Modernize Your 1970s Split Level Kitchen on a Budget
Does your 1970s split level home have a kitchen that feels stuck in the past? Are you eager to renovate it into a lighter, brighter, more open and functional space but worried about the potential costs? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many homeowners with tri-level houses from this era face kitchens with outdated layouts and finishes that beg for a makeover.
In this post, we'll walk you through everything you need to modernize your 1970s split level kitchen without blowing your budget. With strategic planning and prioritization, you can give your kitchen the contemporary look you crave while staying within your remodeling budget.
Assess Your Existing 1970s Kitchen
First, take a careful look at your current kitchen. Note the existing layout, cabinetry, appliances, flooring, lighting, and more. Identify what's working well and worth keeping versus what's outdated or dysfunctional and needs updating. Assess the traffic flow and look for wasted space that could be better utilized.
Measure the overall kitchen footprint as well as clearance around appliances to get accurate dimensions. This will come in handy later when reconfiguring the layout. Sketch out a simple floor plan marking the locations of windows, doors, and fixtures to use as a reference. With this information in hand, you can start making your remodel wish list.
Survey Likes and Dislikes
What do you love or hate about your existing kitchen? Make lists of features to keep versus areas needing improvement. Common pain points in 1970s kitchens include closed off layouts, limited counter space, tired cabinetry, inefficient appliances, and lack of natural light. Your likes and dislikes will inform your remodeling priorities.
Assess Storage Needs
Storage is often lacking in compact split level kitchens. Take stock of your dishes, cookware, pantry items, and small appliances. Will your current cabinet and drawer space accommodate everything after remodeling? If not, enhanced storage should be on your wish list.
Identify Electrical, Plumbing, and Venting
Note the locations of electrical outlets, phone jacks, cable hookups, plumbing lines, and ductwork. This will determine placement of lighting fixtures, appliances, sinks, and the stove venting. Identifying any issues ahead of time prevents surprises down the road.
Plan and Budget Your Remodel
With your needs assessment complete, it's time to create a remodeling plan and budget. This upfront work is crucial for staying on track and avoiding cost overruns down the road.
Set Your Budget
Crunch the numbers to set a realistic budget for your kitchen overhaul. Get multiple quotes for the project scope to estimate costs as accurately as possible. Budget about 15-25% of the total for contingency fees to cover unforeseen expenses. Factor in the costs for:
- Demolition and waste removal
- Construction materials and labor
- New cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, and plumbing fixtures
- Energy-efficient kitchen appliances
- Unexpected costs like asbestos abatement
With your total budget defined, you can then prioritize which updates are most important if you need to scale back.
Work With Experienced Kitchen Contractors
Vet and hire qualified contractors with strong references who have experience with whole-home and kitchen remodels. Get a minimum of three written estimates detailing the full scope of work and costs. Ask lots of questions and review agreements thoroughly before signing contracts.
Open Up the Space
Many split level kitchens from the 1970s have chopped up, closed off layouts that feel dark and cramped. Opening the space should be a top priority in your remodel.
Take Down Walls
Removing walls is one of the most effective ways to create a more open, airy kitchen and dining area. Take out non-load-bearing walls between the kitchen, living room or dining room. Knock down walls between the kitchen and entryway to improve flow.
Eliminate Soffits and Dropped Ceilings
Soffits and dropped ceilings were commonly used in 1970s homes to run ductwork and plumbing. Removing them can help open sightlines and make rooms feel more spacious. Just be sure to re-route any mechanicals before you take them down.
Add Windows and Skylights
Strategically placed windows and skylights draw abundant natural light into darker kitchens. For privacy, opt for clerestory or transom windows up high on walls. North-facing skylights won't overheat the space. Just take care to match new windows and skylights to the existing style and scale.
Design a Functional Layout
With the walls coming down, it's time to optimize your kitchen layout. Create dedicated zones for food prep, cooking, cleaning, and dining. Maximize every inch of space in your compact split level kitchen.
Add a Peninsula or Island
Islands are great for small, cramped kitchens. A peninsula connected to the wall works too. By adding seating, the island doubles as a breakfast bar and casual dining spot. Place the island or peninsula near the cooking zone for convenient access.
Optimize Traffic Flow
Position appliances and workstations in the classic kitchen triangle or work zone pattern to minimize steps between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Place the refrigerator near the entryway for easy restocking. Ensure at least 42 inches between counters and islands.
Allow Room for Multiple Cooks
Unlike cramped 1970s galley kitchens, open concept layouts can comfortably accommodate multiple cooks. Plan ample counter space on both sides of the stove and sinks so more than one person can work simultaneously.
Select Fixtures and Finishes
Choosing the right fixtures and finishes gives your new kitchen a stylish, contemporary look without breaking the bank. Strike a balance between trendy and timeless.
Pick Cabinets That Stand the Test of Time
Opt for cabinet styles like Shaker that have clean, versatile lines over ornate or dated fronts. Neutral painted finishes feel fresh and bright. For economy, keep existing cabinet boxes and just replace the doors and hardware.
Mix Metal Finishes
Pairing brushed nickel and matte black hardware and fixtures gives a modern, eclectic vibe. Use black for cabinet hardware and nickel for plumbing fixtures.
Add Warm Wood Flooring
Hardwood like white oak with a natural or gray stain adds warmth and complements both modern and traditional styles. Or opt for more affordable laminate wood-look planks.
Select Low-Maintenance Quartz Countertops
Durable, easy-cleaning quartz counters have the rich look of stone and endless color options. Granite, Corian, and laminate are also budget-friendly options.
Use Varied Backsplash Tiles
A geometric, Moroccan-style backsplash tile makes a big visual impact. Mix glass, ceramic, porcelain, and metal tiles for added interest.
Choose Energy Efficient Appliances
From refrigerators to ovens, choosing energy-efficient appliances saves energy and money over time. Look for rebates and tax credits when purchasing new ENERGY STAR-rated appliances.
Select a High-Efficiency Refrigerator
Look for ENERGY STAR models with bottom freezers and French doors. Allow for at least a 36-inch width and 30-inch clearance to open doors.
Install Instant Hot Water Taps
Instant hot water taps eliminate the wait for heated water and make cooking tasks faster. Look for energy-saving models that heat water as needed.
Choose a Quiet Range Hood
Select a ducted range hood with at least 600 CFM but low sone ratings for quiet operation. Ducting the hood outside also removes humidity, smoke, and odors from the house.
Include High-Efficiency Dishwasher
Look for an ENERGY STAR dishwasher with low water use. Models with soil sensors only run full cycles when needed, saving energy and water.
Add Storage without Clutter
Smart storage solutions can make even the most compact kitchen highly functional. Maximize every inch of space with specialized organizational systems.
Optimize Base Cabinet Storage
Incorporate pull-out shelves and racks in lower cabinets to double the storage space. Roll-out trays allow easy access to items in back without crawling inside.
Try Open Shelving
Replace some upper cabinets with open shelving. This shows off decorative items while keeping daily use dishes and glasses easily accessible.
Hide Appliances in Drawers
Keep bulky appliances like stand mixers and toasters out of sight but easy to access in rollout cabinet drawers. Just be sure to allow for proper ventilation.
Designate Pantry Space
Even a shallow closet can become a pantry for food storage with the help of narrow pull-out cabinets and door racks mounted on the interior.
Include Statement-Making Details
It's the finishing details that take your new kitchen to the next level. Include eye-catching accents that reflect your personal style without overdesigning the space.
Add Pendant Lighting
Make a dramatic style statement by suspending sleek pendant lights over the kitchen island. Opt for three staggered lights for ample task lighting.
Install a Smart Faucet
High-tech smart faucets have cool features like touch activation and temperature control. For a more budget-friendly option, select a pull-down faucet with built-in soap dispenser.
Showcase Statement Hardware
Dress up plain cabinetry with bold black pulls and knobs. Opt for oversized hardware or geometric shapes for visual impact.
Paint the Ceiling a Bold Color
Differentiate the kitchen space with a painted ceiling in a rich, saturated color like navy blue. This unique detail adds character without overwhelming the room.
With strategic planning, prioritization, and smart reuse of your existing layout and features, you can transform your dated, cramped 1970s split level kitchen into a lighter, brighter, contemporary space without busting your budget. Opening up walls, adding an island, updating fixtures and finishes, and installing energy-efficient appliances lets you modernize your kitchen in both look and function.
The result will be a welcoming kitchen that truly suits your needs and lifestyle for years to come. Have fun putting your unique stamp on this important family space!