Inspiring Split-Level Kitchen Remodels

Looking for some inspiration for an outdated kitchen? Take a look at these inspiring split-level kitchen remodels and find tips on how to make your own updates.

Split-Level Kitchen Remodels

The newly remodeled kitchen in our split-level home.

When we first walked through our home, we knew right away it was different. Most split levels have a few things in common: a cramped kitchen, a dining room that’s separate and barely usable, and a boxy layout that doesn’t invite you to hang out.

Typical boxy and outdated split-level kitchen.

But this house surprised us. The kitchen had already been opened up, and that one decision changed everything.

The previous owners removed the original dining room to stretch the kitchen into that space.

They also took out the wall between the kitchen and living area and replaced it with a single support beam that runs cleanly across the ceiling.

Our split-level kitchen and dining room form one large open layout.

It created one large, open space that feels connected and bright—a layout that’s not easy to find in a traditional split-level home.

Even though the remodel happened before we bought the house, it gave us a lot of ideas for how to make a split-level kitchen feel more modern.

Trad Design + Build Contemporary Kitchen Remodel

We’ve also come across other great examples that show what’s possible. One standout project is this split-level kitchen remodel by Träd Design + Build.

Split-Level Kitchen Before:

The previous kitchen felt closed in and boxy.

The kitchen looked out over a small living space.

Split-Level Kitchen After:

In this beautiful space, Trad Design + Build added soaring 10-foot ceilings, quartz countertops, and a streamlined layout that makes the entire level feel more expansive and functional.

It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design choices can completely rework the feel of a split-level home!

You can find more befores and afters of this project here.

Sosna, Inc Kitchen Remodel With Widened Doorway

A unique aspect of this split-level kitchen remodel by Sosna, Inc is the widened entrance into the beautifully renovated space.

Kitchen Doorway Before:

Kitchen Doorway After:

Rather than taking down the wall between the staircases and the kitchen, the builder widened the doorway to give a more open feel into the kitchen while retaining the structure.

You can read more about this complete house remodel here.

Eldridge Lumberyard Kitchen Renovation

This split-level kitchen renovation features larger windows and plenty of bright white to open up the previously dark and dated room.

Kitchen Before:

Kitchen After:

Lighting is a huge game changer. This beautifully renovated kitchen (by Eldridge Lumberyard) has recessed lighting and pendant lights over the island, and they’ve added warm under-cabinet lights.

Older split-levels tend to have dim or dated fixtures, but swapping those out can go a long way in making the space feel fresh and intentional.

You can read more about this complete split-level home remodel here.

Final Thoughts

A kitchen update doesn’t have to mean a full gut remodel.

Sometimes, it’s about working with what you already have—and finding smart ways to open things up, lighten the space, and make the layout actually work for your family.

We feel lucky that someone else made that leap before we got here, but living with this version of a split-level kitchen has taught us just how possible it is to make this kind of house feel open, modern, and completely livable.

If you’re staring down a split-level layout and wondering where to start, the kitchen is a great place to focus your energy.

It sets the tone for the rest of the house—and with a few thoughtful updates, it can completely change how your home feels.