How to Decorate a Split Level Home

Are you looking for ways to decorate your split-level home? Perhaps you want a modern, airy look or maybe something more cozy and inviting. Whatever style you prefer, it can be tricky to figure out how to balance the unique layout of a split-level house.

How to Decorate a Split Level Home

From designing larger living spaces in awkward nooks and crannies to choosing the perfect furniture pieces that fit the entire family’s needs – there are many different factors at play when decorating this type of home. 

Join us as we explore tips on how to decorate a split level home within your split-level abode so that it reflects your individual taste while still making use of all available space!

Are Split-Level Houses Good?

Yes, split-level houses can be excellent homes for families! Split-levels offer a unique and creative design that allows for greater flexibility in layout. They are also easy to customize and decorate. With their many levels and rooms, split-level houses can easily fit into your lifestyle with plenty of room for entertaining or relaxing. Plus, they allow natural light to enter the home from different angles, creating beautiful and bright living spaces.

Split-levels usually have tall ceilings that draw the eye upward, adding height and depth to a space while creating an impressive focal point in any room. This kind of house is often more energy efficient than other types of homes since it’s easy to keep different parts of the house at different temperatures. The dividing walls between levels give extra insulation and keep the noise of one room from spilling into another.

Overall, split-level homes offer many benefits to homeowners and can be the perfect place for a family to live. With careful planning and creative decorating, you can make any split-level house feel like a home. From cleverly placed furniture to highlight certain aspects of the house, to bold color schemes that tie everything together – there are lots of ways to turn your split-level house into a stylish and comfortable place to live.

10 Methods on How to Decorate a Split Level Home

1. Use Color to Define Spaces

One of the challenges of a split-level home is defining the different spaces within the home. Using color is a great way to create visual boundaries between areas. Consider using different colors on the walls, or even painting the staircases or railings a different color to make them stand out.

Using Different Colors on the Walls

You can also use rugs, curtains, or other textiles to add color and create distinct zones within the space. If you have a lot of natural wood elements in the home, consider warm tones such as yellows, oranges and greens to create an inviting atmosphere.

2. Embrace Open Floor Plans

Many split-level homes have open floor plans, with the living room, dining room, and kitchen sharing a common space. Embrace this open layout by using furniture placement to define different zones within the room. For example, a sofa and area rug can create a living room area, while a dining table and chairs can define the dining space.

To further separate the areas, you can use rugs, furniture placement, or even wall treatments to delineate the distinct spaces. While you don’t want to break up the open floor plan, creating distinct areas allows for more efficient use of the space.

3. Create Cozy Nooks

In a split-level home, there are often small and awkward spaces that can be challenging to decorate. These spaces can be transformed into cozy nooks by adding seating, lighting, and decor. For example, a window seat can be created by adding a bench and cushions to a bay window, or a reading nook can be created by adding a comfortable chair and lamp to a corner.

Adding a Comfortable Chair and Lamp to Corner

These cozy areas become inviting spots to relax, read a book, or simply take in the surroundings. Additionally, strategic lighting can be used to create a warm atmosphere in the room. Soft lighting fixtures, such as wall sconces or table lamps, can help to emphasize the cozy vibes of the nook.

4. Add Plants and Greenery

Plants and greenery can add life and color to a split-level home. They also help to bring the outdoors in and create a natural and calming atmosphere. Consider adding plants to the different levels of the home or creating a dedicated plant corner with hanging plants, potted plants, and a plant stand.

You can also add shrubs and flowerbeds outside the home to enhance its curb appeal. When it comes to indoor plants, be mindful of their air-purifying and humidity-regulating properties. For instance, spider plants, Boston ferns, and snake plants are all excellent options for purifying the air and maintaining humidity levels.

5. Incorporate Texture and Pattern

Adding texture and pattern is a great way to add visual interest to a split-level home. This can be done through textiles, such as throw pillows, curtains, and area rugs, as well as through wall decor and accessories. Mixing different textures and patterns can add depth and dimension to the space.

Choose colors that coordinate with the other elements in the room to create a cohesive look. Make sure to use textures and patterns sparingly so as not to overwhelm the space. Finally, make sure that you consider both floors of your split-level home when incorporating texture and pattern to ensure a harmonious design.

6. Use Lighting to Create an Ambiance

Lighting is an important element of any home, but it is especially important in a split-level home where there are multiple levels and spaces. Use a combination of overhead lighting, table lamps, and floor lamps to create different levels of lighting and create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Consider using dimmer switches to adjust the lighting to different moods and occasions. Additionally, use accent lighting to highlight artwork or special features in the home. When used properly, lighting can help draw attention to different areas of the split-level home, making it easier to decorate and style.

Use Accent Lighting to Highlight Artwork

7. Add Art and Decorative Objects

Art and decorative objects can add personality and style to a split-level home. Hang art on the walls, display decorative objects on shelves and tables, and add personal touches, such as family photos and mementos.

These elements can help to create a cohesive and personalized space. When decorating a split-level home, it’s a good idea to opt for art and accessories that are not too colorful or bold. Choose art and decor with a more muted color palette to create a calming and harmonious atmosphere.

Mirrors can also be used to help open up the space and make rooms appear larger. Consider incorporating one or two statement pieces to add a touch of drama, such as an antique rug or a unique wall hanging. Finally, focus on accent pieces that will draw attention and create a cohesive look throughout the whole split-level home.

8. Use Mirrors to Add Depth

Mirrors are a great way to add depth and light to a split-level home. They can be used to reflect natural light, create the illusion of more space, and add a decorative element to the room. Consider hanging mirrors on the walls or placing them on mantels and shelves.

Consider Hanging Mirrors on the Walls

When selecting mirrors for a split-level home, look for shapes and styles that complement the design of the house. Lean large rectangular mirrors against walls or hang them in long, narrow hallways. Smaller, round mirrors can be placed on tabletops or in entryways for dramatic effect. Hang a large, ornate mirror on a feature wall to make the room look bigger.

9. Optimize Storage Space

In a split-level home, storage space can be limited. However, there are many creative ways to optimize the space you have. Use storage ottomans, baskets, and bins to store items out of sight. Install shelves and cabinets on walls to create additional storage space. And consider using furniture, such as bookcases and armoires, that can serve a dual purpose as storage and decor.

By adding storage solutions to your home, you can make the most of limited space. While decorating your split-level home, make sure to keep this goal in mind. If you need a storage solution that can also be used as decor, there are plenty of options available.

10. Create a Focal Point

In any room, it’s important to create a focal point that draws the eye and adds visual interest. In a split-level home, this can be done through a statement piece of furniture, a bold piece of art, or even an architectural element, such as a fireplace or staircase. By creating a focal point, you can add personality and style to the room and create a sense of balance and harmony.

While it’s important to be mindful of the space, don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and colors to make your focal point stand out. Although split-level homes can be difficult to decorate, creating a focal point can help tie the room together and make it look cohesive.

Things to Consioder When Decorating a Split Level Home

1. Make Use of the Space on the Walls:

When it comes to split level homes, there are often many levels and rooms that can appear to be cramped and small. To counteract this, make use of the walls to create a sense of space and open up the living area. Hang artwork or wall tapestries and mount shelves for decorations. This will provide more visual interest and make the room feel larger.

2. Utilize Natural Light:

Because split level homes often have multiple levels, it can also mean less access to natural light. Utilizing large windows or skylights can help bring in more natural light and brighten up the home’s interior. Taking advantage of different lighting fixtures, like track lighting or ambient lights, can also help improve visibility in hard-to-reach corners of your home and make it feel warmer and inviting.

Different Lighting Fixtures

3. Add Furniture with Multiple Functions:

Due to limited space, it is important to add pieces that are multi-functional. Consider purchasing furniture pieces that can do double duty, such as a couch that folds out into a bed or an ottoman that can store items inside. This will help save on both space and money, while still bringing something unique and stylish to the home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating a Split Level Home

1. Ignoring the Staircase:

One of the most common mistakes made when decorating a split level home is to ignore the staircase. It is easy to forget about the staircase when decorating because it is often quite narrow and tucked away, but it can be a great way to add some personality and style to your home. Consider painting the stairs in a bright color or adding a bold patterned runner for added visual appeal.

2. Not Utilizing Wall Space:

When decorating any home, using wall space effectively can really make all the difference when it comes to making an area look bigger or brighter. However, this is especially true for split level homes as there are often many small walls that could be taken advantage of with artwork, shelves or other decorative items. Make sure you take note of every nook and cranny in your home and capitalize on it to give your home the best possible look.

3. Not Maximizing Natural Light:

Split level homes often have a unique and interesting floor plan, but this can also result in areas of the home that do not get much natural light. To make sure you are taking full advantage of any available light, hang up some mirrors or use sheer curtains which will help to brighten up even the darkest corners of your split level home.

Use Sheer Curtains

Conclusion

It is important to remember that the key to decorating a split level home is playing off of its natural charm and accentuating these features. Choosing a lighter color pallete will give an open feel to the room, while pops of bright colors add life and personality. Additionally, try adding texture for a cozy atmosphere, or utilize furniture with multiple purposes like ottoman coffee tables or benches with hidden storage.

Finally, tailor your decorations around architecture – empty walls can be filled by pieces of artwork or shelves displaying trinkets from your travels! We hope this guide on how to decorate a split level home was helpful. Please share it with your friends on social media if you find it useful. And be sure to check back here soon for more informative guides like this one.

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Angela Ervin

Angela is the chief editor of Indoorense. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping and cleaning,home decorations as well as other efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.

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