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.

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.

John Wilbanks Photography
Balcony - rustic balcony idea in Seattle

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

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.

This project was designed to accommodate the client’s wish to have a traditional and functional barn that could also serve as a backdrop for social and corporate functions. Several years after it’s completion, this has become just the case as the clients routinely host everything from fundraisers to cooking demonstrations to political functions in the barn and outdoor spaces. In addition to the barn, Axial Arts designed an indoor arena, cattle & hay barn, and a professional grade equipment workshop with living quarters above it. The indoor arena includes a 100′ x 200′ riding arena as well as a side space that includes bleacher space for clinics and several open rail stalls. The hay & cattle barn is split level with 3 bays on the top level that accommodates tractors and front loaders as well as a significant tonnage of hay. The lower level opens to grade below with cattle pens and equipment for breeding and calving. The cattle handling systems and stocks both outside and inside were designed by Temple Grandin- renowned bestselling author, autism activist, and consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior. This project was recently featured in Cowboy & Indians Magazine. As the case with most of our projects, Axial Arts received this commission after being recommended by a past client.

[Our Clients] We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. There was so much potential in those walls, and we couldn’t wait to delve in and start transforming spaces. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. So, we started by converting the existing single car garage into their living room (complete with a new fireplace) and opening up the kitchen to the rest of the level. [Kitchen] The original kitchen had been on the small side and cut-off from the rest of the home, but after we removed the coat closet, this kitchen opened up beautifully. Our plan was to create an open and light filled kitchen with a design that translated well to the other spaces in this home, and a layout that offered plenty of space for multiple cooks. We utilized clean white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen and popped the island with a spunky shade of blue. To add a real element of fun, we jazzed it up with the colorful escher tile at the backsplash and brought in accents of brass in the hardware and light fixtures to tie it all together. Through out this home we brought in warm wood accents and the kitchen was no exception, with its custom floating shelves and graceful waterfall butcher block counter at the island. [Dining Room] The dining room had once been the home’s living room, but we had other plans in mind. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and new custom steel railing, this room was just screaming for a dramatic light fixture and a large table to welcome one-and-all. [Living Room] We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace. There is plenty of new storage in this space (that ties in with the kitchen finishes), but the real gem is the reading nook with two of the most comfortable armchairs you’ve ever sat in. [Master Suite] This home didn’t originally have a master suite, so we decided to convert one of the bedrooms and create a charming suite that you’d never want to leave. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. The warm walnut vanity and touches of brass cozy up the space and relate with the feel of the rest of the home. We continued the warm wood touches into the master bedroom, but went for a rich accent wall that elevated the sophistication level and sets this space apart. [Hall Bathroom] The floor tile in this bathroom still makes our hearts skip a beat. We designed the rest of the space to be a clean and bright white, and really let the lovely blue of the floor tile pop. The walnut vanity cabinet (complete with hairpin legs) adds a lovely level of warmth to this bathroom, and the black and brass accents add the sophisticated touch we were looking for. [Office] We loved the original built-ins in this space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help. We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit. And voila! We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood.

A Modern take on the Midcentury Split-Level plan. What a beautiful property perfectly suited for this full custom split level home! It was a lot of fun making this one work- very unique for the area.

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.

Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge, Bob Ganser AIA, Christian Dean, AIA, Nate Dodge Photography: Brandon Stengel @ Farm Kid Studios
Trendy entryway photo in Minneapolis with a glass front door

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

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.

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

we took this tired split level NJ home and created an open, modern floor plan complete with transparent stairway railings. we updated the floors to be slate and walnut wood. the end result was a new modern clean interior.

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

When I visited this 1970’s split-level home in Golden, Colorado for the first time, the space on this main floor was broken up into 3 rooms. The kitchen was crammed into the center of the space and covered in small, 1970’s cabinets. This family loves to cook together and entertain friends - they craved a space that could support two active cooks and plenty of hang-out room for friends. We took out walls and added a window to get the space light and bright. I added a banquette area to create a more intimate space near the bay window. Per the client, we put in two sinks for each cook. Photographs by Jordan Katz. Styling by Kristy Oatman. FEATURED IN: Colorado Nest

When I visited this 1970’s split-level home in Golden, Colorado for the first time, the space on this main floor was broken up into 3 rooms. The kitchen was crammed into the center of the space and covered in small, 1970’s cabinets. This family loves to cook together and entertain friends - they craved a space that could support two active cooks and plenty of hang-out room for friends. We took out walls and added a window to get the space light and bright. I added a banquette area to create a more intimate space near the bay window. Per the client, we put in two sinks for each cook. Photographs by Jordan Katz. Styling by Kristy Oatman. FEATURED IN: Colorado Nest

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.