If you own a 1970s or 80s split-level home in the Twin Cities, chances are the layout, finishes, or functionality don’t fit with the way you live today. Many split-levels were built with low ceilings, compartmentalized rooms, and dated materials, making them feel cramped and dark.
Fortunately, you’re not stuck with the features you don’t like. Whether you’re considering a full 1970s home remodel, transforming your split-level into an open-concept layout, or bringing new life to an aging 80s design, James Barton Design-Build can help. With three decades of Twin Cities remodeling experience, our designers are ready to transform your outdated space.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best design strategies for creating a brighter, more functional, modern-feeling split-level home interior.
Want to update your exterior too? Our guide to modernizing split-level exteriors is full of inspiration!
Where to Start with a 1980s Home Remodel
If you live in a 70s or 80s home that’s never been renovated, you might feel overwhelmed with where to begin. Even if your home has been updated a little, it can still be hard to decide which project you’ll do next. Here are a few steps for getting started:
- Think about how you currently use each room and whether each space is reaching its full potential.
- Consider whether you want to renovate your whole home or focus on specific areas.
- Ask yourself what your long-term plans are for the home. If you want to age in place, consider how accessible your layout will be in the years ahead, especially since multiple stair transitions in a split-level can pose mobility challenges.
- Think about which updates will make your daily life easier and more enjoyable—not just ones that look nice.
- Decide which features you might want to keep. While most people don’t consider split-levels to be historic homes, you may have some charming elements you don’t want to renovate.
Making a renovation plan can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure out all the details yourself. Our designers at James Barton Design-Build would love to talk through your ideas and help you come up with a plan for your 1970s split-level home remodel. Contact our team for a consultation today!
Room by Room: 1980s Split-Level Home Remodel Priorities
As you develop a plan, it helps to think about “pain points” in your home. Here are a few of the most common areas to renovate in a 70s or 80s home.
Opening Up the Kitchen
In 70s and 80s homes, the kitchen is often small or enclosed. It was common for kitchens to feel more like separate rooms, with an awkward flow between the kitchen, dining room, and living room.
Remodeling a kitchen in a split-level typically involves reconfiguring the layout or removing walls to make the room feel more open. Enameling outdated millwork, replacing the cabinets, and updating the dated fixtures can also transform the kitchen.
Creating an open concept kitchen can be challenging if you’re dealing with structural walls. Our designers at JBDB can help you explore what’s structurally feasible for your home if you want to embrace a more open concept.
Creating Natural Light & Improving Sightlines
In many 80s homes, it’s not just the kitchen that feels dark and closed off. Dens, dining rooms, and living rooms were often partitioned into separate zones as well. While this can help keep noise from spreading throughout the home, it can disrupt the flow and make your home feel fragmented.
Removing partition walls can be a great way to open up sightlines between areas of your home and let in more natural light. Aside from removing walls, you can also make your home feel more open by taking these steps:
- Remove heavy-looking trim that can make rooms feel closed in.
- Use a light color scheme throughout your home, not just to make a cohesive look, but to brighten the space.
- In rooms with low ceilings, use recessed lighting rather than bulkier pendant lights.
- Opt for built-in storage that’s flush with the walls rather than using large furniture pieces.
- Widen doorways between rooms to make them feel more open and let in more light.
- Install a skylight or upgrade to larger windows.
Updating Flooring
Another way to brighten and modernize your home is to upgrade your flooring. 70s and 80s homes were notorious for carpeting nearly every area. Even if the original carpet has been replaced at some point, dark or outdated flooring tends to make rooms feel smaller.
Switching to a lighter hardwood, engineered wood, or luxury vinyl plank floor can instantly make your space look brighter and more open. Not only that, but having continuous flooring throughout your home can make rooms feel more connected and improve the visual flow.
Renovating Entryways and Stairways
In a split-level home, the entryway often leads directly to a staircase, so it’s an important place to make a good first impression. Here are a few details to consider updating:
- Make the entryway feel less cramped by expanding the foyer or installing a wider front door.
- Replace banisters, railings, or balusters with more modern styles.
- Create built-in storage for coats and shoes, such as cubbies, benches, or shelving.
- Upgrade your lighting to ensure the space feels bright and welcoming. As areas with higher ceilings, split-level foyers are great places to use a statement pendant.
Remodeling a Split-Level Basement
Because of their design, many split-level homes will already have a finished basement or—at the very least—a partially finished one. However, many homeowners prioritize upgrades on the main level, leaving more of the original features in the basement. Here are a few ways to make your split-level basement feel more welcoming:
- Replace dated wall paneling or ceiling tiles with more modern finishes.
- Frame off a room around utilities to keep them separate from the livable space in the basement.
- Remove non-structural walls or awkward partitions that don’t serve your layout.
- Replace small egress windows with larger ones that let in more natural light.
Update Your 70s or 80s Home with James Barton Design-Build
Renovating a dated split-level can completely transform the way you live. Whether you choose one area or want to make updates throughout your home, renovations will make your home fit your style while being more functional for modern living.
At JBDB, we have decades of experience with home remodeling in the Twin Cities and can guide you through the process from start to finish. Ready to bring your vision to life? Schedule a consultation today, and let’s get started on your split-level home transformation.
