Open Up Your Split Level Kitchen With These Design Ideas

Split level homes offer a unique multi-floor layout connected by short staircases between levels. With the kitchen often tucked away on its own level, a split level kitchen design comes with challenges. But simple remodeling techniques like opening walls, rethinking layouts, and brightening up the space can transform these kitchens into the hub of the home.

Read on for tips to open up and modernize your split level kitchen so it connects seamlessly with your home's living spaces.

Understand the Split Level Layout

To start, it's important to understand what makes a split level home unique. These houses feature multiple floors at different elevations, typically connected by just a few steps or a short stairway. This allows rooms like the kitchen, bedrooms, and living spaces to have their own dedicated levels.

Unique Features of Split Level Homes

The defining characteristic of a split level is the multi-tiered layout. Most designs include three to five distinct levels, each located just a few feet above or below the adjacent floors. The floorplan is staggered so that rooms align over each other only partially or not at all.

Short, open staircases, usually with just five to seven steps, connect the different levels. This allows quick and easy access between floors without needing full-sized stairwells.

Typical Split Level Kitchen Placement

In many split level homes, the kitchen is situated on the main living floor along with rooms like the family room and dining room. This allows the kitchen to be conveniently accessible from key living spaces.

Alternatively, some designs tuck the kitchen upstairs or downstairs from the main floor. This separation from other rooms provides privacy but can inhibit the natural flow between living areas. Careful remodeling is needed to prevent the kitchen from feeling too isolated.

Consider Overall House Layout and Flow

When evaluating kitchen placement, think about how the rooms align throughout the home's layout. Consider proximity to frequently used spaces like the family room where family and guests tend to gather.

Also analyze the positioning of windows and skylights to understand the available natural light. Sun exposure and views to the outdoors can make the kitchen feel more open and lively.

Optimal Kitchen Placement and Open Concept

One of the biggest opportunities in a split level kitchen remodel is opening up the space. Taking down walls and boundaries creates an inviting, functional heart of the home.

Remove or Repurpose Walls

Completely removing walls can instantly make a big impact, seamlessly connecting the kitchen to adjacent spaces. Lower "pony walls" or railings also allow a visual connection between rooms with just a partial barrier.

If full removal is not possible, consider wide openings or pocket doors instead of traditional walls. This maintains separation while still allowing daylight and air flow.

Connect to Living Spaces

Blending the kitchen with rooms like the dining and family room creates an open concept main living space. Use consistent flooring materials in all rooms, like tile or hardwood, to visually tie the spaces together.

Make the stairwell between levels a focal point through strategic lighting and sleek, minimal railings so it draws the eye up and connects the floors.

Maximize Natural Lighting

Strategically placed windows and skylights allow ample natural light to brighten the kitchen and carry through to other rooms. Glass walls or railings along staircases maintain open sight lines and let light filter throughout the home.

Reflective surfaces like backsplashes and polished cabinetry also bounce natural light around, making the most of sunlight.

Design and Materials for an Inviting Atmosphere

The colors, textures, and lighting used in a split level kitchen remodel can make the space feel more inviting and spacious. Use these elements to brighten up the aesthetic.

Use Light, Bright Colors

Painting the walls white or off-white instantly freshens up the space. Soft neutral hues like light gray and pale blue are also great choices for an airy, light-filled look. Avoid dark paint colors, which can make rooms feel closed in and small.

Vary wall colors slightly between rooms or use accent walls to add visual depth and dimension without overwhelming the space.

Incorporate Reflective Surfaces

Backsplashes made of tile, metal, or glass reflect light beautifully in the kitchen. Stainless steel appliances and fixtures also help bounce light around.

For countertops, choose reflective materials like quartz, granite, or even reflective laminate. This enlarges the feeling of space.

Warm, Inviting Lighting

Hanging pendant lights centered over islands and peninsulas cast a warm, focused glow. Recessed can lighting adds ambient fill light throughout the kitchen. Undercabinet fixtures provide task lighting for food prep and cooking.

Maximize natural light from any windows and skylights as well. This combination of lighting makes the kitchen much more livable.

Durable, Easy-Clean Flooring

Choices like tile, hardwood, and luxury vinyl are great flooring options for an open concept kitchen. The durable materials hold up well to foot traffic between rooms. And the consistent flooring visually blends the kitchen and living spaces.

Bright white tile or light wood tones reflect light to make the kitchen feel airy and expansive. Just be sure to transition to carpeting or other soft floors in living areas, to muffle noise and footfalls.

Prioritizing Updates Within Your Budget

Remodeling a split level kitchen can be a major investment. Focus your budget on upgrades that make the biggest impact to open and modernize the space.

Replace Outdated Cabinets First

New cabinetry instantly transforms the look of the kitchen. Opt for light natural wood tones or painted finishes to reflect more light. Extending cabinets into adjacent spaces also helps connect the rooms.

Update Countertops and Backsplash

Quartz or granite countertops add timeless style and durability. Glass, metal, or tile backsplashes also protect the walls while adding eye-catching style.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Replacing old appliances improves functionality while cutting energy costs. Look for rebates on ENERGY STAR dishwashers, refrigerators, and other appliances.

Proper kitchen ventilation is also important for air quality. Consider upgrading the exhaust fan or installing a downdraft venting system.

Modernize With New Sink and Faucet

An undermount sink maximizes usable countertop workspace. For the faucet, choose a commercial style model with a shiny chrome or matte black finish.

Inspiration From Other Split Level Kitchens

Looking at other split level kitchen designs can provide endless inspiration for your own remodel. Notice how they incorporate an open layout, transitional floors, and a cohesive style throughout the home's levels.

Creative railing designs and attractive staircases can act as a focal point connecting the split levels. Islands, peninsulas, and multi-level countertops also help delineate kitchen zones while uniting the spaces.

And don't forget about decor like pendant lighting, wall art, greenery, and accent furniture to give the new kitchen personality and purpose.

Consult With Professionals

Interior designers, architects, and contractors are great resources for remodeling a split level kitchen. They have experience updating these unique spaces and homes.

An architect can advise on layout changes, load bearing walls, permitted work, and other structural considerations. Designers help select finishes, lighting, and furnishings to match your style.

And a qualified contractor can provide estimates for the work and coordinate all subcontractors. This ensures the remodel goes smoothly from start to finish.

With strategic remodeling, split level kitchens can be completely transformed from isolated spaces to the open heart of the home. Knocking down walls, connecting floors with staircases, and choosing invigorating design elements are key. By working with professionals, you can craft a kitchen that seamlessly blends with adjacent living areas.

This thoughtful design process results in a personalized, functional space your whole family can enjoy for years to come. With an airy, connected layout and modern amenities, your split level kitchen can become a welcoming hub for daily life.