Split Level Home Renovation Ideas to Transform Your Space

Split level homes are perfect for families or homeowners who want to maximize their living space without breaking the bank.

A split level home renovation can breathe new life into your existing space, making it feel modern and fresh.

One way to achieve this is by installing new hardwood floors, which can add warmth and character to your home.

By updating your flooring, you can instantly transform the look and feel of your space, making it feel more welcoming and inviting.

Incorporating large windows can also help to bring in natural light and make your space feel more spacious.

This is especially important in split level homes, where the layout can sometimes feel a bit cramped.

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Incorporating sturdy columns and minimalist designs for the porch can transform the exterior of a split-level home. Columns not only provide structural support but also add a touch of elegance and grandeur.

Opting for minimalist designs ensures that the porch remains uncluttered and modern, which aligns with contemporary design trends. Choosing durable materials for the porch, such as stone or composite decking, ensures longevity and low maintenance.

Consider new siding and/or new house colors for your exterior, as the color scheme of your split-level home can have a huge impact on its modern design. A light color of the siding section can become an unwanted focal point, especially when paired with a lot of brick.

Here are some budget-friendly exterior updates to consider:

Updating your home's exterior design can be a game-changer for its curb appeal. Landscaping has a huge impact on the curb appeal of a home.

Simple landscaping can update the look of your home immediately. Our front yard landscaping was a blank slate when we moved in, with stumps by the front walkway.

A new concrete sidewalk can make a big difference. We removed the stumps and installed a new sidewalk, and it's already looking better.

Adding some greenery can instantly improve your home's look. We're planning to complete our landscaping this spring, and we can't wait to see the final result.

Changing the exterior of your split-level home can give it a fresh new look and modernize its appearance. A simple way to do this is to update the siding, which can be done by swapping the wide horizontal siding with vertical siding, narrow lap siding, or architectural panels.

New siding can make a big impact, but it's not the only option. Repainting the exterior in a more saturated color, such as a jewel tone, can also give your home a modern look. Consider painting it a color that's more personal to you and your sense of style.

Updating the lower façade is another way to modernize your home's exterior. If the lower half of your house is clad in outdated stucco, brick, or tile, it may be time for an update. Redo the lower façade in a new material like cedar clapboard or stone.

A new roof color can also make a big difference. Avoid a roof color that's too light or too close to the house color, and instead opt for contrast for on-trend style. One way to do this is to choose a roof color that complements the surrounding environment.

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Here are some specific options to consider:

Refinishing existing flooring can be a cost-effective option for updating the look of your home.

The hardwood flooring in our house was in great shape, it just needed to be refinished.

We decided to refinish and add a light clear stain throughout the house to continue the modern farmhouse theme.

A light clear stain can help to enhance the natural beauty of the hardwood, making it a great choice for a modern farmhouse look.

The new lightly colored white oak flooring looks so good and coordinates nicely with the new interior doors and wall color.

This cohesive look can help to create a sense of continuity throughout the house, making it feel more harmonious and visually appealing.

In a split-level home, building cohesion through color palette, materials, and design style is crucial, especially since many rooms are visible to each other.

Having a consistent color palette and furniture style can create a nice flow for both the eye and the mind, and incorporating it strategically throughout the house is key.

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A mix of plush seating and sleek tables can provide both function and aesthetics in the living room, while incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and natural fabrics can add warmth and texture.

Decorative accents like area rugs, artwork, and plants can personalize the room and enhance its overall appeal.

Floating furniture can help create a sense of openness in split-level homes, where rooms can feel smaller and have fewer full walls. Leaving about 6-12 inches of space between the back of the sofa and the wall can make a big difference.

To create a harmonious living room in a split-level home, it's essential to extend style elements between all areas you can see from a single vantage point.

Choose a color palette and furniture style, and ensure you're incorporating it strategically throughout the space. This will create a nice flow for both the eye and the mind.

Balancing comfort and style involves choosing modern furniture that complements natural materials. A mix of plush seating and sleek tables can provide both function and aesthetics.

Incorporating elements like wood, stone, and natural fabrics can add warmth and texture, creating a cozy yet sophisticated space. Decorative accents like area rugs, artwork, and plants can personalize the room and enhance its overall appeal.

To float your furniture, release your sofas and armchairs from the wall, leaving about 6-12 inches of space between the back of the sofa and whatever you're putting it up against. This will effectively open up a walking path around the sofa and let your living spaces breathe.

Consider removing partial walls or leaving attractive exposed beams to allow for more natural light. This can also create a more open floor plan, similar to the one achieved in a kitchen remodel.

Creating a luxurious bathroom is all about using high-quality materials and contemporary fixtures. A split level bathroom remodel can achieve a sleek design with modern fixtures, natural stone, and wood.

A freestanding tub can add both functionality and style to a bathroom. Features like walk-in showers and double vanities can also add to the luxurious feel.

Natural stone surfaces can introduce an element of sophistication and warmth to a bathroom. Wooden accents can complement the natural stone surfaces, creating a spa-like experience at home.

High-quality materials can transform a bathroom into a luxurious retreat.

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Swapping pony walls or railings with wood slat partition walls is a great way to add architectural interest to a space. This design element is particularly effective in homes with a mid-century aesthetic.

A circa 1970s railing can be a sad sight, but with a wood slat partition wall, it can be transformed into a unique feature. I've seen this done in a split-level home, where it gave the space a decidedly mid-century look.

Wood slat partition walls can be used to separate spaces or add visual interest to a room. They can be made from reclaimed wood for a distressed look or from new wood for a more modern appearance.

A wood slat partition wall can be a great way to add some personality to a space that's lacking in character. With a little creativity, you can turn a plain railing into a beautiful design element.

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Interior doors can greatly impact the flow and feel of a room, making them a crucial element in interior design.

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Large windows allow more natural light to flood the interior, creating a brighter and more welcoming environment, but interior doors can also play a role in controlling the flow of light.

Choosing interior doors with clean lines and contemporary hardware can create a cohesive look with the rest of the space.

Solid core interior doors are a popular choice for their durability and ease of installation, as seen in the example of installing all new solid core interior doors and painting them white.

A pop of color from the hardware or door handle can add visual interest and create a nice contrast with the surrounding walls.

Incorporating sturdy columns into your split-level home's porch design can add elegance and grandeur, while also providing structural support.

Opting for minimalist designs ensures a clean and modern look, which aligns with contemporary design trends.

Choosing durable materials like stone or composite decking for the porch ensures longevity and low maintenance.

Having a cohesive design is crucial in a split-level home, where many rooms are visible to one another.

High ceilings create an airy and open feel, making a room feel more expansive. Large windows allow sunlight to flood the space, highlighting its features.

Maximizing natural light is crucial in the living room. Strategically placing windows to capture the best views can create a stronger connection with the surrounding environment.

High ceilings and large windows work well together to create a sense of openness and brightness. This combination can make a room feel larger and more welcoming.

Large windows allow more natural light to flood the interior, creating a brighter and more welcoming environment.

Preserving traditional split-level architecture is crucial for an exterior remodel, as it has a unique charm that distinguishes it from other designs.

Retaining classic elements ensures the home maintains its original character and appeal, which is particularly important in neighborhoods where these houses are prevalent.

The staggered floor levels are a defining feature of split-level homes, and keeping them intact is essential to honoring the home's history.

By preserving the traditional split-level architecture, homeowners can make their home suitable for modern living while still maintaining its original charm.

When choosing materials for your split-level home's exterior remodel, consider combining brick, wood, and stone for a balanced and visually appealing facade. This combination can create a harmonious blend that enhances the home's curb appeal and stands the test of time.

Brick provides a durable and classic look, making it a timeless choice for any exterior design. Wood adds warmth and texture, while stone offers a touch of natural elegance.

For a cohesive and attractive pathway, consider combining stone slabs, concrete, and gravel thoughtfully. Each of these materials offers unique benefits: stone slabs provide a timeless, elegant appearance, concrete is durable and versatile, and gravel adds texture and enhances drainage.

By mixing materials thoughtfully, you can achieve a cohesive and attractive exterior design that complements your split-level home's unique features.

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Using uplights to enhance a split level home's features adds an elegant touch to the exterior. Uplights positioned at the base of trees, shrubs, or architectural elements create dramatic shadows and depth, emphasizing the beauty of both the landscape and the home's design.

By focusing on these landscaping ideas, homeowners can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that enhances the overall appeal of their split-level home. Thoughtful design, careful material selection, and strategic plant placement can transform any garden into a stunning and low-maintenance oasis.

Retaining classic elements is crucial when planning an exterior remodel for a split level home, as it preserves the traditional split-level architecture and its unique charm. This architectural style has a distinct character that distinguishes it from other designs.

Using uplights can highlight textures and forms that might be less noticeable during the day, adding a new dimension to the split level home remodel. This type of lighting can make a big difference in areas that can feel dark and cramped, like hallways.

These split level home addition ideas not only improve curb appeal but also provide practical benefits, making the home more enjoyable and inviting.

Building cohesion through color, materials, and design is crucial in a split-level home. This is especially important since many rooms are visible to one another, similar to an open floor plan house.

A cohesive look can be achieved by extending style elements between all areas you can see from a single vantage point. This means honing in on a color palette and a furniture style and incorporating it strategically throughout.

Choosing the right materials is also a critical aspect of creating a harmonious blend in a split-level home. Combining brick, wood, and stone can create a balanced and visually appealing facade.

Brick provides a durable and classic look, wood adds warmth and texture, and stone offers a touch of natural elegance. Mixing these materials thoughtfully can enhance the home's curb appeal and stand the test of time.

Selecting the right materials is crucial for achieving a stylish look that complements the overall split level outside remodel. Stone slabs, concrete, and gravel are excellent choices, each offering unique benefits.

A timeless, elegant appearance can be achieved with stone slabs, which can be arranged in various patterns to create visual interest. Concrete is durable and versatile, suitable for modern, clean designs.

Gravel adds texture and is a cost-effective option that enhances drainage. By combining these materials thoughtfully, a cohesive and attractive pathway can be created that enhances the garden's beauty.

Consider bringing a material like wood cladding across nearby spaces to unite them. This can act as a kind of olive branch between spaces, creating a sense of cohesion and harmony.

By employing creative design and architectural solutions, a split-level home can be transformed into a beautiful and functional living space.

Design Features can greatly enhance the overall look and feel of your split-level home.

Sturdy columns are a great choice for porch design, not only providing structural support but also adding a touch of elegance and grandeur.

Minimalist designs keep the porch uncluttered and modern, aligning with contemporary design trends.

Durable materials like stone or composite decking ensure longevity and low maintenance.

Columns can be made from various materials, but wood and metal are popular choices for their strength and aesthetic appeal.

Creating functional spaces in your split-level home is crucial for a comfortable and stress-free living experience. A proper entryway can make all the difference, even in the smallest of spaces.

For instance, Ashley from My Ugly Split created a mudroom treatment in her entryway with paneling, hooks, and a bench, which proves that even a small landing can be transformed into a practical space.

When designing a functional kitchen, consider integrating it seamlessly with the dining area. This allows for easy transition between cooking and dining activities.

A sturdy dining table is essential for family meals and entertaining. It should be able to accommodate a large number of people and withstand heavy use.

Positioning the dining space near large windows can enhance the dining experience by providing natural light and scenic views. This can make mealtime feel more enjoyable and connected to the outdoors.

Ambient lighting can set the tone for the dining area, making it feel warm and inviting. It can also help to create a sense of relaxation and comfort.

Natural light can also be beneficial in the kitchen, illuminating the cooking area and making it easier to prepare meals.

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In a split level home, small bedrooms are a common challenge. The largest bedroom can be transformed into a master bedroom by removing a closet and adding a large walk-in closet.

A master bedroom makeover can be achieved by repainting, refinishing the floors, and adding a new closet. This can make the bedroom look fresh and modern.

To create a spacious feel in small bedrooms, consider removing old bookcases and shelving. This can help declutter the space and make it feel more open.

Natural stone surfaces and wooden accents can also bring warmth and sophistication to bedrooms. This can be especially effective in small spaces where a spa-like experience is still achievable.

If you're working with a small bathroom, don't be afraid to get creative with storage. A new closet can make a big difference in a small bathroom's functionality.

In some cases, it's possible to remodel a small bathroom for under $3000 by keeping the existing layout. This can be a cost-effective way to achieve a modern and fully functional bathroom.

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To create functional spaces, it's essential to focus on access and integration. A seamless transition from the yard to the house can be achieved with well-designed steps and pathways.

Wide and welcoming steps leading up to the porch are a must, complemented by materials that match the overall facade. This attention to detail can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the space.

Pathways should guide visitors naturally to the entrance, using materials like stone or pavers that match the aesthetic of the home. This thoughtful approach can further enhance the integration of the space.

Landscaping around the pathways and steps can further enhance the integration, making the entrance more inviting and cohesive with the surrounding yard. A well-designed exterior can truly make a split-level home stand out.

A small entryway can be a major challenge, but it's not impossible to create a functional space. One reason people struggle with their split-level homes is because they have no foyer, making it hard to store shoes, bags, and other essentials.

Consider giving your entryway a mudroom treatment, like Ashley from My Ugly Split, with paneling, hooks, and a bench. This can help keep clutter at bay and make the space feel more welcoming.

The steps leading up to the porch should be wide and welcoming, with materials that complement the overall facade. Pathways should guide visitors naturally to the entrance, using materials like stone or pavers that match the aesthetic of the home.

To modernize a split level front entrance, consider removing the foyer wall and installing new black stair balusters to open up the living space to the entrance. Enlarging the front door and installing a new Craftsman style door with sidelights and a transom can also let in more natural light.

Here are some split-level entry ideas to consider:

Floating your furniture is a game-changer in double-height rooms, where space can feel limited. It's essential to release your sofas and armchairs from the wallflower fate you've forced upon them.

By placing seating areas in the center of the room, you can open up a walking path around the sofa, allowing your living spaces to breathe. This is especially crucial in split-level homes, where rooms are often smaller and have fewer full walls to work with.

Leaving about 6-12 inches of space between the back of the sofa and the wall can make a big difference in creating a functional and airy space.

Sharing feature material across spaces can create a sense of unity between different areas of your home. This is especially effective in split-level homes where rooms are often visible to each other.

Using the same material in multiple spaces can help tie everything together. Wood cladding, shelving, and wallpaper are great options to consider bringing across nearby spaces.

A cohesive look can be achieved by extending style elements between all areas visible from a single vantage point. This means selecting a color palette and furniture style and incorporating it strategically throughout your home.

Incorporating the same material in multiple spaces can also help create a flow for both the eye and the mind. This can make your home feel more harmonious and easier to navigate.

By bringing a feature material across spaces, you can create a sense of continuity and visual interest. This can be particularly effective in split-level homes where different levels can feel disconnected.

Our garage was a prime candidate for conversion into living space. We made the most of this underutilized area by turning it into a functional room.

Many homes built in the 70s, like ours, didn't have large master bedrooms or master bathrooms. In our case, we created bedrooms in the basement level to free up space upstairs.

A garage can work well for creating a bedroom, living space, office, workout area, etc. If your garage is in a good location and has natural light, it's a great option to consider.

We converted our garage into living space to make the most of the available space. This decision allowed us to have a more functional and comfortable home.

The basement is a great space to add some extra living room to your home. A finished basement can add hundreds of square feet of living space, like in the example where it added 800+ square feet.

Light paint colors can help make the space feel open and airy. This is especially true in basements, which can sometimes feel dark and cramped.

A well-designed laundry room can be a big bonus in a basement. In the example, a laundry room area was part of the unfinished basement, and it was later framed into a new bathroom with laundry room.

Vinyl plank flooring is a great choice for basements because it's durable and easy to clean. It's perfect for a kids' playroom or additional family room, like in the example where it was used.

Stone work on the walls can add a nice touch to a basement. In the example, it was added to the walk out basement, giving it a cozy and inviting feel.

Creating an open floor plan can be a game-changer for split-level homes. Removing walls or partial walls can make a space feel more airy and connected, which is especially important in homes where many rooms are visible to each other.

To achieve this, consider removing load-bearing walls, like the previous owner did in their kitchen remodel. This can create a more modern look and feel, as seen in the example where the kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room were combined into a single open space.

Leaving attractive exposed beams can also allow for more natural light to pour in, making the space feel even more open and airy. This can be done by removing partial walls and leaving the beams exposed, or by creating a new wall or turning a half wall into glass or cabling.

In some cases, it may not be possible to remove entire walls, but that doesn't mean you can't still create a more open feel. By leaving about 6-12 inches of space between furniture and walls, you can create a sense of flow and make the space feel more connected.

Here are some ideas to get you started: