Remodeling Split Level Homes: Transform Your Space

Remodeling split level homes starts with addressing their biggest challenges: cramped entryways, isolated rooms, and dated finishes. Focus on opening walls to create flow, expanding the entry for better first impressions, and updating flooring and paint colors. You can transform these 1950s-1970s houses into modern, functional spaces by removing unnecessary barriers, adding natural light through larger windows, and replacing outdated materials. Budget-friendly updates like painting brick fireplaces and swapping carpet for hardwood make an immediate impact, while structural changes like removing half-walls between levels maximize openness.

Split-level homes hit their peak in the 1950s through the 1970s. Developers built them on smaller lots to give families more square footage without expanding the footprint. You get more house for less money.

Today, these homes need updates. The layouts feel choppy. Entryways are tight. Kitchens sit isolated from living spaces.

But here’s the thing: split levels have serious potential. High ceilings, natural light, and separated living zones give you a strong foundation. You just need the right approach.

What Makes Split Level Homes Unique

Split level homes separate living spaces across staggered levels. Short flights of stairs connect each area. You might have three to five levels total.

The typical layout puts the main living space at the entry level. Bedrooms sit a half-flight up. The family room or basement sits a half-flight down from the entry.

These homes came with practical benefits. The design maximized space on compact lots. Different levels created a natural separation between activities. Lower levels have more windows than traditional basements.

But the design also created problems. Multiple staircases make mobility harder as you age. Temperature control gets tricky across levels. Small entryways offer no real foyer space.

Start with Paint and Simple Updates

Paint transforms a space faster than any other single change. You get maximum impact for minimum cost.

Choose light colors for most walls. Add personality with one or two accent walls in darker shades. This approach opens up smaller rooms and makes spaces feel larger.

Old brick fireplaces date your home instantly. Paint them. Use near-white on the brick itself and a contrasting dark color on the mantel or surround. This creates height and turns an eyesore into a focal point.

Don’t ignore wood paneling. Paint it the same color as your walls to modernize the look without the cost of removal.

Replace outdated light fixtures. Swap old ceiling fans. Update cabinet hardware. These small changes add up to a noticeably fresher space.

Opening Up Your Split Level Kitchen

Most split level kitchens sit behind walls, cut off from the rest of the house. This isolation doesn’t work for modern living.

Remove the wall between your kitchen and main living area if it’s not load-bearing. This single change creates flow and connection.

Can’t remove the entire wall? Replace a solid half-wall with cable railing or glass panels. You get openness while maintaining some separation.

Add a kitchen island where a counter or half-wall once stood. Islands provide extra workspace and seating. They create a natural gathering spot without blocking sightlines.

If a full kitchen remodel isn’t in your budget, paint your cabinets. Many local companies offer this service at a fraction of new cabinet costs. Pair painted cabinets with new countertops for a complete refresh.

Remodeling Split-Level Homes Entry Spaces

The cramped entry is the split level’s biggest weakness. You walk in and immediately choose between going up or down. There’s nowhere to drop bags, hang coats, or take off shoes.

Expand the entryway if your layout allows. Building out even a small foyer adds function and improves first impressions.

Install a front door with sidelights. Natural light makes the entry feel larger and more welcoming.

Add a covered porch to the front. This creates a transition zone and boosts curb appeal. You get weather protection and an inviting approach to your home.

Inside the entry, treat the space like a mudroom. Install wall paneling with hooks for coats. Add a bench for putting on shoes. Use vertical space with tall storage cabinets.

According to a 2023 study by the National Association of Realtors, homes with updated entryways sold 12% faster than comparable homes with original 1970s entries.

Creating Better Flow Between Levels

Half-walls and railings define split-level living. They’re everywhere. Too many create visual clutter and block light.

Look for opportunities to remove unnecessary barriers. Can you eliminate a half-wall? Do you need that railing, or could you use a different approach?

When you must keep separation, choose your materials carefully. Cable railings feel modern and don’t block sightlines. Glass panels maintain openness while providing safety.

Alternatively, build a solid knee wall with built-in storage or display shelving. This gives you a function while creating separation.

Keep sight lines in mind as you move through your home. What do you see from the entry? From the living room? From the kitchen? Design changes that create visual continuity across these views.

Updating Flooring Throughout Your Home

Carpet dominated 1970s split-levels. It’s time to say goodbye.

Replace carpet with hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, or laminate flooring. Modern flooring looks better, lasts longer, and requires less maintenance.

Choose the same flooring type throughout your main level. This creates visual continuity and makes spaces feel larger.

Don’t forget your stairs. Replace worn carpet treads with hardwood or match your main floor material. Fresh risers painted white or a bold color add personality.

Consistent flooring choices tie your split-level together. The eye travels smoothly from room to room instead of stopping at each threshold.

Maximizing Natural Light

Split levels often have decent window placement, but the windows themselves are small and dated.

Replace old single-hung windows with larger models. Casement or fixed-glass windows bring in more light and improve energy efficiency.

Add windows along the side walls where few exist. This is especially effective after opening up interior walls. More glass means more light and better views.

Install skylights in the living and dining areas. Skylights dramatically brighten spaces that feel dark due to the multi-level design.

Position mirrors opposite windows to bounce light around rooms. This simple trick makes spaces feel brighter without structural changes.

Exterior Updates for Remodeling Split Level Homes

Your home’s exterior deserves attention, too. Split levels can look boxy and dated from the street.

Paint or re-side the exterior. A fresh coat of paint costs less than new siding and makes an immediate impact. Dark colors like black or charcoal gray create modern appeal.

If you have aluminum siding, paint works well. Vinyl siding is trickier and may not hold paint as effectively.

Replace garage doors with modern styles. Choose designs with windows or clean lines. Since garages dominate split-level exteriors, this update matters.

Mix exterior materials for visual interest. Combine horizontal siding with board-and-batten sections. Add natural stone accents near the entry. Use different textures to break up large wall expanses.

Update your landscaping. Add defined walkways from the street to your entry. Create planting beds that soften the home’s boxy shape.

Rethinking Storage in Older Homes

Split-level closets are notoriously small. People owned less in 1970.

Install closet systems to maximize existing space. IKEA’s Pax system offers affordable, customizable options for reach-in and walk-in closets.

Use vertical space. Floor-to-ceiling organizers store more than standard shelving and rods.

Convert underutilized spaces into storage. The area under stairs, awkward corners, and landing zones can all become functional storage with the right built-ins.

Add a mudroom-style drop zone near your main entry. Even a small section of wall with hooks and a bench improves daily function.

Temperature Control Across Multiple Levels

Heating and cooling split levels evenly is tough. Hot air rises to the upper bedrooms. Cool air settles in the lower levels.

Install a zoned HVAC system if possible. Separate thermostats for different levels let you control temperature precisely.

If a full system upgrade isn’t feasible, add dampers to your existing ductwork. These allow you to redirect airflow based on need.

Use ceiling fans strategically. They help circulate air and reduce the load on your HVAC system.

Upgrade windows to improve insulation. Better windows reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

Making Smart Structural Changes

Some updates require moving walls or changing layouts. These cost more but transform how your home functions.

Remove non-load-bearing walls on your main level. Opening up the kitchen, dining room, and living room creates the open concept buyers want.

Extend or add a primary suite above the garage. This adds valuable square footage and creates the separated primary bedroom many buyers seek.

Build an addition off the back of your home. A four-season room or great room extends your living space and connects you to the outdoors.

Convert your garage into a living space, then build a new garage at the rear of your lot. This works well on deeper lots where you have room to add a detached garage.

Consider building up instead of out if your lot is tight. Adding a second story over part of your home can create the space you need.

Design Choices That Unify Your Space

Visual consistency matters in split levels. You see multiple rooms from any single vantage point.

Choose one color palette for all visible areas. This doesn’t mean every room must be the same color, but colors should complement each other.

Carry materials between spaces. If you install wood shelving in one area, repeat that wood tone nearby. If you use a specific tile in the kitchen, consider using it in the adjacent dining area.

Hang art and curtains at consistent heights across levels. This creates visual lines that tie spaces together.

Use the same flooring type throughout your main level. This makes the biggest difference in creating flow.

Float your furniture away from walls where possible. This creates walking paths and makes rooms feel more spacious.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Start Remodeling Split-Level Homes

Not every update requires a huge investment. Start small and build momentum.

Paint is your best friend. Walls, trim, doors, cabinets, fireplaces—paint transforms them all for minimal cost.

Update hardware. New cabinet pulls, door handles, and light switch covers make spaces feel refreshed.

Replace light fixtures. Swapping outdated fixtures for modern designs changes a room’s entire character.

Remove dated elements. Take down old valances, outdated window treatments, and unnecessary decorative features.

Add modern touches. New throw pillows, updated window treatments, and contemporary art bring your style into each space.

These changes typically cost a few hundred dollars per room. You get noticeable results without major construction.

When to Call in Professionals

Some projects need expert help. Know when to hire contractors.

Electrical and plumbing work requires licensed professionals. Don’t attempt these yourself.

Removing walls requires structural knowledge. You need to identify load-bearing walls and add appropriate support.

HVAC modifications should be handled by qualified technicians. Improper installation affects efficiency and safety.

Window installation benefits from professional expertise. Proper installation prevents leaks and ensures energy efficiency.

Major additions and structural changes need architectural input and building permits.

For everything else, many split-level updates work as DIY projects if you have basic skills and patience.

Final Thoughts

Split-level homes offer more potential than many homeowners realize. The bones are strong. The layout just needs updating.

Start with simple changes: paint, flooring, and better lighting. These updates cost less and give you immediate results.

Move to bigger projects as your budget allows. Opening walls, expanding entries, and updating kitchens transform how you live in your space.

Remember that you don’t need to complete everything at once. Many successful split-level renovations happen over several years. Prioritize projects based on what bothers you most and what gives you the best return.

Your split-level can become a modern, functional home that works for how you actually live. It just needs the right updates.

FAQs

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

Costs vary widely based on scope. Painting, new flooring, and updated fixtures run $10,000-25,000 for a whole house. Opening walls and creating open concepts costs $30,000-60,000. Full kitchen renovations range from $25,000-75,000. Major additions or structural changes can exceed $100,000. Start with high-impact, low-cost changes and build from there.

Should I remove all the half-walls in my split-level?

Not necessarily. Some half-walls provide structural support or hide mechanical systems. Others create useful separation between spaces. Evaluate each wall based on function. Remove barriers that block light and flow, but keep those that serve a purpose. Replace solid walls with cable railing or glass to maintain openness.

Are split-level homes harder to sell?

They can be. Buyers often prefer traditional layouts. However, updated split levels sell well. Focus on addressing the common complaints: cramped entries, closed-off kitchens, and dated finishes. A remodeled split-level with open spaces and modern updates appeals to buyers looking for character and value.

Can I add a primary suite to my split-level?

Yes, this is a common and valuable addition. Building over the garage creates space for a primary suite without expanding your footprint. Alternatively, you can convert lower-level space or add an addition to the back of your home. This update adds significant value, especially in markets where primary suites are expected.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when remodeling split level homes?

Fighting the layout instead of working with it. Split levels have natural separation between zones. Use this to your advantage. Don’t try to make your split-level function like a ranch or two-story home. Instead, enhance the unique character while addressing the specific problems: limited entries, blocked sightlines, and dated finishes.