Open Up Your Split Level Home Kitchen With Our Remodeling Guide
Many homeowners with split level houses find themselves with closed-off, outdated kitchen spaces in need of major upgrades. We know the struggles - awkward layouts, too many walls, and not enough storage or natural lighting. If this sounds like your split level kitchen, our guide will walk you through how to transform it into a gorgeous, open concept dream.
We'll provide tips on everything from assessing your existing kitchen's issues, to knocking down walls, to picking stunning materials and smart storage solutions. You'll learn design ideas for improving flow and lighting. We'll also cover budget-friendly ways to overhaul your inefficient galley kitchen into a stunning open family gathering space. Let's dive in!
Assess Your Existing Split Level Kitchen
First, take a fresh look at your current split level kitchen. What works well now, and what frustrates you most? Common pain points in these homes may include:
- Closed off spaces and too many walls
- Outdated, failing cabinets and appliances
- Lack of natural light from windows
- Not enough storage, counter or work space
- Inconvenient work triangles requiring excessive steps
Assess how you use your kitchen today and changes that would improve workflow. Decide your budget and timeline - a full remodel or just targeted upgrades? With goals set, you can shape an inspiring, functional new kitchen catered to your lifestyle.
Planning Your Split Level Kitchen Remodel
Now for the fun part - researching the endless design options out there! Create inspiration boards with kitchen examples featuring the look you love. Should you paint cabinets a bold color? How about swapping upper cabinets for stylish open shelving? Would a spacious eat-in island under hanging light pendants work?
Decide if completely removing walls to combine the kitchen with neighboring rooms makes sense. Or, opening sight lines with a wide cased opening or half wall might connect rooms visually. This allows blending spaces without fully removing all boundaries.
Determine your new dream layout and must have features. Choose materials for cabinetry, counters, backsplash and flooring in colors and patterns that flow for a cohesive aesthetic. Ask contractors for 3D design renderings bringing your vision to life.
Removing Walls for an Open Concept
Got your heart set on a bright, airy open concept kitchen? Knocking down walls opens sight lines but takes skill. First determine if walls are load bearing or can be safely removed. Load bearing walls require complex structural plans; an engineer consults best. Otherwise if good to go:
- Turn off electricity and shut off gas/water lines.
- Gear up in goggles, mask, gloves and ear protection.
- Use sledgehammers or power tools to demolish walls.
- Dispose of debris properly before construction crews arrive.
- Reinforce with horizontal beams or framing where walls once stood.
Designing Your New Split Level Kitchen Layout
A smarter revamped floorplan improves how you cook and gather. Analyze how you navigate this space and tweak accordingly. Keep frequently used tools easily accessible. Position the refrigerator near countertops for food prep. Place cooktops out of major traffic flows but allow serving access points nearby.
Add a kitchen island for more counter space and to facilitate natural meetups as you cook. Arrange seating around the island to promote lingering conversations with family and friends. Plan enough room for multiple cooks to maneuver without collisions for hectic holidays.
Selecting Cabinets and Storage
Speaking of storage, a split level kitchen remodel allows customizing cabinets and drawers to fit your belongings. Analyze how to best arrange kitchen items you use daily, weekly or occasionally for efficiency. Consider pull-outs, carousels and rollout trays in lower cabinets for effortless access.
Choose cabinet door styles and finishes sparking joy - shaker style painted cabinets with brass hardware? Custom walnut cabinetry and marble counters? Compare ready-to-assemble and custom cabinetry costs to fit your budget. Glass front cabinets keep cherished dishware visible without grabbing everything out.
Countertops and Backsplashes
Select countertop materials like durable quartz or marble lookalikes that withstand daily use without breaking the bank. Coordinate backsplash tile colors to match your new cabinetry and counters for a cohesive aesthetic. Use backsplash patterns and textures to infuse character - subway tiles, glass mosaics, metal or 3D tiles.
Splurge on thick countertops allowing ample prep space. Waterfall edges add stylish drama too. Just seal edges well to prevent water damage where counters meet walls. Contrast countertops and lowers for a designer look. Carrara marble counters popping against navy cabinets earns raves.
Flooring Ideas for Kitchen Remodels
Will you keep existing floors or replace them when remodeling your split level kitchen? Factors like condition, durability and ease of cleaning help decide. Water resistant luxury vinyl plank flooring affords resilience against spills and moisture. And it installs over existing stable floors.
Roll-out vinyl plank flooring costs little but mimics pricier hardwood's beauty fantastically. Look for textured finishes preventing slips. Large format tiles like 12"x24" types resist chips with less grout to maintain. Consider radiant heated flooring for cool mornings sipping coffee before slippers.
Lighting Your New Kitchen
Strategic lighting transforms any lackluster kitchen, especially in split level homes. Add brilliant pendant lighting fixtures over a kitchen island to anchor the space. Integrate adjustable mini-pendants over a sink or prep area putting tasks directly in spotlight.
For overall ambiance, recess wide 6" cans throughout the kitchen ceiling and near walls. This removes shadows and makes the space sparkle. Under cabinet lighting illuminates counters for food prep safety. For contrast, install color changing LED light strips around bottom cabinets.
Finalizing Paint, Trim and Wall Finishes
Refreshing wall colors or adding special finishes elevates the new kitchen's beauty. Neutral hues like warm grays, taupes and white allow bolder backsplashes and cabinets to shine. Accent walls in deeper tones contrast nicely too. Consider easy to clean glass tile surrounding cooktops.
Install crown molding flanking upper cabinets for architectural detailing. Brushed brass hardware against white shaker cabinets and marble backsplash oozes luxury. Crisp white trim adds finished refinement against painted or wallpapered walls. Clean lines keep the aesthetic light and open.
Hiring Contractors for Your Split Level Kitchen Remodel
Unless tackling all demolition and reconstruction solo, hiring contractors streamlines split level kitchen overhauls. Research general contractors thoroughly and invite at least three bids. Compare bottom line costs and projected timelines. Double check online reviews and call references before signing contracts.
When interviewing remodel candidates, ask how they communicate with homeowners. Ensure they will provide routine progress updates and be reachable quickly as needed. Clearly outline the project's scope and expectations upfront. Verify they have sufficient expertise transforming awkward split level layouts.
Staying Within Your Kitchen Remodel Budget
With sky high material and labor prices, having a financial buffer protects your kitchen remodel investment. Before starting demolition, obtain quotes for all chosen products like custom cabinets, appliances and tiles. Clarify whether quotes include professional installation too.
Watch expenses closely for surprise savings opportunities without sacrificing design integrity. Supplying your own lighting fixtures slashes electrician costs. Doing prep work like removing old wallpaper or floors saves hiring help. Contingency funds give wiggle room if unforeseen issues like mold or leaky pipes appear.
Once the months of kitchen renovation dust settles, bask in your gorgeous, functional oasis. Walk through punch lists ensuring all details meet expectations - caulking gaps, adjusting drawers, wiping surfaces. Celebrate this monumental, budget-friendly kitchen upgrade breathing new energy into your home.
Most of all, enjoy move-in ready spaces optimized for your family's lifestyle. Sip coffee gazing out new windows and skylights. Meal prep is joyful with ample counters and storage solutions saving steps. Welcome neighbors home to catch up without kitchen constraints now an open, inviting family hangout morning to night.