How To Improve A Split Level Homes?

How to improve a split-level homes? is a type of house with multiple levels, connected by short flights of stairs. While once popular, many homeowners today want to know how to improve a split-level home for a more modern and open feel. Whether you’re focusing on interior flow or exterior updates, split-level homes offer unique opportunities for renovation.

Ever feel like your split-level home isn’t living up to its potential? With the right improvements, you can transform it into a modern, open, and inviting space. Let’s explore how you can make these changes, whether you’re upgrading the layout, improving lighting, or boosting curb appeal.

You’ll know how to improve a split-level homes? and create a space that’s both functional and beautiful. Whether you start with small changes or plan a full remodel, there are plenty of ways to make your split-level home better suit your needs.

Understanding a Split-Level Home

Split-level homes are designed with multiple floors that are connected by short stairs. For example, the main floor might have the kitchen and living room, the upper level has bedrooms, and the lower level (or basement) could be a family room or storage space.

While these homes were once popular for their space-saving design, many people today want more modern layouts. Split-level homes often feel disjointed because of the separate levels. But with the right improvements, you can open up the space and make it more functional.

Exterior Updates to Improve Curb Appeal

The outside of your home is the first thing people notice, and many split-level homes can look a bit outdated. Here are some simple ways to improve the exterior and give your home a fresh look:

Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal:

• Repaint the exterior: A new color can completely change the appearance of your home. Choose modern colors like gray, white, or soft blue for a clean, fresh look.
• Replace the front door: Consider a bold-colored door to make a statement. You can also add sidelights (small windows next to the door) to bring in more light.
• Upgrade your landscaping: Simple landscaping changes, like adding plants or a stone walkway, can make a huge difference.
• New siding: If the original siding looks old, replacing it with modern materials like vinyl or fiber cement will give your home a polished appearance.

By focusing on these areas, you can make your split-level home look more appealing from the outside.

Interior Layout Changes for Better Flow

One of the common complaints about split-level homes is that the layout feels choppy and doesn’t flow well. There are ways to change this, making your home feel more open and connected.

Ideas for Improving the Layout:

• Open up the staircase: Many split-level homes have closed-off staircases. You can remove the walls around the stairs and replace them with a railing to create a more open feel.
• Widen doorways: If the doorways between rooms feel narrow, widening them can help create a more spacious and airy look.
• Create a focal point: A split-level home can benefit from a focal point in the main living area, such as a fireplace or a built-in entertainment center.

These changes will help your home feel more connected and inviting.

Bringing in More Natural Light

A common issue in split-level homes is the lack of natural light. These homes were often built with small windows, which can make the interior feel dark. Here are some ways to brighten up your home by increasing natural light:

• Install larger windows: In rooms like the living or dining room, replacing small windows with larger ones can let in more sunlight.
• Add skylights: If adding windows isn’t an option, skylights are a great way to bring in natural light, especially in upstairs rooms or bathrooms.
• Use glass doors: Replacing solid interior doors with glass-paneled doors allows light to flow between rooms.

Improving natural light will make your home feel more open, cheerful, and spacious.

Open-Concept Layout Ideas

Many split-level homes were built with compartmentalized rooms, meaning each room is closed off from the others. Today, many homeowners prefer an open-concept layout, which makes spaces feel larger and more connected. Here are a few ideas to achieve this look:

• Remove walls between the kitchen and living areas: Taking down non-load-bearing walls can help open up the space, creating a larger, more versatile area for cooking and entertaining.
• Add a kitchen island: If you open up the kitchen, adding a center island will serve as a gathering point that ties the living and cooking areas together.
• Use half walls: If removing a wall entirely isn’t possible, you can replace a full wall with a half wall to give a sense of openness while maintaining structure.

Example: One homeowner removed the wall between their kitchen and dining room and added an island. This created a bright, open space perfect for entertaining guests and spending time with family.

Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades

Kitchens and bathrooms are often the focus of home improvement projects, and for good reason. Upgrading these rooms can not only improve your daily life but also increase your home’s value. Here are a few easy ways to update these key spaces in a split-level home:

Kitchen Improvements:

• Install modern cabinetry: Updated cabinets with sleek hardware can make a kitchen look brand new.
• Upgrade countertops: Consider durable materials like granite or quartz, which are both stylish and long-lasting.
• Update the backsplash: Choose modern tiles, such as subway tiles, to give your kitchen a fresh look.
• Replace old appliances: Swapping out old appliances for newer, energy-efficient models will improve both the look and function of your kitchen.

Bathroom Improvements:

• Install a double vanity: A double vanity is not only practical for families but also adds a touch of luxury.
• Replace the tub or shower: Upgrading to a walk-in shower or installing a new bathtub can make a big difference in how your bathroom feels.
• Add storage: Bathrooms often lack storage, so consider installing floating shelves or cabinets for added functionality.

Energy-Efficient Improvements

Making energy-efficient upgrades can help lower your monthly utility bills and improve the overall comfort of your home. Additionally, these improvements often increase the value of your home. Here are some of the best energy-efficient upgrades for split-level homes:

• Install energy-efficient windows: Modern windows can prevent heat loss in the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
• Add insulation: Improving insulation in the walls, attic, and crawl spaces will make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.
• Upgrade to an energy-efficient HVAC system: Replacing an old heating or cooling system with a newer, more efficient model can significantly lower your energy bills.
• Switch to LED lighting: LED bulbs use less energy and last much longer than traditional light bulbs.

Fact: Homes with energy-efficient upgrades not only cost less to maintain but also tend to sell for more.

Real-Life Example of a Split-Level Remodel

Let’s take a look at a real-life example of a split-level home renovation to see how these ideas can come together.

The Project:

A family in New York decided to update their 1970s split-level home. They wanted to make it more modern and functional while still keeping the original character of the house.

Changes They Made:

• Exterior updates: They started by painting the exterior a modern shade of gray and adding a new front door and modern landscaping.
• Opening up the interior: Inside, they knocked down the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create an open-concept space. They also widened the doorways between the living and dining areas.
• Improving natural light: They replaced the small windows in the living room with large floor-to-ceiling windows, letting in much more light.
• Energy efficiency: They upgraded the windows, added insulation, and installed a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.

Results:

The home now feels more open and bright, and the family reports that it is more energy-efficient, saving them money on utility bills.

Conclusion

How to improve a split-level homes? can be both exciting and rewarding. Whether you focus on small, simple upgrades or undertake larger renovations, you can transform your How to improve a split-level homes? into a more modern, functional, and beautiful space.

From boosting curb appeal and upgrading the kitchen to improving energy efficiency, there are plenty of ways to make your home work better for your lifestyle.