Renovating a '60s Split Level Without Divorcing It From Its Roots

The 1960s split level house is a classic midcentury style that brings back memories of shag carpeting, wood paneling, and groovy wallpaper. While these trends may now seem dated, the basic split level layout and architecture have great potential. With some thoughtful renovations, you can update a 1960s split foyer to meet today’s needs and tastes without sacrificing its inherent character and charm.

Assessing Your 1960s Split Level House

Before launching into a major whole home remodel, take time to fully evaluate your 1960s split level house. While split foyers often have similar traits, each home is unique. Carefully examine how previous owners maintained or customized the home over the decades.

Identify which Retro Renovating a ’60s Split Level Without Divorcing It From Its Roots features you want to keep, refresh or remove:

Layout – The defined living zones with stairs between remain highly functional. An open concept revision could compromise privacy.
Exposed beams & wood paneling – Consider refinishing or painting wood tones rather than removing distinctive architecture.
Brick or stone accents – Timeless materials add warmth. Update nearby paint colors for a fresh look.
Vinyl tile or terrazzo floors – Restore by polishing and re-sealing or cover with new flooring.
Kitchen cabinets – Reface or paint worn cabinets to match new color scheme vs. replace.
Doors & hardware – Replace dated hollow doors with solid wood. Keep hardware with vintage appeal.
Lighting – Midcentury lighting suits split level homes. Enhance with new brass, orb or globe fixtures.
Wallpaper & colors – Remove outdated wallpaper. Repaint dark or bright colors in more neutral shades.

The furnishings, layouts and materials of the 1960s and 70s are coming back around into fashion again. Leaning into the era a home was built can lend cohesive style. Evaluate which original details harmonize with your vision for a refreshed contemporary split level.

Planning Your Split Level Remodel

A successful split level remodel balances updating worn or outdated spaces with preserving the home’s original style. Be selective about which projects to take on. Focus on changes that solve problems or meet your needs rather than arbitrary upgrades.

Create a renovation plan that’s tailored to how you live in your home. Target priority areas and determine must-haves versus wish list projects:

Major Remodel Considerations:

Open up closed floor plan
Finish damp basement space
Expand master suite and bath
Modernize kitchen and appliances
Enlarge dated bathrooms
Improve home technology
Update HVAC and insulation

Cosmetic Refresh Ideas:

New exterior paint colors
Landscape for curb appeal
Refinish original wood elements
Swap light fixtures
Install new carpeting or floors
Soften a dark panelled room
Modernize fireplace
Cohesive interior paint palette

Take time to think through your goals, needs and budget before moving forward. Home remodels often take longer and cost more than expected. Careful planning helps avoid frustration.

Updating a 1960s Split Level Exterior

Curb appeal projects go a long way in modernizing a 1960s split level exterior. Subtle enhancements can make the home shine without altering its retro character:

Mix Up Exterior Paint Colors

Repaint the brick, siding or other exteriors in fresh, modern hues. Black trim is trendy again for a contemporary look.
Choose a palette that enhances original details like stone accents. Neutrals and bold colors work well.
Paint the front door an inviting, eye-catching shade.

Soften the Exterior with Landscaping

Frame the home’s angles and lines with grasses, bushes and flower beds.
Add bigger plants like trees to break up straight exterior walls.
Edge the driveway and walkways with natural elements.
Hide any unsightly spots like AC units behind foliage.

Update Exterior Lighting

Swap out old flush mount lights for new black sconces or statement porch lights.
Line the walkway with low voltage landscape lights.
Install exterior pot lights to showcase gardens at night.
Add motion detector lights at entryways for safety and visibility.

With strategic paint, plants and lighting, you can refresh the exterior ambiance without altering the home’s retro split level style.

Remodeling a 1960s Split Level Kitchen

The kitchen is often the top priority for renovating a 1960s split level. Older galley layouts with limited counter space and dated appliances beg to be improved. But significant kitchen overhauls can be costly. There are also smaller scale ways to refresh the heart of the home:

Kitchen Layout Changes

Knock down walls to open the kitchen to adjacent spaces if possible. Island and peninsula footprints work well.
Relocate plumbing and electrical to better support an updated work triangle and new kitchen layout.
Close off the kitchen from dining or family rooms to improve noise control.
Add a walk-in pantry for storage but keep upper cabinets to maintain character.

Kitchen Cabinet Updates

Paint or reface existing cabinets for a budget update. Replace doors for big impact.
Mix old and new cabinets. Add fresh lower cabinets and keep retro uppers.
Install glass front cabinets to display dishes while hiding dated interiors.
Replace the soffit over upper cabinets with shelving for more storage.

Kitchen Appliance Upgrades

Upgrade appliances to current energy efficient models. Add specialty appliances like steam ovens.
Hide refrigerators and other appliances with cabinetry panels for a built-in look.
Add smart home features like WiFi connectivity and apps to control appliances remotely.
Install new task lighting, under cabinet lighting and pendant fixtures over islands.

By keeping existing cabinet footprints while refacing or replacing doors, you can achieve a fresh new look. Strategic updates like improved lighting and new stainless appliances also rejuvenate a 1960s kitchen.

Opening Up a Closed Split Level Floor Plan

Split level homes were designed to separate noisy living zones. The result is often a chopped up floor plan. By opening walls between rooms, you can create a lighter, more expansive feeling inside:

Evaluate Supporting Walls

Consult an architect or engineer before removing walls. Some provide essential structural support.
Non-bearing walls between kitchen, dining and living rooms often can be removed to create open concept spaces.
Look for opportunities to swap walls with beams or posts to open sightlines.

Borrow Natural Light

Use glass panels, interior windows or widened doorways to share natural light between rooms.
Cut a pass through with a wide countertop to connect kitchen to dining for entertaining flow.

Define Zones in Open Spaces

Use area rugs and distinct furniture groupings to delineate living, dining and study areas within a large open room.
Vary floor treatments like tile to transition from one zone to another.

Add Architectural Interest

Incorporate a two-sided fireplace to divide open living areas while uniting them.
Frame new wide openings with thick molding or decorative transom windows maintaining architectural style.

Editing closed off rooms into a free-flowing open floorplan amplifies natural light and the feeling of spaciousness. But identify spaces to preserve intimate areas for privacy. The right balance makes an open split level plan work.

Basement Remodel Opportunities

The basement is prime real estate in a split level waiting to be transformed from stark unfinished space into bonus living areas. Assess how expanding your footprint downstairs could improve home function:

Create a Basement Kitchenette

Add mini fridge, sink, cabinets and microwave for entertaining convenience without the steps.
Build food prep or wet bar stations for quick snacks away from the main kitchen.

Divide the Basement for Multi-Use

Partition off sections of the large open area for media room, home office, play room, etc.
Incorporate glass walls or interior windows to share natural light from ground-level windows.

Build Out a Basement Bathroom

Adding a half or full bath makes basements more usable for families and guests.
Look for opportunities to tie into existing plumbing runs and drains.
Install an egress window if planning to create an additional bedroom in the basement.

Upgrade Basics to Increase Use

Improve ventilation, cooling and carpeting.
Add recessed lighting and make wiring improvements.
Finish the walls and floors to feel clean, dry and welcoming.

Revitalizing wasted basement space also adds home value. Focus on the renovations that best suit your needs and lifestyle.

Refreshing Dated Bathrooms

Along with kitchens, bathrooms tend to be among the most outdated parts of a 1960s split level. Crammed footprints, pastel tile and worn fixtures scream for updating. But renovating bathrooms also requires careful planning:

Small Bathroom Refresh Ideas

Replace toilets, vanities and hardware for big impact. Add new sink, faucet and light fixture.
Paint cabinets, walls and tile in lighter, neutral shades for a spacious look.
Demo the tub to gain space for a larger walk-in shower.
Install ceiling-height subway tile and contrasting grout for interest.
Swap shower curtains for glass doors to modernize the look.

Master Bathroom Spa Renovation

Claim space from adjacent closet to expand the master bath.
Treat yourself to double sinks, soaking tub and a luxury glass shower enclosure.
Warm up cool tiles by painting or applying new finishes over top.
Zone the open space into relaxing spa + functional getting-ready areas.

Cost Saving Bathroom Strategies

Keep existing plumbing and tub footprints. Move or replace surrounding elements.
Look for small tile patterns like mosaics to place over existing floors and walls.
Refinish existing tile and tub surrounds with reglazing or resurfacing kits.
Shop salvage and reuse stores for vintage sinks, mirrors and lighting at a discount.

Updating lighting, finishes, cabinetry and fixtures rejuvenates a retro bathroom without the mess and expense of full gut renovation. Take it room by room to spread projects out.

Embracing Midcentury Style

The split level floorplan’s divided levels and unique architecture spawned equally distinctive midcentury interior design. Don’t be too quick to erase all evidence of the style. Savvy renovations blend and refresh retro details with modern updates:

Preserve Architectural Elements

Refinish and enhance wood paneling, beams and built-in cabinets.
Paint dated trims and banisters in new colors vs. replacing them.
Restore hardwood flooring hidden under outdated carpeting.

Display Iconic Furnishings

Mix updated modern pieces with iconic retro designs like egg chairs and kidney bean tables.
Float conversation pit seating areas in open concept floor plans.
Upholster sculptural armchairs in fresh patterns and performance fabrics.

Use Art Deco Details

Look for hexagonal, starburst and atomic shapes on lighting, hardware, mirrors and accent furniture.
Repeat geometric shapes in tile patterns, upholstery prints and area rugs.
Choose Sputnik-style pendant lights with spiky globes.

Incorporate Natural Materials

Warm up sleek lines with wood furniture, jute rugs, leather and stone accents.
Add an entire wood-clad accent wall or just boards behind the bed.
Maximize indoor/outdoor flow with glass walls, skylights and atrium rooms.

The best split level renovations strike a balance between showcasing the era’s spirit and updating for modern living. Decide which retro elements to thoughtfully preserve.

Maintaining Split Level Home Value

Beyond improving aesthetics and functionality, remodeling a 1960s split level also directly impacts its value. Home buyers appreciate updated systems, layouts and finishes – as long as renovations align with the home’s style:

Prioritize Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchen and bathroom remodels often have the highest return on investment upon resale.
Focus on features that buyers want like spacious showers, high-end appliances, large islands and lots of storage.

Refresh Without Removing Original Details

Refinishing floors, opening walls and adding landscape lighting generally increase value.
Removing distinctive beams, paneling and stonework can decrease midcentury appeal for some buyers.

Rightsize Renovations

Editing smaller bathrooms and kitchens to better function adds value. Going overboard could limit interested buyers.
Keep additions like media rooms and expanded master suites scaled appropriately to the home’s original size.

Update Systems and Finishes

Electrical, HVAC, roofing, insulation and window upgrades are less glamorous but boost value.
New lower maintenance exterior materials like vinyl siding and composite decking appeal to buyers.

With strategic renovations, you can refresh a 1960s split while maintaining (or even increasing) its inherent value and marketability.

Answering Common Split Level Remodel Questions

How much does it cost to renovate a 1960s split level house?

It depends on the scope of renovations, finishes selected and if you expand the footprint. Budget $75-$150 per Sq Ft for a medium-scale remodel or $150-$250+ per Sq Ft for a whole home luxury overhaul. Prioritize changes with the best return on investment.

Should I add a second story onto my small split level home?

Second story additions can work well, but also maximize the existing footprint first. Finish the basement, expand dormers or build out a rear addition before altering roof lines. Consult local zoning laws too for height limits.

What’s the best way to enlarge a cramped split level bathroom?

Steal space from adjacent closets or rooms if possible. Replace the tub with a walk-in shower. Use reflective surfaces like mirrored walls or glass shower doors to expand the look of the room. Add recessed niches for “hidden” storage.

How do you modernize a retro 1960s kitchen?

Swap dated sliding doors for sleek shaker style cabinet fronts. Durable quartz countertops look current. Stainless appliances boost function. Under cabinet and task lighting also update an old kitchen.

Should I try to fully open the split level floor plan?

Not necessarily. Assess noise control and privacy needs before removing all the walls. Glass walls, pass throughs and wide openings can connect rooms without totally eliminating boundaries.

What about split level home resale value?

Balance renovations that increase enjoyment of living in the home with those that appeal to future buyers. Curb appeal, updated kitchens and baths, finished basements and new systems offer good resale value. But don’t strip away all vintage character.

Conclusion

The split level home enjoys renewed popularity due to its spacious, multi-use floorplan that fits modern families. By fully utilizing all three levels, opening cramped spaces and refreshing dated finishes these homes adapt remarkably well. Respect the era and architecture during renovations to maintain the midcentury appeal. With the right improvements, you can update functionality and aesthetics without divorcing a 1960s split from its stylish retro roots. The makeover process invigorates your enjoyment of the home. And strategic renovations keep potential buyers enthused about the split level’s inherent livability and charm.