Updating Your Split-Level Home For Open Concept Living

The 1950s and 60s were an exciting time in America. World War II had ended a decade earlier, and we were prospering. It was the start of the space age. The era President Kennedy called “the New Frontier.” Futuristic design leads the way with Victorian-looking ornate furniture out, and “Sputnik” lighting and sleek “mid-century” modern furniture the hot new style. Of course, back then, it was just called “modern,” but it was the space age, and our parents and grandparents were enamored with the new style and technology of the era.

Housing was also going through massive changes. Suburbia was growing, and tract housing was taking the lead following the success of Levitt & Sons mass-production building process giving birth to Levittown, Long Island.

In Madison, Wisconsin, the split-level home began to emerge. The new style appealed to a wide range of buyers. The design was larger than the smaller ranches, and most bungalows that were the dominant design in post-war Madison neighborhoods. At the time, it was an affordable home-style that could be built on a smaller lot than the sprawling ranch homes that came before.

Today, it's common to see split level homes built in the 70s and 80s that are an excellent value for first-time homeowners and empty nesters looking to remodel an existing home into an open concept living space. The split-level home is not a “modern” design, but today it offers plenty of benefits to homeowners.

Here's a bit of history and some ideas for how to update this classic mid-century design to meet the needs of 21st-century living!

First, A Little History

The origin of the first split-level is a bit of a mystery, but it's mostly believed to have evolved from the ranch, which was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's low-profile prairie homes and minimalist Usonian houses. The original split level was designed to divide the public and private spaces by using short half-levels.

Stuart Cohen, architect and co-author of the book Great Houses of Chicago, wrote, “the split was originally designed to build on a small, sloping site, but the interior visual connections it created were so popular, it became a part of the new style.”

As families began leaving the cities for the suburbs after the war, they were looking for homes that were grander than the tract homes purchased by returning veterans under the GI bill. The split-level design looked more substantial, however, their stacked design was compact, and they were affordable to build on smaller lots. The typical tri-level of the time consisted of a lower level garage, and common area or family room, the mid-level entry, formal living room, and kitchen, and the upper level featuring the bedrooms and baths.

The peak for split-level homes came in the 1970s as the result of a TV sitcom! The Brady Bunch premiered in 1969, and Mike and Carol's home was the quintessential split level. Every week Americans saw how this home-style worked perfectly for their large blended family.

Many homeowners love their split-levels. However, because the design is a little dated and out of favor, split levels tend to be affordable. There are many different floor levels and designs, and most offer a spacious feel that can include cathedral ceilings in the upper-level living space and a family room and bathroom on the lower level, which is perfect for the kids, or dad's man cave. The lower level on most splits was built partially or entirely above ground level to let in plenty of natural light.

There are many variations on the basic split-level design. However, the floor plan of a typical mid-level entry split with upper-level private space and lower-level public spaces is pretty much the standard.

The Drawbacks to Split-Levels

In the 1980s and 90s, homes became grander as tastes changed. The split-level's 8-foot ceilings and small closets were out of favor. Today, many homeowners are looking for state-of-the-art homes with details and architectural character, and the typical split-level doesn't measure up.

Often, split-levels have smaller windows, a shallow-pitched roof, and an exterior that's light on curb appeal. The typical exterior is usually sheathed in stone, brick, or wood and looks dated, turning off potential home buyers before they walk through the door.

Updating A Split-Level For 21st Century Living

Split-level homes are great candidates for remodeling and updating because they're one of the most affordable home styles out there. Fortunately, many of the interior features split-levels offer are sought after today, like cathedral ceilings in the upper level, and their often open concept floor plans.

One of the most significant impacts you can have, in terms of bringing a split-level into the 21st century, is remodeling the exterior of the home. Updating and adding architectural details to the exterior can up the home's curb appeal and add value. For example, adding a visual focus to the center entry by creating a grand entrance with columns and a peaked roof over the front door can add interest.

Installing larger windows can not only update the look but can also function to let more natural light into the home. Removing the brick or stone and replacing it with cedar shake shingles can modernize the look. The key to any approach when it comes to the home's exterior look is enhancing and “modernizing” the existing design, rather than changing the character of the original.

The interior can benefit from updating as well. Some split-levels can be updated by opening up areas of the space, for example, by creating a deck off of the dining room or kitchen. Opening up the space using french doors can bring in more natural light and create the indoor/outdoor feel homebuyers are looking for in today's market. If your home has the original 1960s or 70s kitchen, updating the design, opening it up to the rest of the living space, and adding an island can create functional space that is not only stylish but is desirable when it comes time to sell.

Split level homes offer great value and are incredibly flexible in terms of updating the design. It's a classic home style with a long history that is perfect to bring into the 21st century! With some smart, simple, remodeling, you can create a warm and welcoming home that will meet your family's lifestyle needs for many years to come!

If you're considering the purchase of a split level home in the Madison, Wisconsin area, or are interested in updating your current home, give the experts at Degnan Design Build Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. Since 1981, Degnan has been helping greater Madison area homeowners to create their dream homes. Let us help you transform your split-level home into a beautiful open concept living space that will perfectly meet your family's lifestyle needs.