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.

Usage of low maintenance materials, refinishing and reusing cabinets, and reallocating space instead of changing the home’s footprint kept this project green. Clients were also able to live on site during the renovation due to the low-VOC and water-based finishes, and our constant indoor air-quality monitoring. The entry and main floor, kitchen, and both baths now feel fresh, airy, and spacious, allowing for immediate relaxation in taking in natural light, water views and sunsets from this West Seattle split-level home.

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 dated split-level home was reimagined with a timeless exterior design that feels fresh, balanced, and effortlessly inviting. The updated design pairs warm neutral siding with painted white brick, dark trim, and contemporary lighting to create clean lines and lasting curb appeal. A redesigned front entry establishes a stronger focal point, while layered landscaping and modern railings add texture, dimension, and a welcoming sense of arrival. Every element was selected to work together, creating a cohesive exterior that complements both the home's architecture and its beautiful wooded surroundings. The finished design transforms the home's appearance without changing its footprint, demonstrating how thoughtful material selections, color, and architectural details can completely redefine curb appeal. Looking to reimagine your own home's exterior? Our virtual exterior design services help homeowners visualize their home's potential before renovation begins.

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.

Our clients were living in a Northwood Hills home in Dallas that was built in 1968. Some updates had been done but none really to the main living areas in the front of the house. They love to entertain and do so frequently but the layout of their house wasn’t very functional. There was a galley kitchen, which was mostly shut off to the rest of the home. They were not using the formal living and dining room in front of your house, so they wanted to see how this space could be better utilized. They wanted to create a more open and updated kitchen space that fits their lifestyle. One idea was to turn part of this space into an office, utilizing the bay window with the view out of the front of the house. Storage was also a necessity, as they entertain often and need space for storing those items they use for entertaining. They would also like to incorporate a wet bar somewhere! We demoed the brick and paneling from all of the existing walls and put up drywall. The openings on either side of the fireplace and through the entryway were widened and the kitchen was completely opened up. The fireplace surround is changed to a modern Emser Esplanade Trail tile, versus the chunky rock it was previously. The ceiling was raised and leveled out and the beams were removed throughout the entire area. Beautiful Olympus quartzite countertops were installed throughout the kitchen and butler’s pantry with white Chandler cabinets and Grace 4”x12” Bianco tile backsplash. A large two level island with bar seating for guests was built to create a little separation between the kitchen and dining room. Contrasting black Chandler cabinets were used for the island, as well as for the bar area, all with the same 6” Emtek Alexander pulls. A Blanco low divide metallic gray kitchen sink was placed in the center of the island with a Kohler Bellera kitchen faucet in vibrant stainless. To finish off the look three Iconic Classic Globe Small Pendants in Antiqued Nickel pendant lights were hung above the island. Black Supreme granite countertops with a cool leathered finish were installed in the wet bar, The backsplash is Choice Fawn gloss 4x12” tile, which created a little different look than in the kitchen. A hammered copper Hayden square sink was installed in the bar, giving it that cool bar feel with the black Chandler cabinets. Off the kitchen was a laundry room and powder bath that were also updated. They wanted to have a little fun with these spaces, so the clients chose a geometric black and white Bella Mori 9x9” porcelain tile. Coordinating black and white polka dot wallpaper was installed in the laundry room and a fun floral black and white wallpaper in the powder bath. A dark bronze Metal Mirror with a shelf was installed above the porcelain pedestal sink with simple floating black shelves for storage. Their butlers pantry, the added storage space, and the overall functionality has made entertaining so much easier and keeps unwanted things out of sight, whether the guests are sitting at the island or at the wet bar! The clients absolutely love their new space and the way in which has transformed their lives and really love entertaining even more now!

Transitional laundry room photo in Miami

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 1960s split-level home desperately needed a change - not bigger space, just better. We removed the walls between the kitchen, living, and dining rooms to create a large open concept space that still allows a clear definition of space, while offering sight lines between spaces and functions. Homeowners preferred an open U-shape kitchen rather than an island to keep kids out of the cooking area during meal-prep, while offering easy access to the refrigerator and pantry. Green glass tile, granite countertops, shaker cabinets, and rustic reclaimed wood accents highlight the unique character of the home and family. The mix of farmhouse, contemporary and industrial styles make this house their ideal home. Outside, new lap siding with white trim, and an accent of shake shingles under the gable. The new red door provides a much needed pop of color. Landscaping was updated with a new brick paver and stone front stoop, walk, and landscaping wall.

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

Split level home updated with new siding, soffits, fascia, windows, roof, and gutters. Photo courtesy of: James Zabilka
Mid-sized 1960s green two-story vinyl gable roof photo in Chicago

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.

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.

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

This Glenview, IL Split-Level Style Home was remodeled by Siding & Windows Group with James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding and HardieTrim Smooth Boards in ColorPlus Technology Color Arctic White. Also re-did White Columns and installed Fypon Shutters in Black.

Split level modern family room
Family room - mid-sized contemporary open concept concrete floor and gray floor family room idea in Raleigh with gray walls, no fireplace and a tv stand

This Glenview, IL Split-Level Style Home was remodeled by Siding & Windows Group with James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding and HardieTrim Smooth Boards in ColorPlus Technology Color Arctic White. Also re-did White Columns and installed Fypon Shutters in Black.

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 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.