Split Level
Split Level Home Additions: How to Do Them Right
Do you want to make additions to your split level home? The very notion is scary, isn’t it? But, fret not. At least take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. In fact, even experienced architects and home designers are likely to feel stumped when faced with such a difficult undertaking. After all, the... Read More
Split-Level Remodel: Challenges, Ideas, Before & After
If you live in a suburban area and your home has been around since the 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s, chances are you are living in a split-level home. That’s some Brady Bunch vibes you have going on there. Surprisingly, this style of home was developed not due to aesthetic reasons but out of necessity. Taking... Read More
How to Modernize Your Split-Level Home and Make it Look Better
Mixing the modern and retro – is that possible? This may be a question you find yourself asking, especially if you have a home that has been around for decades and yet you’re a fan of the modern architectural style and interior design and want to incorporate it in your own home. Although admittedly challenging,... Read More
Types of Split Level Homes
Contrary to popular belief, split level homes (also called “divided entry homes”) aren’t going away anytime soon. While many homeowners still scoff at the idea of choosing a split-level design when building a home, most of that is due to many preconceived notions that are at best misleading or incorrect. True, some of those notions... Read More
5 Quick Ways to Differentiate Your Split-Level Home
Just how desperate are people to “fit in,” to adhere to a sameness, a trend? Does it extend to home design? We did some research in an average neighborhood populated with split-level homes. It’s a typical cul-de-sac in suburban Ohio…exactly 850 feet long, 16 houses. Of these 16, 11 houses are some type of split,... Read More
Background of the Vernacular: The What, How & Why of Bi-Level, Split-Level and Raised Ranch Homes
Virtually every type of home in the USA is an adaptation of something earlier…an evolution of design, ideas, and architectural styles. Some, like the Queen Anne and Victorian, trace their roots to Europe. Others, like the adobe home and Adirondack, trace their roots to native concepts. Regardless of the origins, the ideas are adapted to... Read More
Updating Your Kitchen Cabinets: Converting Raised-Panel or Flat-Panel Cabinets to Glass-Front Cabinets
IMPORTANT NOTE: This website makes no guarantees as to the suitability of your cabinetry nor your abilities to perform these functions. You are responsible for your own actions. Our best advice is to have a back-up plan in case you really foul things up. If you have any doubts whatsoever, best to pass on trying to... Read More
Focus on the Countertop: Corian versus Silestone
…or Zodiaq, Cesarstone, Granyte, Granirex, Zylstone, Hi-Macs, Volcanics… So what is the difference between Corian and Silestone? Well, very little — or quite a bit — depends on who you ask. We’ll just give you the facts, and let you decide. Backgrounder: Solid Resin Countertops In the 1960s the E.I. du Pont de Nemours company... Read More
True Splits: A Primer on Three-Level and Four-Level homes
also Raised Splits and Split Entry Homes. If you haven’t already, please familiarize yourself with the history that gave rise to the split level as an important American vernacular. Much of this primer assumes a knowledge of the background of split levels, how they became popular, and how they work with graded terrain to create a... Read More
Landscaping 101 for Split-Level Homes
What is the purpose of landscaping? Beautification? Style? Creat curb appeal? All important, yes, but none get at the very heart of landscaping. The most basic, underlying reason for landscaping a home is to create a smooth transition from the outdoors to the indoors. Landscaping (growing stuff) and hardscaping (stuff like steps, decks, walkways) combine to create... Read More
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