Making a split level house look modern can be done in many different ways. One way is to focus on the interior design and furnishings to give it a more contemporary feel. Invest in modern furniture like modern sofas and armchairs, light upholstery, and a neutral color palate.
Clean-lined wood and metal furniture pieces, such as tables and shelving units, can also help to keep the interior airy and light. Additionally, create an open-space layout by removing temporary walls and opening up floor plans to create a more up-to-date look.
Adding modern touches to the exterior of the house will also help to give it a more modern look. Consider replacing wooden or aluminum siding with a more modern option, such as stone or stucco. Adding outdoor lighting and outdoor furniture can give the house a fresher, more modern feel.
Installing skylights and adding new windows or window frames can also help to make the house look more up to date. Lastly, incorporating landscaping with different types of plants, such as evergreen trees or succulents, can also help to give the exterior a modern look.
Can you renovate a split level?
Yes, you absolutely can renovate a split level. Split level homes typically feature multiple levels of living space, often connected by a staircase, so they offer a great opportunity to create interesting and unique layout.
The majority of renovations for split level homes involve rearranging the interior layout, creating an open concept living area and updating the home to give it a more modern look. This includes everything from updating flooring and fixtures to painting walls and updating cabinetry.
Depending on the space available, one of the more popular split level renovations includes removing a wall to create an open combined dining and kitchen area as well as expanding the entryway to create more storage space.
Additionally, many homeowners choose to update their bathrooms, kitchens, and paint colors to give the home a more modern look and feel. All in all, there are plenty of ways to renovate a split level in order to make the most of its unique design.
Are split level homes outdated?
The answer to whether split level homes are outdated or not is largely dependent on the individual. For some people, the appeal of such a home lies in the fact that they are unusual and have a distinctive appearance.
Additionally, they allow for more flexible floor plans with additional usable square footage, which is especially attractive to larger families.
For other people, the potential negative aspects of split level homes often outweigh their potential attractiveness. They can be difficult to renovate and lack the open plan feel that many people like.
Additionally, they are often more expensive to build and can have basement issues due to their design.
Overall, whether split level homes are outdated or not is a subjective decision. Some people consider them to be a retro, one-of-a-kind style reminiscent of the past. Others find them difficult to live in and expensive to renovate.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide if a split level home is a suitable style for them.
Why don’t they build split-level homes anymore?
Split-level homes were popular in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, but in recent decades, they have become less popular. The main reason for this decline is their inefficient floor plan, which can lead to higher heating and cooling costs.
Split-level homes typically consist of two or more levels, with two or more stairs connecting them. This is different from a traditional single-story home, which has a single, continuous level connected by hallways.
The multiple stairs can be inconvenient and impractical for families, especially if residents are elderly or have small children. Additionally, since split-level homes often have more walls, they can be more difficult to maintain than a single-story home.
As energy efficiency has become more important in home construction, split-level homes have fallen out of favor, as their inefficient design can not compete with modern building techniques.
How do you add curb appeal to a split-level house?
Adding curb appeal to a split-level house can be a fun and rewarding experience. One of the most effective ways to instantly increase the curb appeal of a split-level house is to make sure that the exterior paint color is attractive and cohesive.
If the house has a dated color, try painting it a modern, neutral color that will make the property stand out on the block. Additionally, adding architectural details to the exterior can be a great way to give your split-level home more interest.
This could be accomplished through the addition of shutters, window boxes, decorative trim and other accents.
Updating the landscaping is also a great way to add curb appeal to a split-level house. Consider adding trees, shrubs, and other perennials to make the property look more inviting. Additionally, a stone or concrete walkway to the front door can add a touch of elegance.
If your budget allows, adding an outdoor fireplace or fireplace feature can be a great way to add value and visual appeal to your home.
Lastly, consider accessorizing your split-level home’s exterior with outdoor lighting. Strategically placed lights can make the home look more inviting and can be used to accentuate key architectural features.
Additionally, be sure to keep the area well-maintained—clear away any debris and regularly mow the lawn to make it look neat and tidy. With the right effort and a few well-chosen improvements, you can create a truly inviting and attractive exterior for your split-level home.
What is a front to back split house?
A “front to back split house” is a type of residential split-level home. It is constructed so that the main entryway is located in the middle of the home and the living areas are on both sides. This configuration gives the house a unique “floating” feel, as if it is suspended above the ground.
On one side of the entryway is typically a living room, kitchen, and dining area, and on the other side are the bedrooms and bathrooms. The most notable element of a front to back split house is a set of stairs that run from the entryway to the backyard.
This allows easy access from the front door to the backyard, making it an ideal house for entertaining. Another benefit of this type of home is that the stairs help to separate the main living areas from the bedrooms and bathrooms, providing added privacy.
This type of home also often offers more storage space and larger rooms than other two-story homes.
Are split levels hard to sell?
It can be difficult to sell a split level home, as they often present unique design challenges that buyers may not be aware of. Split level homes offer different floor plans where one floor is significantly higher than the other, either inside the home or outside of it.
They are usually more affordable than single-level houses, but can be difficult to sell due to their lack of flexibility and the potential for maintenance issues. Buyers often need to be more aware of potential issues that may arise with a split-level home before committing to the sale.
The biggest challenge with split level homes is that the half-level steps and split floor plans can be a major inconvenience for families, particularly for young children or elderly individuals who have mobility issues.
Additionally, there may be limited opportunities to make changes to the living space, as this could alter the unique architecture of the home. It is important to check with local zoning laws to make sure you can make the desired changes.
Finally, there may be additional maintenance costs associated with the split-level home, such as extra repairs or the need for frequent cleaning due to the many staircases. This may also present a challenge to buyers, as they may not be willing to commit to additional costs.
In summary, it can be difficult to sell a split level home due its unique design, lack of flexibility, and potential to incur additional maintenance costs. Buyers may need to be educated on the benefits and drawbacks of a split-level design before committing to the purchase, particularly if young children or elderly people are moving in.
What is the purpose of split level homes?
Split level homes serve a variety of purposes. Primarily, they are designed to make the most out of a small amount of space. Split levels allow for two or more distinct areas within the same space, often with one or two separate levels or a combination of levels and split levels.
This allows for greater flexibility in floor plans and efficient use of square footage.
Split level homes can provide a variety of different living arrangements, such as separate living spaces for a family in need of a larger living space, or an office and bedroom area in one half of the house, while the other portion serves as a kitchen and dining space.
Split level homes are also popular due to their versatility in providing a variety of options when it comes to furniture arrangement. The multiple levels and split levels also allows homeowners to create a more intimate living space, by placing furniture between levels or by creating an open concept on the main floor with furniture arranged up the stairs and onto the top floor.
Additionally, split level homes present an opportunity for greater outdoor living spaces and for better utilization of outdoor views. Because split levels often have a shorter roofline and require fewer stairs than a two-story home, second-floor balconies allow for views of the land, or a backyard garden or pool.
Overall, the purpose of split level homes is to maximize the available square footage and to provide homeowners with a more efficient, attractive, and flexible living space.
What is the difference between a split-level and a split foyer?
Split-level and split foyer homes are two popular styles of housing designed to maximize available space in a house. The defining difference between the two is the placement of the main, or front, entryway.
A split-level home has the front entrance located between two levels, usually the main floor and the upper floor. A split foyer, on the other hand, has the front entrance located at ground level, typically splitting the basement and first floor.
Typically, the main living area of a split-level home consists of split levels, such as a kitchen, dining room and living room, separated by the main stairwell. Split foyers, on the other side, are designed with a two-story entryway, separating the first floor from the lower level.
On the upper level, a split-level home will usually contain two, three, or four bedrooms, along with a full bathroom and usually a half bathroom, while a split foyer may hold mostly finished living space and minimal or no bedrooms.
There may also be a partially finished, or unfinished, basement with a split-level house, though not necessarily with a split foyer.
Split-level and split foyer homes can both provide a family with ample space and potential room to expand. Depending on the layout of the home and the needs of the homeowner, one of these floor plans may be more desirable than the other.
Why are so many houses split level?
Split level homes are very popular in many parts of the world because they offer a unique design solution that is flexible and can easily be customized to fit different types of needs and preferences.
These homes typically feature several different levels that are connected by stairs, which allows its occupants to move easily between floors. This can be a great advantage to homeowners who prefer to keep certain areas of the house separate.
One of the greatest benefits of split level homes is that they offer plenty of opportunities to customize each specific level according to individual needs. For example, one level can be designed as a living area, while the other can be used for bedrooms.
This can create a perfect balance between entertaining and relaxation, making it the ideal home for families. Additionally, split levels are typically much more affordable to build than traditional homes, allowing people to maximize their budget without sacrificing quality.
Ultimately, split levels are a great option for those who want to maximize their home’s design potential without breaking the bank.
Does a split foyer have a basement?
Yes, a split foyer does have a basement. A split foyer is a type of house that has two levels. It usually has a main level, with a few steps up to the front door, and then a lower level entrance with a few steps down from the main level.
The lower level often has a basement area with access from outside, beneath the main level. Depending on the house and the owner’s preference, the lower level can feature a separate living area such as an additional bedroom or a family room.
It may also contain a laundry area, bathroom and storage space.
Do split levels sell well?
Split levels can sell well depending on the market, location, and other factors. In some areas, split levels are considered desirable and they can be very popular with buyers. Generally, they are seen as a less expensive alternative to two-story homes, and they can be ideal for people who want the extra room of a two-story home with the affordability of a single-story home.
Additionally, the split level design often allows for an open floor plan. This makes split levels great for entertaining since they provide multiple living areas. They can also be attractive to buyers with big families, since they tend to have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.
Ultimately, it is important to research the local market and consider all the factors involved before determining whether a split level will sell well in a particular area.