a point of fervent discussion. In honor of Thanksgiving, during which copious amounts of food will be consumed, we're focusing the ogling and debate on midcentury kitchens. As the part of the home that's steeped in tradition yet demands up-to-date amenities, the kitchen often strikes an intriguing balance between authenticity and a contemporary sway. Here now, 20 rad kitchens that range from those deserving total time-capsule status to those thoroughly remodeled for modern living.

1. Wondrous time capsule kitchen from 1956 with vintage GE appliances?Photo by Nathan Chandler via Flickr
2. Original kitchen in an architect's own 1960 home?Photo via Zillow

3. The kitchen of rare Frank Lloyd Wright house on market for the first time in Minneapolis?Photo by Landmark

4. Original fixtures span this groovy '50s house in Oklahoma?Photo via Zillow

5. The bright kitchen in a midcentury home for atom bomb scientists?Photo via Zillow

6. Eichler time capsule kitchen, enough said?Photo by Daniel Dent

7. The quaint kitchen in a midcentury mystery house from Illinois?Photo via Zillow

8. A fine galley kitchen in a 1955 midcentury jewel in Spokane, WA?Photo via Zillow

9. Open kitchen i...