Remodel Split Level Kitchen into Open Concept

Split level homes built decades ago often have closed off kitchens that lack openness and connection to adjacent living spaces. While split levels allow for multi-tiered ceilings, the compartamentalized layout leaves much to be desired in today's world of open concept living. Remodeling a split level kitchen to open it to adjacent rooms creates brighter, more modern living spaces that today's homeowners and homebuyers crave.

An open concept split level kitchen remodel removes barriers between the kitchen, dining room and living room to improve flow, functionality and style. Opening up the space provides better sightlines for entertaining, modernizes dated kitchens and increases accessibility, sunlight and appeal. The project does involve structural changes like removing walls, extending floors and cabinetry, and adding posts and beams for support. But the end result is a brighter, more spacious and seamlessly connected main living area.

Planning an Open Concept Split Level Kitchen Remodel

Careful planning is required for a successful split level kitchen remodel, as structural changes impact layout, flow and function. Key steps include:

• Consult with kitchen designers and contractors on layout ideas and structural considerations given the multi-tiered ceilings and rooms.
• Decide which walls or partitions to remove to improve sightlines and connectivity.
• Consider lighting, appliance placement, traffic flow, ventilation and room transitions.
• Incorporate peninsulas, islands and varied cabinetry arrangements to delineate spaces.
• Select finishes like floors, cabinets, counters, backsplashes and fixtures that provide cohesion.
• Acquire necessary permits for taking down walls, extending electrical, HVAC and plumbing.

Keeping aspects of the existing kitchen that function well, like appliances and cabinetry arrangements, can help reduce costs. New island designs, peninsulas, floors and backsplashes then better connect old and new.

Structural Changes to Open Up a Split Level Kitchen

Split level homes often have a stair-stepped design with the kitchen on the mid-level, dining on the upper level and living room on the lower level. Opening things requires addressing the different ceiling heights and structural considerations.

To open the kitchen to other rooms, structural walls, partitions and railings need removing. This requires properly distributing weight and inserting steel posts, headers and beams for support. Kitchen islands can provide additional structural stability when designed appropriately. Flooring, cabinetry, lighting and ductwork may also need extending to adjacent spaces.

All structural changes should meet local building codes and inspection requirements. Permits are needed for removing or altering walls, extending electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems. A structural engineer helps ensure proper support and compliance for safety.

Design Elements for an Open Split Level Kitchen

When opening a split kitchen to other rooms, thoughtful design elements seamlessly connect the spaces. Strategic flooring choices, varied ceiling treatments and cohesive finishes prevent a hodgepodge effect.

• Create transitional zones between rooms with floor materials, area rugs, varied paint colors or lighting.
• Incorporate architectural details on multi-height ceilings, like beams, trimwork or lacings.
• Add bold light fixtures as focal points given more open sightlines.
• Extend cabinetry into other rooms but modify arrangements to delineate kitchen, dining and living areas.
• Use glass cabinet doors, open shelving and fewer upper cabinets to keep sightlines open.
• Include peninsulas, breakfast bars and islands to section off work zones.

A professional designer helps select finishes that unify, along with layouts that improve flow and functionality. Keeping existing elements like stair railings, trimwork or fireplace mantels also helps maintain architectural continuity between the split levels.

Finishing Touches for an Open Concept Split Level Kitchen

Final finishing touches pull together all the design elements into a cohesive, seamlessly connected open concept kitchen and living space. Careful attention should be paid to transitions between flooring, cabinetry arrangements and styles and all the varied finishes.

Flooring is critical for blending old and new rooms, using graduated sizes or materials to ease transitions. Consistent cabinetry finishes, trimwork and hardware continue visual lines. Statement light fixtures, accessories and art draw the eye. Comfortable banquette breakfast nooks or casual dining areas also help delineate kitchen and living zones.

The end result of an open concept split level kitchen remodel is a brighter, more inviting cooking and living space. Removing barriers provides better functionality for daily use and entertainment. The project modernizes closed off split level homes and customizes them for how families live today.

Benefits of an Open Concept Split Level Kitchen

Beyond a more modern, stylish aesthetic, opening up a split level kitchen reaps many practical benefits that enhance daily living. Removing walls between the kitchen, dining and living rooms allows better flow, sightlines and accessibility that accommodate modern lifestyles.

• Brighter, more spacious feel with natural light reaching more areas.
• Seamlessly connected rooms for better entertaining and family gatherings.
• Updated functionality and storage with easy access between living areas.
• Easier to supervise kids while cooking, doing homework, watching TV.
• More value and appeal for resale with updated open concept layout.

The once compartmentalized rooms of decades old split level homes get new life. Opening them up provides that coveted indoor/outdoor type feel with sunlight washing through all areas.

Modernizing Outdated Split Level Kitchens

Many split level homes built from the 1950s to the 1970s have segregated kitchens closed off from other living zones. Primarily U-shaped layouts feature cramped spaces with upper and base cabinets running most walls. The isolated design prevents natural light from reaching many areas.

While layouts accommodate necessary work triangles between the sink, stove and refrigerator, minimal openings make accessibility cumbersome. Entertaining is challenging given poor visibility between rooms. And small windows, low ceilings and separated rooms exude darkness and confinement.

Opening split level kitchens removes physical and visual barriers that prevent better living. Natural light floods in to create brighter, more inviting cooking and dining spaces. Integrating cabinetry, countertops and backsplashes into dining and living areas provides better flow. Islands, banquettes and peninsulas also help delineate open zones.

Increasing Home Value and Appeal

Beyond enjoyed benefits for homeowners, open concept kitchen and living layouts greatly increase resale value. They reflect what most homebuyers desire today - brighter, more spacious and seamlessly connected living areas.

Open floorplans allow homeowners to customize spaces to their needs and lifestyle. Cooking, dining and lounging flow together for entertaining or easy living. This versatility and functionality appeals to modern families and also singles, couples and downsizing retirees.

Updated open concept split level kitchens command higher prices upon resale. National Association of Realtors data shows at least an 80% cost recovery for mid-range kitchen remodels. Luxury renovations approach near full cost recovery. And enhancing style and functionality never goes out of favor.

Designing an Open Concept Split Level Kitchen

A successful split level kitchen remodel requires thoughtful design addressing the tiered floors, ceiling heights and room connections. Careful planning ensures the removal of walls doesn't compromise structural integrity or design cohesion. Key steps include:

• Measure exact room dimensions, openings and staircases
• Map electrical, plumbing and HVAC layouts
• Plan revisions to above systems
• Identify structural load-bearing walls
• Specify new needed headers, beams, posts
• Sketch desired revised floorplan

This data then helps architects and designers lay out options for opening walls, extending floors and cabinetry into other rooms. Removing barriers between the kitchen, dining and living rooms improves sightlines and traffic flow critical for functionality.