These Split-Level Homes Get the Style Right
A suburban architecture style gets a welcome update with open floor plans and chic design touches
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor based out of Hershey, PA. Come visit me at 'A Nest for All Seasons' where I write about design, photography and modern garden living!
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor... More »
They're seen in suburbia around the nation: two stories connected by a stairwell, with a front door squat in the center of the two. Split those levels, and the square footage works harder. The downside? Split levels can be downright ugly.
Let's take a look at some designers and homeowners who have gotten the look right. Modern split levels seen from the exterior and interior are bringing the look back with a twist. Forget top-heavy, boring split levels; these designs are sleek and sophisticated.
Let's take a look at some designers and homeowners who have gotten the look right. Modern split levels seen from the exterior and interior are bringing the look back with a twist. Forget top-heavy, boring split levels; these designs are sleek and sophisticated.
The typical split level places a staircase between a basement and the main living level. The kitchen sits at the top of the stairs and services the attached dining room.
This design takes the staircase and moves it to the interior of the home, placing the kitchen in the "pit" and the dining room on the sunny, light-filled landing. The kitchen stays light and bright thanks to doses of white and natural light that filters down from the upper level.
This design takes the staircase and moves it to the interior of the home, placing the kitchen in the "pit" and the dining room on the sunny, light-filled landing. The kitchen stays light and bright thanks to doses of white and natural light that filters down from the upper level.
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| Here is another modern split-level design that encourages open-plan living. Notice how the lower level houses the kitchen, the dining room and the living room, all flooded with natural light. |
| Here is an exterior view of a typical split-level home that has been modernized. The curving entry path, custom portico and natural wood touches give it more of a cabin feel. The look plays well with the wooded areas beyond the home and makes an everyday style look like a spectacular custom-designed home. |
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| Here is another modern take on a split-level exterior. The clean lines, geometric sectioning and large rectangular windows give this split level midcentury modern charm. |
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| Notice how every detail plays into this geometric theme, from the multipaned garage door to the small accent lights to the staircase platforms leading to the front door. |
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| If your split-level house looks top heavy thanks to the large second-story facade, try adding a bulky porch to the other side of the home to balance the look. |
If you've moved into a traditional split-level home, try sleek white and charcoal gray paint to create a modern look. Furniture that plays off the rectangular lines makes the look seem intentional.
| If you want an open feel that takes advantage of a small space, try splitting a level with a small height increase but leave the visual space open. The eye will flow freely between the two spaces, but you will have created two distinct living spaces. |
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by Susan M. Davis
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| Whether you are trying to make a 1970s split level work for your style or are building your own home that needs to make the best use of small square footage, take cues from these designs. Play off the traditional geometric lines of split levels, balance the top heaviness of the design and open up the interior spaces for a fresh, new look. More: Make the Most of Your Home's Split Personality Step Up Your Split-Level House Tour a Contemporary Split-Level in Chicago |
Ideabook published on May 13, 2012.
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My husband did some work for our neighbor and she has a split level and to make it worse, the steps are very steep and very shallow. Poor husband almost died walking up and down those step with the tools, etc.