Split Level Home Designs – For A Clear Distinction Between Functions

A split-level home is a very distinct style of house. It has multiple floor levels which are staggered. Typically, the main level contains the living areas: the kitchen, the dining room and family room and usually has two short sets of stairs. In total, there are usually three or four levels.

Sunken living room split level
By separating these two spaces, the overall layout becomes more balanced

The entry is on the middle floor and the front door opens directly into the living area. There are also numerous other styles of split level homes, depending on the number of levels, their distribution and the overall layout and design of the house.

Sunken living room split level
A split level design allows you to organize the spaces without using walls
Sunken living room split level
A split level often separates the kitchen from the rest of the living spaces
Sunken living room split level
The difference in level gives offers the perfect opportunity to have a bar
Sunken living room split level
Most often, the living/ family room occupies the lower level
Sunken living room split level
The short sets of stairs rarely influence the overall interior design
Sunken living room split level
A very interesting split level design with a fireplace at the center

Strictly in terms of interior design and functionality, split level homes allow for a better organization of the space. Usually the dining area is on a different level than the living room and this creates a distinction between the two functions even though they are basically connected and share the same open floor plan.

Sunken living room split level
Modern split level homes featuring a cozy reading nook near the staircase
Sunken living room split level
Such a design is perfect for homes with extra long spaces which need to be divided
Sunken living room split level
The entrance is usually situated on an intermediate level
Sunken living room split level
Two or more living/sitting areas can be both separated and connected by a split level
Sunken living room split level
The smaller spaces are often situated on a higher level than the rest
Sunken living room split level
Split level designs can be applied to all styles, not just modern and contemporary
Sunken living room split level
These two rooms are basically separate but one of the walls was partially demolished
Sunken living room split level
A sunken sitting area lets you better organize the overall living space

It’s also common to have the kitchen situated on a slightly higher level than the dining and living areas. It’s an interesting design. The two spaces are clearly separated yet there are no walls between them. The kitchen offers you more privacy this way although it may be just an illusion. To better separate these two spaces, you can place the kitchen island in between them.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.