Split-Level Home Remodel Ideas

Split-level homes inherently have a distinctive character on their own, which honestly can make remodeling a little tricky. If you live in one, you must be very familiar with all the quirks–spaces separated by short flights of stairs here and there, partial walls, limited entryway, and different ceiling heights. To have an open, cohesive look most modern homeowners want today can be quite hard to imagine. 

But don’t let it discourage you. Here, we’ll provide five split-level home remodel ideas that work with your existing layout instead of against it. 

1. Open Up the Main Living Area

Remove or Modify Interior Walls

Split-level homes can feel visually divided because of the separation between spaces by walls. The first split-level home remodel idea is to remove these barriers to make the living area more spacious and connected. Yet, if removing them is too much work, simply modify it by, for example, replacing a solid half-wall with a more open railing that improves flow without changing the layout. 

Create a More Flexible Floor Plan

Because of the different levels, a split-level home can sometimes make each room feel limited to one purpose and make it difficult to maximize each area efficiently. Hence, consider giving rooms more than one purpose, such as turning an underused lower-level into a home office or playroom. Also, use movable furniture and built-in storage to change each area's use to suit your needs without major structural changes. 

Use Consistent Flooring and Finishes

Though the separation level is well-intended and real, you can create a cohesive look so that each space feels connected rather than out of place through your choice of flooring, colors, and finishes. Using the same flooring throughout connected areas and repeating similar colors or materials in different areas of the house can create the consistent visual flow you’ve always wanted. 

2. Remodel the Split-Level Kitchen

Create a More Open Kitchen Layout

The kitchen, dining room, and living room are where your loved ones naturally gather, and as you live in a split-level home, this may be one you're longing for most. With our split-level home remodel idea of opening these spaces by removing a non-load-bearing wall, adding an island, or widening an opening, you can finally connect these spaces and the people who matter most, too.

Increase Kitchen Storage

Unfortunately, a kitchen in a split-level home may not always offer as much storage as you need. Sometimes, just adding cabinets to match the ceiling height, a kitchen island with built-in storage, or pull-out organizers in your split-level home remodel can help keep everything organized without making your kitchen feel cramped. 

Modernize Finishes and Fixtures

If doing a whole split-level home remodel is not for you, but you still want your kitchen to look more modern, you can try to give your kitchen new finishes and fixtures. Think of clean-lined cabinets with warm neutral tones and simple fixtures that can give you a streamlined modern look with no need for a complete remodel. 

3. Make Better Use of the Lower Level

Create a Family or Entertainment Room

The lower level of a split-level home can sometimes become an underused space. Instead of letting the space go to waste as storage or an uninhabited room no one wants to use, turn it into a family or entertainment room. All you need is comfortable seating, a TV or gaming setup, and enough storage to have a room you can relax in while storing your household stuff. 

Add a Home Office

For a home office setup, there is no place like the lower level, where you can get a quiet corner all to yourself. While all the busy activities are happening upstairs, you can work, take calls, or focus on important tasks without as many distractions. Simply add a desk, comfortable chair, good lighting, and built-in storage to turn an underused area into a productive workspace.

Create a Guest Suite

As someone who likes to have friends and relatives over, turning your lower level into a guest suite can give them a comfortable space to stay. If the layout allows and you work with a trusted general contractor home remodel, you can even add an en-suite bathroom and small sitting area to create a more private retreat that is just a couple of stairs away from where everyone is. 

Build a Home Gym or Hobby Space

Now, you won’t have to go out to fulfill your fitness goals or make time for your favorite hobbies. Your lower level can become a convenient home gym, craft room, music space, or other hobby area of your interests. With the right equipment, storage, and lighting, you can turn the space into an area you’ll actually enjoy using. 

4. Bring More Natural Light Into a Split-Level Home

Upgrade Windows

With different levels and sometimes tucked-away rooms, you can have some areas with not as much natural light as you’d like. Upgrading your existing windows to extend closer to the floor or ceiling, or adding larger ones where possible, can bring in more daylight and make these spaces feel brighter and more open.

Use Interior Design to Maximize Light

You can still make a split-level home feel brighter with a thoughtful interior design even when upgrading windows is not an option. Try using light-colored walls, adding mirrors or other reflective surfaces, and using sheer window treatments to help distribute natural light throughout the space. 

Improve Lower-Level Lighting

When you’re tackling a room on the lower level, don’t forget to have a lighting plan since it's naturally darker. If natural light is not on the table, try to improve your space with a combination of wall sconces, floor lamps, recessed ceiling lights, and task lighting. The key is to place them strategically and choose lighter finishes to make the room more welcoming.

5. Modernize the Staircases and Railings

Update Dated Railings

One of the most noticeable features in a split-level home is none other than the staircase. So, replacing your outdated, bulky, or worn railing with a simpler design, like streamlined wood or metal, can give an instant modern look to your home. Alternatively, you can also choose a railing style that complements your flooring, walls, and other finishes to create a more cohesive look throughout the home.

Update Dated Railings

One of the most noticeable features in a split-level home is none other than the staircase. So, replacing your outdated, bulky, or worn railing with a simpler design, like streamlined wood or metal, can give an instant modern look to your home. Alternatively, you can also choose a railing style that complements your flooring, walls, and other finishes to create a more cohesive look throughout the home.

Refresh Stair Treads and Risers 

After your railing has been updated, don’t forget about treads and risers because even the most modern railing can look out of place if the stairs themselves are worn or dated. Refreshing the treads and risers with refinished wood, new materials, or a lighter finish can complete the update.

Turn the Staircase Into a Design Feature

Since the staircase is already one of the main features of a split-level home, why not make it the focal point as well? Use it as an opportunity to add personality with well-designed lighting or a distinctive wall treatment around the stairs. This can turn a functional part of your home into a design feature that draws attention for all the right reasons.

FAQs For A Split Level Home Remodel

Is remodeling a split-level home worth it? 

Yes, definitely. Not only does a split-level home remodel refresh your home’s appearance, it can also improve the functionality by helping existing layout work better for your lifestyle.

Can you make a split-level home open concept? 

You can remove or modify walls between areas in your home, such as the kitchen and living space, to create an open concept, as long as it's structurally feasible.

How can I make my split-level entryway feel bigger? 

Our tip is to use light colors, use good lighting and mirrors, and remove any bulky furniture. Updating the staircase and railing is also helpful. 

How much does it cost to remodel a split-level home?  

It really depends on the size of your home, the structural changes, and materials you want to use. The best way to know it is by asking for a direct estimate from a trusted general contractor home remodel company.

What should I look for when hiring a general contractor for a home remodel? 

You want someone with a lot of experience handling split-level home remodel under their belt, proper credentials and insurance, and good reviews of quality work from previous clients, especially people you trusted. 

End Note 

Even though a split-level home may have its own quirks, you can turn those into features that work for your lifestyle and love. Once you’re ready to do a remodel or still want to explore what’s possible, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dream Works Remodeling today.