10 Split Level Home Kitchen Remodel Ideas

Remodeling Ideas for the Classic Split Level Kitchen

Split level homes first gained popularity in the 1950s and stuck around well into the 1970s. Known for their staggered floors and compartmentalized layouts, these houses demarcated spaces clearly yet kept them connected and open. The kitchens in these homes often followed suit, tucked away from the living or dining areas. That worked for a while, but over time, these kitchens started to feel more cramped than cozy.

If you’re living in a split level home today, chances are your kitchen hasn’t aged as well as you’d like. Narrow walkways, dated finishes, and awkward transitions between rooms can make cooking and entertaining feel like a chore. You might be wondering how to open things up, allow in more natural light, or even make better use of the space you already have.

This blog is for homeowners like you who are ready to update a split level kitchen and keep the home’s original charm.

Keep reading to discover ten remodel ideas that can help you create a kitchen that’s not only more practical but also easier on the eyes. We've also included layout tips, material ideas, and smart changes that actually work.

1. Take down a wall to open up the space.

Knock down one of the walls that closes off your split level kitchen. This single change instantly makes the area feel bigger, brighter, and more connected to the other parts of your home. Many split level kitchens feel cut off. Removing a wall helps open up sightlines and movement between spaces. Always call a structural engineer before removing anything. Some walls support the weight of the floors above, and taking them out sans a plan can lead to serious issues. If it’s load-bearing, you’ll likely need a beam installed to handle the load safely.

Think through the storage and prep space you might lose by removing that wall. Replace upper cabinets with smart options like pull-out pantries or high cabinets that use vertical space more efficiently. How about overhead cabinetry on multiple sides or deep drawers for pots and pans in your island? You can also consider lazy Susans in corner cabinets to avoid dead space, and open shelving for quick-access items. Vertical storage solutions like wall-mounted racks or tall pantry units too, keep the layout clean and functional. In short, with the right mix of storage upgrades and a more open layout, your kitchen can feel fresh, practical, and truly part of your home's living space.

2. Design a kitchen island that doubles as your in-kitchen table.

Fix the awkward split between your kitchen and dining space by installing a kitchen island that also acts as a dining area.

Many older split level homes have kitchens stuck between two floors, making meal prep and dining feel disconnected. A built-in island helps solve that by giving you a spot to chop veggies and serve dinner right in the same place.

Choose an island style that fits your space. Go with a narrow rectangular one if your kitchen is tight, or build a curved island for a softer look. Include seating on one side to turn it into a casual dining zone.

Use the base of the island for extra storage with drawers, shelves, or even a bottle rack. This small update pulls your kitchen together, makes daily tasks easier, and creates a central hub for your family. It’s a functional change that instantly improves how your kitchen works.

3. Turn extra square footage into a multi-use kitchen zone.

Make the most of your oversized split level kitchen by turning it into a space that does more than cooking. Many older homes come with huge kitchens that feel oddly empty or hard to use. Instead of letting all that space sit unused, divide it into zones that match your lifestyle.

Keep the cooking area where it makes sense, then carve out a spot for a full dining table or breakfast nook. Place a small workstation by a window or create a cozy corner with a coffee bar and open shelves. You can even throw in a reading bench or a space for homework if your family needs it.

Try a U-shaped layout if your kitchen feels closed off. It gives you more storage and keeps everything within reach. Got a tighter kitchen? Go for an L-shaped layout with an island to create a practical flow.

In narrow split-level kitchens, a galley layout gives you an efficient setup that uses every inch wisely. By placing two counters along opposite walls, you keep everything—sink, stove, prep areas—within arm’s reach. At one end, open the galley to a nearby living area to create an easy flow between levels.

For a more connected feel, choose a peninsula layout. Compared to a full island, the peninsula lends you extra counter space and seating. Of course, it divides the kitchen from the next room. But it also keeps it connected to the rest of the home, so the conversations and movement can flow seamlessly. This setup works well for casual meals or as a prep station.

In a split-level home, it helps maintain sightlines across the space and at the same time, gives your kitchen its own identity. A few pendant lights or eye-catching finishes will transform the peninsula into a feature you’ll enjoy using every day.

4. Use flooring to create visual separation.

You don’t need to put a wall back in a place to define your kitchen. Flooring is one of the easiest ways to mark where the kitchen ends and the rest of the home begins. If you've opened up the layout or knocked out a wall, you still need a way to bring some order to the space. A smart flooring choice can do that and avoid that boxed-in feeling.

Choose materials that suit your lifestyle and the overall flow of your home. Hardwood is a good choice if you want warmth and consistency between rooms. With tile, on the other hand, your kitchen stays sharp-looking and easy to maintain when spills happen. Large-format porcelain or ceramic tiles also create a sleek surface that's easy to maintain. Vinyl planks give you the best of both worlds by mimicking the look of wood or tile while handling moisture better than either.

You can restrict to one flooring material for a smooth transition or use two different styles to define separate zones. Try erecting a border, shift in pattern, or change in tone to create that divide. Within no time, your kitchen will feel like part of the house while still holding its own.

5. Brighten your kitchen with smart lighting and windows.

More often than not, older split level kitchens end up looking claustrophobic because of poor lighting and limited views. Fix that by pulling in more light through a mix of window upgrades and smart lighting choices. You don’t need to break down every wall to make your kitchen feel open and spacious.

Start by expanding your windows or adding new ones. Natural light brings warmth and makes the room feel more connected to the rest of the house. If wall space is limited, go vertical. Install skylights to draw light from above and give your kitchen an airy feel.

Then turn to lighting fixtures that serve both function and style:

• Recessed lights spread even brightness and make the ceiling look higher.
  

• Pendant lights create a cozy vibe over counters or dining tables.
  

• Under-cabinet strip lights illuminate work areas and make the cabinets stand out.

Use light to change the atmosphere and make every corner of the kitchen feel alive.

6. Modernize with fresh finishes and smarter appliances.

Outdated finishes and decades-old appliances drag down both the look and function of your kitchen. Consider upgrades that improve daily tasks and make the space feel more welcoming.

Tackle these three areas to bring your split level kitchen up to date:

• Cabinets: Replace worn-out cabinets with sleek, custom-built options. Choose lighter shades like white or soft gray to brighten the space and create a cleaner, more modern feel.
  

• Countertops: Remove old laminate and go for quartz or granite. These materials give a polished look, stand up well to wear and tear, and are also quite low-maintenance.
  

• Appliances: Get rid of outdated appliances that no longer serve their purpose. Invest in new models that perform better, look more refined, and work seamlessly with your kitchen’s layout.

Stick to finishes and appliances that match your style and simplify your kitchen routine. Every update should feel worth the time, money, and effort.

7. Use soft tones to create a more spacious feel.

Dark cabinets and gloomy walls make a split level kitchen feel tight and outdated. Lighten things up with a light color palette that makes the room feel larger and more open.

Focus on these key areas:

• Cabinets: Replace deep wood tones with soft shades like white, cream, or pale gray. These colors reflect more light and create a cleaner, brighter atmosphere.
  

• Walls: Paint the walls in a light neutral shade. Go with off-whites or warm beige tones to complement your cabinets and tie everything together.
  

• Backsplash and countertops: Pick surfaces in soft tones or subtle patterns. This avoids visual clutter and helps the kitchen flow with the rest of your home.

Light colors instantly lift the mood of the space and give the breathing room for decorative enhancements. For best results, keep the palette simple and let the natural light do the rest.

8. Remove doors and widen entryways.

Closed doorways are another reason a split level kitchen has the vibes of a solitary confinement. Pull out the door frames and let the space breathe. Removing doors instantly connects your kitchen to the rest of the home, thus giving it a modern, open vibe.

Widen narrow entryways to give your layout a better flow. Create a larger opening between the kitchen and adjoining rooms so conversation and movement don’t feel restricted.

Incorporate a decorative element while you're at it. A wide archway increases the appeal and makes the transition from one area to another more inviting. Keep the lines clean and simple, or go for a soft curve depending on your style.

Open spaces encourage better lighting and more interaction. Make the kitchen feel like part of the home, not a closed-off corner. Small structural changes like this go a long way in transforming the way your space feels and functions.

9. Set up an energy-efficient kitchen.

Outdated appliances and poor insulation can drive up your electricity and water bills. A smart remodel can fix that and help you qualify for up to $3,200 in federal tax credits through energy-efficient upgrades. Use this opportunity to bring your kitchen into the present while cutting monthly costs.

Make these changes during your remodel:

• Install Energy Star appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, and refrigerators. These use less energy and still perform well.
  

• Switch to LED bulbs for overhead and cabinet lighting. They last longer and use far less electricity than traditional lights.
  

• Replace old faucets with low-flow options that reduce water usage.
  

• Use smart plugs and thermostats that let you control devices from your phone and cut back on waste.
  

• Seal all windows and doors to stop air from leaking in or out, which helps keep the kitchen temperature stable.

10. Tie it all together with a cohesive style.

It's true that a lot of split level homes do seem disjointed, particularly where the kitchen sits close to other living spaces. But a cohesive style can tie everything together effortlessly into a unified whole.

To do that, choose a color palette that flows naturally from one room to another. Soft neutrals with warm or earthy accents work well in most split level homes.

Match the kitchen’s finishes with materials from nearby areas. Use similar flooring if the spaces connect, or pick wood tones that echo trim or furniture in the next room. Carry that through with details like the backsplash or open shelves that reflect patterns or colors from your living or dining room.

Limit your aesthetics to one design language. If your home leans modern, pick flat-panel cabinets, quartz counters, and matte black or stainless hardware. If it leans more traditional, go with shaker cabinets, brass fixtures, and warm stone countertops.

Keep lighting styles consistent across levels. Pendant lights in the kitchen should feel related to any chandeliers or sconces in adjacent areas. Cohesion doesn’t mean matching every detail — it means making each space feel like it belongs in the same home. Thoughtful choices will make your kitchen remodel feel intentional and beautifully integrated.

To Recap

You've got yourself a great opportunity in a split level home kitchen remodel. Use the ideas in this guide to turn an older kitchen into a modern, functional space that still retains the character of your split level layout, yet feels current, comfortable, and ready for everyday life.

Add finishes that feel modern, from lighter cabinets to new flooring that connects with nearby rooms. Update your appliances to ones that save energy and match the look you’re going for. Open doorways to let the kitchen feel more connected. Use lighter colors to brighten the space and make it feel bigger. Install smart lighting to bring warmth and visibility into every corner.

Pick materials that repeat throughout the home, like matching countertops or wood tones. These choices help bring everything together naturally. Apply some of the same design touches to adjoining rooms to create an even smoother flow.

Happy kitchen remodeling!