Split-level home redesigns have seen a surge in popularity. Once, a hallmark of suburban modernity, this architectural style is experiencing a revival. Today’s homeowners are keen to refresh its unique design for contemporary living. A modern split-level renovation — with its multi-tiered floor plan — offers both challenges and opportunities for modernization. Let’s jump in and see how the pros do it.
The Classic Blueprint: Understanding Split-Level Design
A split-level typically features staggered floor levels, connected by two or three short sets of stairs. The layout divides the house into three or more levels:
•Entry level: Living room, dining room, and kitchen.
•Half-flight up: Bedrooms and baths.
•Half-flight down: Family room and flex areas.
The Split Family Tree
While split-level homes come in several variations, two of the most common are the side split and back split.
•Side Split: This design is visible from the front of the home, with two or three staggered levels. Typically, living spaces occupy one side, while the bedrooms are positioned in the opposite wing of the home.
•Back Split: Common on sloped lots, this variation reveals its multiple levels from the side or rear, while appearing as a single story from the front view.
Both styles maximize space on smaller lots, creating distinctive living zones while maintaining a sense of privacy.
The Paper House Unfolded
The work of the Canadian company SMPL Design Studios has been on my radar for years. They are known for their transformative suburban mid-century home renovations and modern new construction. Their renovation projects skillfully adapt dated classics into vibrant, functional, and sustainable living spaces. As a result, they are redefining today’s home design with a fresh modern perspective.
House Tour: A Modern Split-Level
Let’s take a look at this example of SMPL Studio’s approach to modernizing a classic split-level home.
The design studio maintained the home’s original footprint, and the bones of the house were largely untouched. However, the kitchen and bathrooms were relocated to optimize the flow of the space.
CEO and Creative Director Joel Tanner said, ” In terms of practicality, homes need to function. Yes, we like to say our projects are gnarly, but there is always a logical flow. The floor plan needs to make sense. That leads directly into livability — the more practical the floor plan, the more livable that home is and the more desirable that home will be.”
The impressive glass-enclosed fireplace anchors both the living room and lounge areas. A cleverly concealed door in the display wall leads to the garage. Can you spot it? It’s those quiet, unexpected design details that define good design.
A Cooks Place: Revamped Kitchen Design
The kitchen stands out after its transformation into a sleek, efficient space, featuring a marble waterfall island, custom millwork, and integrated appliances. It now flows easily into the dining and living areas, creating one cohesive gathering space.
The Ease Of The Split
The redesigned staircase, with its glass balustrade and dark metal handrails, reinforces the contemporary vibe of the home. The split-level layout offers an easier connection between floors, striking a perfect balance between style and functionality.
Maximizing Natural Light
Multiple skylights, large windows, and sliding glass doors open the home to the outdoors, extending the living space onto the patio. This connection creates a relaxed inviting environment for entertaining.
Quiet Places
Homeowners are opting for fewer but larger bedrooms, often converting an extra bedroom into a primary suite with walk-in closets and a spacious bath, —-reflecting the growing desire for personal retreats within the home.
A vibrant orange accent wall is a whimsical homage to the era’s penchant for bright, eye-catching colors, infusing a playful energy into the secondary bedroom.
The Home Spa Experience
The over-size mirror above the vanity reflects the natural light from the adjacent window, enhancing the room’s airy feel. Large format floor tiles, add a subtle textural contrast. Their earthy tones ground the space with tasteful simplicity.
Opposite the vanity, a statement wall of floor-to-ceiling marble features a stylish glass-enclosed shower.
This spa-inspired design instantly elevates the entire bath —just add scented candles, a loofah, and your favorite body wash and you’ve created the ultimate relaxation escape.
The Ultimate Multitasker: A Split-Level Flex Room
This remodel transforms the previously underutilized lower level into an active flexible space for guests, play, and work—or whatever life demands. It’s a smart way to maximize every square foot available.
Modern Paper Houses -The Design Evolution Of 70s & 80s Contemporary Homes
The split level emerges not as an outdated relic but as a vibrant framework for contemporary redesign. As design enthusiasts peel back the layers of the past, they uncover a world of possibilities in these signature structures —proving that with imagination, the split level easily tops the list in the design evolution of 70s & 80s contemporary homes—the quintessential Modern Paper House.
Photo Credits:
Archie Adams
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