This is a split-level home, so there were limited aesthetic options in the entryway. The landing is presented upon entering and the choice to go up or down stairs must be made immediately.

By relocating the Dining Room to the front of the house and doing away with a first floor formal living room, we were able to create a more gracious kitchen with a casual hang out space and visual access to the Lower level living room.

Kitchen design from a split-level home renovation in Plainview, NY.
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Front Elevation
Traditional exterior home idea in New York

John Wilbanks Photography
Balcony - rustic balcony idea in Seattle

Spieglerwong
Inspiration for a modern staircase remodel in New York

The 2021 Southern Living Idea House is inspiring on multiple levels—from the stunning location in Louisville, Kentucky overlooking the Ohio river, to the design-driven home that marries European countryside vibes with a timeless aesthetic. Dubbed the “forever home,” the concept was to design for all stages of life, with thoughtful spaces that meet the ever-evolving needs of families today. The 5,545-square-foot, Colonial Greek Revival Cottage-style home is located in The Breakers at Prospect community and is the collective effort of many. While it may have formerly been a trend to embrace open layout living spaces, following the pandemic families are seeking spaces in the home that feel separated, to allow for privacy. Rooms with clear intentions allow more options for areas in which to spend time, depending on your mood, and this home perfectly balances livable and lively ideas. Marvin products were chosen for this project to maximize the use of natural light, allow airflow from outdoors to indoors, and provide expansive views that overlook the Ohio River. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Awaken Skylight Marvin Ultimate Casement Window Marvin Ultimate Double Hung G2 Window Marvin Ultimate Picture Window Marvin Ultimate Direct Glaze Round Top Window Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door G2 BUILDER: Jason Black and Jimmy King of Artisan Signature Homes ARCHITECT: Brandon Ingram of C. Brandon Ingram Design INTERIOR DESIGNER: Sarah Bartholomew, Sarah Bartholomew Design LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Josh Myers of Myers & Co. Landscape Architecture PHOTOGRAPHY: Laurey W. Glenn, Marta Xochilt Perez, and Kriech-Higdon Photography for Southern Living

This Wheaton, IL Split-Level Style Home was remodeled by Siding & Windows Group with James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap and HardiePanel Vertical Siding in ColorPlus Technology Color Navajo Beige and HardieTrim Smooth Boards in ColorPlus Technology Color Arctic White.

Arlington Heights, IL Exterior Remodel of Integrity from Marvin Fiberglass Windows & James Hardie Siding by Siding & Windows Group. We installed Wood-Ultrex Integrity from Marvin Fiberglass Windows throughout the house, James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding in alternating sizes in ColorPlus Technology Color Timber Bark and HardieTrim Smooth Boards in ColorPlus Technology Color Khaki Brown.

This midcentury split level needed an entire gut renovation to bring it into the current century. Keeping the design simple and modern, we updated every inch of this house, inside and out, holding true to era appropriate touches.

This homeowner purchased a run down split level home and needed to remodel on a tight budget. For maximum impact we selected black cabinets and black wood floor along with vibrant green walls to create energy and funk to the space. The main counters are marble and the large island is stainless steel for function and budget. The dining table is made of reclaimed wood that looks better with age. By adding eclectic and unique accessories we gave the kitchen/dining area a "wow" factor for little cost! Photo: Aaron Pederson

This 1964 split-level looked like every other house on the block before adding a 1,000sf addition over the existing Living, Dining, Kitchen and Family rooms. New siding, trim and columns were added throughout, while the existing brick remained.

Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge, Bob Ganser AIA, Christian Dean, AIA, Nate Dodge Photography: Brandon Stengel @ Farm Kid Studios
Example of a trendy entryway design in Minneapolis with beige walls and a glass front door

This 1964 split-level looked like every other house on the block before adding a 1,000sf addition over the existing Living, Dining, Kitchen and Family rooms. New siding, trim and columns were added throughout, while the existing brick remained.

We removed two walls to open up this kitchen to the adjacent dining and family room area in this classic Split Level style home. Photos by Richard Pasley.

The 2021 Southern Living Idea House is inspiring on multiple levels—from the stunning location in Louisville, Kentucky overlooking the Ohio river, to the design-driven home that marries European countryside vibes with a timeless aesthetic. Dubbed the “forever home,” the concept was to design for all stages of life, with thoughtful spaces that meet the ever-evolving needs of families today. The 5,545-square-foot, Colonial Greek Revival Cottage-style home is located in The Breakers at Prospect community and is the collective effort of many. While it may have formerly been a trend to embrace open layout living spaces, following the pandemic families are seeking spaces in the home that feel separated, to allow for privacy. Rooms with clear intentions allow more options for areas in which to spend time, depending on your mood, and this home perfectly balances livable and lively ideas. Marvin products were chosen for this project to maximize the use of natural light, allow airflow from outdoors to indoors, and provide expansive views that overlook the Ohio River. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Awaken Skylight Marvin Ultimate Casement Window Marvin Ultimate Double Hung G2 Window Marvin Ultimate Picture Window Marvin Ultimate Direct Glaze Round Top Window Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door G2 BUILDER: Jason Black and Jimmy King of Artisan Signature Homes ARCHITECT: Brandon Ingram of C. Brandon Ingram Design INTERIOR DESIGNER: Sarah Bartholomew, Sarah Bartholomew Design LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Josh Myers of Myers & Co. Landscape Architecture PHOTOGRAPHY: Laurey W. Glenn, Marta Xochilt Perez, and Kriech-Higdon Photography for Southern Living

Glenview, IL 60025 Split Level Style Exterior Remodel with James Hardie Shingle (front) and HardiePlank Lap (sides) in new ColorPlus Technology Color Gray Slate and HardieTrim Arctic White Trim.

This midcentury split level needed an entire gut renovation to bring it into the current century. Keeping the design simple and modern, we updated every inch of this house, inside and out, holding true to era appropriate touches.

Mid-sized traditional gray split-level vinyl exterior home idea in Columbus with a shingle roof