Discover the captivating world of modern split-level houses as we delve into twenty ingenious ideas that showcase their unique charm and innovative design concepts.
Split level houses have been around for decades, but they are making a comeback in modern architecture. These unique homes offer a distinct style that stands out from traditional designs.
With their multiple levels and open floor plans, split level houses provide ample space for families to spread out and enjoy their own private areas. If you’re considering building or renovating your home, check out these 20 modern split level house ideas that showcase the best of this architectural style.
From sleek and minimalist to cozy and rustic, there’s something here for everyone’s taste!
What You Will Learn
Open-concept Living Area
An open-concept living area is a popular feature in modern split level houses. This design allows for seamless flow between the kitchen, dining room, and living room areas.
By removing walls and barriers, natural light can easily penetrate throughout the space creating an airy atmosphere that feels spacious and inviting. Open-concept designs also promote social interaction by allowing family members to communicate with each other while performing different tasks in separate areas of the house.
This layout provides flexibility when it comes to furniture placement as there are no restrictions on where certain pieces should be placed due to walls or doorways getting in the way. An open-concept living area is a great addition to any modern split level home as it promotes functionality while maintaining a sleek aesthetic appeal.
Glass Railing Staircases
They offer an unobstructed view of the surrounding space, creating a sense of openness and lightness. Glass railings can be installed on both indoor and outdoor stairs, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the house.
In addition to their visual benefits, glass railings are also easy to clean and maintain compared to traditional wooden or metal railings that require regular upkeep. However, it is important for homeowners with children or pets to consider safety measures when opting for glass railing staircases as they may pose certain risks if not properly secured or designed with safety features such as non-slip treads or handrails.
Skylight Features
They provide natural light, which can make the space feel brighter and more open. Skylights come in different shapes and sizes, so they can be incorporated into various parts of the house such as living rooms, kitchens or bedrooms.
One way to use skylights is to create a focal point for an area that would otherwise be dark or uninviting. For example, placing a skylight above a staircase not only provides light but also adds visual interest to what could have been just another part of the house.
Another benefit of using skylights is their ability to reduce energy costs by providing natural lighting during daylight hours instead of relying on artificial lights. This makes them an eco-friendly option for homeowners who want to save money on electricity bills while reducing their carbon footprint.
When incorporating skylight features into your home design plans it’s important to consider factors like placement and size carefully since these will affect how much sunlight enters each room throughout the day.
Indoor-outdoor Flow
This design element creates a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor living spaces, allowing homeowners to enjoy the best of both worlds. Large sliding glass doors or bi-fold doors are often used to connect these areas, providing an unobstructed view of the outdoors while also letting natural light flood into the home.
In addition to enhancing visual appeal and creating an open feel, indoor-outdoor flow can also improve air circulation throughout your home. It allows for better ventilation during warmer months when you want fresh air circulating through your space without having to rely on artificial cooling systems.
To make this feature work effectively, it’s important that both indoor and outdoor spaces complement each other in terms of style and functionality. For example, if you have a minimalist interior design scheme with clean lines and neutral colors inside your house then it would be wise not to clutter up outside with too many decorative elements or bright colors that clash with what’s going on indoors.
Minimalist Design
This style emphasizes simplicity and functionality, with clean lines and neutral colors. The minimalist approach creates an uncluttered space that feels open and airy, making it perfect for smaller homes or those looking to maximize their living area.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, minimalism also promotes sustainability by reducing the need for excess materials in construction and minimizing energy consumption through efficient designs. If you’re considering a modern split level house, incorporating minimalist design elements can help create a sleek yet practical home that’s both stylish and sustainable.
Rooftop Gardens
They offer a unique way to incorporate greenery into urban living spaces, while also providing numerous benefits such as improved air quality and insulation. Rooftop gardens can be designed in various styles, from minimalist to lush and tropical, depending on the homeowner’s preferences.
When designing a rooftop garden for your split level house, it is important to consider factors such as weight restrictions and drainage systems. It may be necessary to consult with a professional landscaper or architect who specializes in rooftop garden design.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits, rooftop gardens can also serve practical purposes such as providing fresh produce for cooking or creating an outdoor entertaining space with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Multi-functional Rooms
These spaces serve more than one purpose, making them highly practical and efficient. For example, a room can be designed to function as both an office and guest bedroom or as a playroom and home gym.
Multi-functional rooms allow homeowners to maximize their living space without sacrificing style or comfort.
One way to create multi-functional rooms is by using furniture that serves multiple purposes such as sofa beds, storage ottomans, or foldable tables. Another approach is through clever design elements like sliding doors that can separate the space when needed.
In addition to being functional, multi-purpose spaces also add value to the property since they appeal not only for current needs but also for future ones.
Energy-efficient Designs
These designs aim to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills while also being environmentally friendly. One way to achieve this is by using materials that have high insulation properties, such as insulated concrete forms (ICFs) or structural insulated panels (SIPs).
Another approach is incorporating passive solar design principles, which take advantage of the sun’s natural heat and light to warm up the house during winter months while keeping it cool in summer.
Many modern split level houses feature smart home technology that allows homeowners to control their heating and cooling systems remotely through a smartphone app or voice commands. This not only increases convenience but also helps optimize energy usage by allowing for more precise temperature control.
Simplicity in Materials
The use of natural and raw materials such as wood, concrete, and steel creates a minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes clean lines and functionality. These simple yet elegant designs allow for the beauty of the architecture to shine through without being overshadowed by ornate details or unnecessary embellishments.
In addition to their visual appeal, these materials are also durable and long-lasting which makes them ideal for construction purposes. They require minimal maintenance while still providing structural integrity to the building.
When it comes to interior design, simplicity in material choices can create an atmosphere that is both calming and inviting. Neutral colors paired with natural textures like wood grain or exposed brick walls can add warmth while maintaining a contemporary feel.
Bold Accent Walls
These walls add character and depth to any room, creating a focal point that draws the eye. Bold colors such as deep blues, rich greens or bright yellows can be used to create an accent wall that stands out from the rest of the room’s decor.
Alternatively, patterned wallpaper or textured finishes can also be used for added interest and dimensionality.
When choosing an accent wall color or design, it is important to consider how it will complement other elements in the space such as furniture and accessories. A bold accent wall should enhance rather than overpower these features.
In addition to adding visual interest, bold accents walls can also help define different areas within open-concept living spaces by creating separation between zones without using physical barriers like partitions or doors.
Basement Conversions
They offer additional living space that can be used for various purposes, such as a home theater, game room, or guest suite. With proper insulation and ventilation systems installed during the construction process, basements can become comfortable and cozy spaces to spend time in.
One of the advantages of basement conversions is their versatility. Homeowners have complete freedom to design this space according to their needs and preferences without worrying about external factors like natural light or street noise.
Converting an existing basement into livable square footage is often more cost-effective than adding an extension onto the house.
When planning a basement conversion project for your split-level home, it’s important to consider factors such as ceiling height requirements (typically at least 7 feet), waterproofing measures (to prevent moisture buildup), adequate lighting solutions (such as recessed lights or track lighting), and proper egress windows for safety reasons.
Smart Home Integration
With the rise of technology, homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more efficient and convenient. Smart home systems allow you to control various aspects of your house from a single device, such as your phone or tablet.
In a split level house, smart home integration can be particularly useful because it allows you to control different levels of the house separately. For example, you could adjust the temperature on one floor without affecting another floor’s climate.
Some common features that can be integrated into a smart system include lighting controls, security cameras and alarms, thermostats and HVAC systems (heating ventilation air conditioning), entertainment systems like TVs or speakers throughout the entire space.
Mezzanine Home Offices
These elevated spaces provide an ideal location for a workspace that is separate from the rest of the living areas, yet still connected to them. Mezzanines can be designed to overlook the main living area or have their own private space with views outside.
They offer privacy and quietness while allowing natural light to flow through both levels of the house.
A mezzanine office can also serve as an additional bedroom or guest room when needed, making it a versatile addition to any home design. The use of glass railings and open staircases creates visual interest and enhances natural light throughout both levels.
When designing your mezzanine office, consider incorporating built-in storage solutions such as bookshelves or cabinets under stairs for added functionality without taking up valuable floor space below.
Spacious Outdoor Living
Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to extend their living spaces beyond the walls of their homes, and creating an inviting outdoor area is one way to achieve this. Split level designs often lend themselves well to spacious outdoor areas, as they can take advantage of different levels and terraces.
Some ideas for incorporating spacious outdoor living into a split-level home include adding decks or patios on multiple levels, creating an alfresco dining area with built-in seating or even installing an outdoor kitchen complete with grill and sink. Landscaping can also play a big role in making the most of your backyard space – consider planting trees or shrubs that provide shade during hot summer months.
When designing your ideal split-level home with spacious outdoors areas in mind, it’s important to think about how you’ll use the space throughout different seasons.
Contemporary Facades
These facades often incorporate clean lines, geometric shapes, and contrasting materials to create a striking visual impact. Some contemporary designs use large windows or glass walls to allow natural light into the home while others opt for more opaque materials that provide privacy and insulation.
One trend in contemporary facades is the use of mixed materials such as wood, metal, stone or concrete which can add texture and depth to the exterior design. Another popular feature is incorporating outdoor spaces like balconies or terraces on different levels of the house which not only adds aesthetic value but also provides functional space for relaxation.
Double-height Ceilings
They create an open and airy atmosphere, making the space feel larger than it actually is. This design element also allows for more natural light to enter the home, which can help reduce energy costs by relying less on artificial lighting during daylight hours.
Double-height ceilings can be incorporated into various areas of the house such as living rooms, dining rooms or even bedrooms to add a touch of grandeur and sophistication to any room. They provide ample opportunity for creative interior design choices such as statement lighting fixtures or artwork that draws attention upwards towards the ceiling height.
Natural Light Focus
Large windows, skylights, and glass doors are often incorporated into the design to allow for ample sunlight throughout the day. This not only creates a bright and airy atmosphere but also helps to reduce energy costs by minimizing reliance on artificial lighting.
Natural light has been shown to have numerous health benefits such as improving mood and productivity levels. Homeowners can take advantage of this trend by choosing designs that prioritize natural light or incorporating additional windows or skylights into their existing homes during renovations.
Geometric Floor Plans
These designs incorporate unique shapes and angles to create an interesting layout that maximizes space and functionality. Geometric floor plans often include open-concept living areas, multi-functional rooms, and mezzanine levels that add depth to the overall design.
One of the benefits of geometric floor plans is their ability to create distinct zones within a home without relying on walls or partitions. This allows for more natural light flow throughout the space while maintaining privacy where needed.
Another advantage of geometric floor plans is their flexibility when it comes to furniture placement. With no strict guidelines on where pieces should be placed, homeowners can experiment with different layouts until they find one that suits their needs best.
Integrated Home Bars
These bars are designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of the living space, creating a cohesive and functional area for entertaining guests or relaxing after a long day. They can be incorporated into an open-concept kitchen or living room, providing easy access to drinks and snacks while socializing with friends and family.
One of the benefits of integrated home bars is that they can be customized to fit any design style. Whether you prefer a sleek minimalist look or something more rustic, there’s an option out there for you.
Some homeowners opt for built-in cabinetry that matches their kitchen cabinets, while others choose standalone bar carts that can easily be moved around as needed.
In addition to being stylish and functional, integrated home bars also add value to your property by creating an attractive feature that potential buyers will appreciate.
Unique Window Shapes
These windows add character and visual interest to the home’s exterior while also providing unique views from inside. Some examples of unique window shapes include circular, triangular, trapezoidal, or even irregularly shaped windows that can be placed strategically throughout the house to maximize natural light and create an eye-catching design element.
These unconventional window designs can help break up monotonous facades by adding depth and texture to the overall look of your home’s exterior. Whether you’re looking for a bold statement piece or simply want something different than traditional rectangular windows, incorporating unique window shapes into your split-level house design is sure to make it stand out from others on your block!
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