Split-level homes are often thought of as outdated and in need of an interior design makeover. However, there are a variety of ways to modernize these structures while still maintaining their original charm. Incorporating clever color schemes, adding contemporary furniture pieces, and utilizing existing areas can help you update your space to fit your modern lifestyle.
Here are some ideas for bringing a split-level home into the 21st century that you won’t regret down the line:
How to Modernize a Split-Level Home Interior
If you’re looking to modernize a split-level home interior, the first step is to identify areas that need improvement. Analyze the current layout and style of the home, including where the level changes, floorplan designs, and wall heights. Additionally, look for outdated materials such as carpets, wallpapers, and furnishings that can be replaced with more modern choices.
As you identify the old and dated elements, you’ll be able to create a plan for transforming your split-level home into something more modern:
- Identify areas that need improvement.
- Analyze the current layout and style of the home.
- Look for outdated materials such as carpets, wallpapers, and furnishings.
- Replace outdated materials with more modern choices.
Determine what needs to be updated
Before undertaking any effort to modernize a split-level home interior, it is important to identify which areas need improvement. To ensure that your project is as successful as possible remove anything that you deem to be outdated or makes the space feel cluttered and cramped. Consider the following components of your home’s design when re-imagining your split-level space:
- Flooring: If the existing flooring does not provide a clean and modern look, consider replacing it with hardwood for a sleek and timeless appearance.
- Furniture: Invest in furniture pieces that provide comfort and style. Items like sectional couches, Velvet armchairs, and storage coffee tables create an inviting atmosphere while still keeping the interior updated.
- Lighting Fixtures: Lighting fixtures can have a major impact on the overall feel of a room. Try incorporating unique statement pieces such as chandeliers or contemporary styled task lighting for guests to admire when they come into your home.
- Wall Color & Decorations: Revamp walls with neutral tones such as ivory, white or gray for an overall calming effect throughout the house. Add texture by hanging artwork or photos in personal frames on the wall for a more creative touch without cluttering up this small space.
Consider the size and shape of the room
When planning a remodel of your home, it’s important to consider the size and shape of your split-level home. Depending on how much living space you have available, you may be limited in the changes you make. If space is an issue, look for furniture that can be folded away or stored easily, such as fold-up tables or wall shelves.
Retaining some of the existing design elements can be useful in making the most of any tight spaces. Consider converting your stairs into a built-in storage space so you can save on floor space while giving yourself more storage room. With larger spaces, consider expanding the area with floating shelves or adding custom seating areas if there is enough floor space for comfortable seating.
You should also evaluate which areas are best suited for highlighting certain elements or features, according to their needs and scale. If an area can accommodate larger pieces without looking overcrowded then those areas may be better suited for more cutting edge design features such as oversized paintings and sculptures, bold wallpaper or unique lighting fixtures. But don’t forget to keep scale in mind when deciding on furnishings and ornamental decorations like curtains and rugs – if your split-level home is small these items must not overpower it but still add to its charm!
Flooring
Flooring is an essential part of any interior, and when it comes to modernizing a split-level home interior, flooring plays a major role. It can change the look of the interior and make it look more modern.
There are many options for modernizing a split-level home interior when it comes to flooring, from hardwood floors to luxury vinyl tile and even carpeting. Let’s explore some of the possibilities for flooring and how to effectively use it to modernize a split-level home interior:
Replace carpeting
Replacing carpeting with a hard surface such as wood or tile is an economical and attractive way to modernize the interior of a split-level home. In addition to the aesthetic payoff, hard surfaces are much easier to clean, reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality.
When choosing a flooring material for your home, consider factors such as durability, cost and ease of installation. Wood floors such as solid oak or maple add elegance and character to the room’s ambiance. Engineered wood offers an economical alternative with performance characteristics similar to solid wood floors. Ceramic tile is extremely durable and can be laid in various patterns. Vinyl tile comes in sheets or individual tiles that can simulate stone, ceramic, or hardwood plank at a fraction of the cost.
Before making any decisions on flooring materials it’s important to select products that will last for years while still staying within your budget.
Add hardwood or laminate flooring
When considering flooring choices for a split-level home, many homeowners want something that will modernize the look and feel of their home. Hardwood and laminate flooring provide an attractive solution that can add beauty and warmth to a room while increasing the value of the home.
When selecting hardwood or laminate flooring, it is important to consider your budget, how much traffic your floor will endure and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Hardwoods are a classic choice that never go out of style. They are available in numerous species, grades and quality levels, so there is sure to be a type that fits your needs perfectly. While hardwoods need regular maintenance such as waxing or polishing, many modern finishes reduce the amount of care required.
On the other hand, laminate flooring combines looks and durability with ease of maintenance. New printing techniques allow for amazing realism – from exotic wood species to massive slabs of stone – in easy-to-install panels. Laminate floors do not require waxing or specialized cleaning products; just regular sweeping or vacuuming keeps them looking great for years on end!
No matter what type of floor you choose, it is always recommended that you seek professional installation services for optimal safety and performance results on all types of subfloors common in split level homes. Whether adding hardwood or laminate floors to a kitchen, living room or laundry room in your split-level house, proper installation followed by regular maintenance can result in hassle-free enjoyment of your new interior design project!
Walls
If you are looking to modernize a split-level home interior, the walls are a great place to start. Adding a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most effective options. You can also consider changing the wall coverings, including:
- Wallpaper
- Removable wallpapers
- Wall decals
- Wall murals
By considering these options, you can dramatically change the look and feel of your home.
Paint walls with light, neutral colors
The use of light, neutral colors when painting your walls to modernize your interior is one of the most popular approaches. Natural shades, such as grays, off-whites and beiges are all timeless favorites. Picking one of these colors carries with it versatility that can be used in nearly any room, allowing you to create a unified look across your home’s various levels. Whether opting for cool grays or warm tans, these muted hues bring an approachable and relaxing atmosphere that can set the tone in any living space.
Beyond these basics are a multitude of color options to choose from:
- Shades like ivory and eggshell add a hint of warmth while staying within the family of neutrals.
- Soft blush tones bring an airy feel while hints of sage lend a touch of calming energy to interiors both large and small.
- The current trend toward off-white walls has also opened up opportunities for hardwood floors to gain center stage within rooms and become more pronounced in design schemes.
Hang large art pieces
When optimizing the interior of a split-level home, walls are a great place to start making modern updates. Decorating walls with large art pieces can make a huge impact on the overall look of the space. Bold statements pieces draw attention and will make any room feel special. Canvases, framed prints, and photographs are all possible options when looking for artwork for your home.
Think about how you want your guests to feel when entering the space— incorporating large art pieces can have a big effect on creating an inviting atmosphere in any room. If you’re looking for an extra pop of color, try searching for items with vibrant hues or interesting shapes that will draw the eye in and create an engaging focal point.
Also consider using various scale techniques that mix small and large art pieces together. This type of arrangement offers visual interest now, but also provides flexibility to switch out art if needed down the road without having to completely redecorate or rearrange furniture items. Having larger focal points towards the center of each wall helps unify and modernize each space while allowing more eye-catching details around peripheral areas – like near tables or window panes – that can easily be noticed at a glance when entering into different rooms within your split-level home.
Furniture
When modernizing your split-level home interior, furniture plays a major role. Furniture can help bring in a modern and contemporary vibe as it can be used as a statement piece or simply add a bit of dimension to the layout of your space. Furniture can also make the most of a split-level home’s unique architecture, and create a visually interesting and eye-catching aesthetic.
Let’s take a look at some furniture ideas that could help modernize your split-level home interior:
Choose modern furniture pieces
Modern furniture pieces can be used to create an updated, unified look in a split-level home. When selecting furnishings for this type of home, focus on those with clean lines, neutral colors, and minimal detailing to help create a feeling of spaciousness. Consider the following when selecting furniture for your split-level home:
- Sofas: Choose pieces with clean lines and fewer elaborate details such as exposed wood arms or intricate nailhead trim. Neutral colors like taupe or light grey are recommended and can be pairs nicely with other accents such as throw pillows or artwork.
- Tables: Look for tables made from materials like glass and metal that lend themselves well to modern designs. Select pieces in lighter shades to create an open feel while textured surfaces add visual interest.
- Lighting: In keeping with the modern design aesthetic, choose lighting fixtures that are contemporary in style yet provide ample task lighting. Pendant lighting is a great option for areas that don’t have enough ceiling space for traditional fixtures but need additional illumination.
- Accessories: Carefully chosen accents like rugs, artwork, and pillows can bring the whole room together while adding personality and color without overwhelming the design scheme. Allow enough space between each piece of furniture so they appear they are “floating” rather than cluttering together in order to maintain an airy look throughout the interior of your split-level home.
Consider the scale and size of the furniture
When selecting furniture for a split-level home, it is important to take into account the size of the area to be furnished. Since levels within a split-level home are often separated by several steps or landings, the room size and scale of the piece should be significantly considered.
In general, choose larger, more expansive pieces that are able to fill up space both vertically and horizontally. Avoid pieces that are too small for the area as these will look cluttered and awkward in any space. For instance, an oversized coffee table will create a visual anchor whereas an undersized one will draw attention away from desired feature pieces such as art or lighting fixtures. Similarly, choosing sofa sets with low profile designs without arm rests can make spaces appear larger while still allowing plenty of seating options. Additionally, the use of elevated rugs can help to visually separate areas within a living room divided by different sections of furniture.
Overall, taking into consideration the size and scale of each piece when decorating a split-level interior can provide much needed comfort and balance without looking too cramped or too spacious at the same time.
Conclusion
Modernizing a split-level home interior is an achievable goal if homeowners are willing to make some changes. The key is to focus on creating an inviting and comfortable space that complements the natural advantages of the split-level design.
This can be done by implementing smart and affordable upgrades, such as:
- Fresh paint colors
- High-quality flooring
- New furniture and accessories
- Rearranging spaces for better flow
- Upgrading fixtures and lighting
- Decluttering living spaces
- Eliminating any outdated features
With some thoughtfulness and creativity, homeowners can transform their split-level home into a modern designed living space that they can enjoy for years to come.
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