Planning an open concept split level kitchen remodel sounds like a lot of fun and quite exciting. And it is, but it’s also a big endeavor that needs to be planned well to work well. There are many ways to achieve a really beautiful open concept split level kitchen remodel without really spending too much money or working too hard. Of course, it will require hard work, but it can be thrilling to change your kitchen so drastically.
If you need advice or some ideas on how to proceed with your open concept split level kitchen remodel, stick around. This article will look at important factors to keep in mind as well as share creative ideas to complement your desired open plan kitchen.
Choose the Right Open Concept Split Level Kitchen Remodel Design and Layout
First things first, you need to think carefully about the layout you want for your new open kitchen. It shouldn’t be too difficult, especially if this is something you’ve wanted for a long time now. Take time to think about things like how people will be moving through your new kitchen, and how the new design will affect circulation space in the room.
Other factors to keep in mind include where appliances will go in the new layout and whether or not their placement will be comfortable and convenient. To visualize your future kitchen, use architecture software like MyVirtualHome or Sweet Home 3D to see your ideas right in front of you and make changes as you wish. Don’t rush your planning—you need to think carefully about every aspect so you don’t do anything you’ll regret later on without the possibility of undoing it.
Hire a Contractor
The second thing you need to do is consider working with a professional who has experience in doing an open concept split level kitchen remodel. It can be fun to plan and do on your own, but you likely don’t have all the skills and knowledge to pull off such a project by yourself. Getting expert advice is never a bad thing, especially when it comes to permanent changes to your home.
If your ideas culminate into a complete kitchen remodel, you’ll definitely have to rope in the help of an experienced pro. Getting a kitchen remodel contractor will save you many headaches, confusion, and frustration. You don’t have to leave every step up to the professional, but at least involve them in the most important parts.
If you don’t want a contractor involved with your entire project, just get one to at least help you with the start of your plans so you begin things the right way.
Update Your Plumbing
You may not initially think about your plumbing when starting with your open concept split level kitchen remodel plans, but it’s actually an important factor to consider. If you’re going to move around your sink and dishwasher, for example, your plumbing will have to be updated to accommodate the new placement.
Also, while you’re working on your future kitchen, you might as well think about proper kitchen plumbing repair. The plumbing in a house is something that’s often neglected and only noticed when it becomes a problem and leaks or other issues show up. Since you’re already changing things in your kitchen, you might as well update all the plumbing as well.
For this task, it would be best to call in a professional plumber. The last thing you want is mistakes made with your plumbing that delay your kitchen project and cost a lot of money that should have been going to the kitchen’s remodeling.
Refresh Your Counters
Next on your list should be your kitchen countertops. One of the easiest ways to get started with an open concept split level kitchen remodel project is by updating the cabinets. You can do something as simple as painting or staining them an entirely different color or completely replacing them with new ones.
If you’re replacing the counters, make sure you choose new ones that match the aesthetics of the new kitchen you’re envisioning for yourself. You can even go as far as removing the countertops and installing a different kind of cabinet.
You can also add a kitchen island if you have enough extra space in your kitchen. This can elevate the room and make it even more unique and awesome. You’ll increase your storage space while giving yourself more space to prepare food. Kitchen islands can also double as a dining table if you don’t have a dining room or want to combine the dining room and kitchen for a more spacious kitchen.
Keep Pests Away
Pests may be the last thing on your mind when thinking about an open concept split level kitchen remodel, but you can never be too careful, especially when it comes to your kitchen. Flies, rodents, ants, and cockroaches are the most common pests in kitchens you have to face, and getting rid of them, or avoiding them altogether, will make your kitchen a healthier, happier place.
Rodents can run across your dishes, sinks, countertops, cutting boards, and every other area and leave bacteria that you can’t see but that will definitely affect you and your family. The same goes for cockroaches and flies. All these pests carry bacteria and will spread them to you, causing health issues like Salmonella, E. coli, and asthma problems.
To avoid these problems, you should ask for help by calling in rodent removal services, pest control services, and/or home pest control companies to get rid of any pests that could be hiding in your kitchen. Pest control services are essential for your new kitchen.
Use Unique Materials
To make your new kitchen even more special, you should consider using unique materials that can take the designs you come up with to the next level. The materials that you use can change up the vibe of your kitchen and make it a really special and distinctive place.
For example, you can use paper stone, which is of resin, recycled paper, and natural pigment. This makes for a good-looking, sustainable countertop material. It’s heat resistant, won’t get stained, and won’t absorb water, making it perfect for the kitchen.
Other materials that are also great for the kitchen and will make yours stand out include live edge wood for a nice and rusty appearance, recycled glass for a beautiful yet sustainable kitchen, and soapstone, which is non-porous and can be really attractive.
Quartz, granite, bamboo, and Formica are also fantastic options that look really good in any kitchen and can be used to make your new one look brilliant.
Knock Down a Wall
Another really cool idea you can use with your open concept split level kitchen remodel plans is knocking down a wall or two. This way, you get an open kitchen that is immediately brightened and far more spacious than it used to be. You will have much more room to cook and bake as well as entertain guests right in the heart of your home.
If knocking down an entire wall is a bit too intimidating for you, you can always consider just creating a half wall. You won’t have to commit to removing an entire wall, but you can still get the spacious and fresh feeling you want. You’ll also get more countertop space, which is always a good thing, no matter what kind of kitchen you’re planning. This new countertop area can double as a nice breakfast bar with high stools too!
Upgrade Your Cabinets
Upgrading your cabinets is yet another idea for making your open-concept kitchen something unique and interesting. A cabinet refinish is a nice way to use what you already have and make it more attractive. Upgrading or refinishing your cabinets instead of replacing them with new ones is a good way to save money and also ensure that your kitchen is sustainable and eco-friendly.
You can give your cabinets a thorough sanding and remove all previous paint. Then, you can paint it a color that suits the kitchen you’re planning. Repairing any damage can also give the cabinets new life. Also, you should always use a non-toxic finish to varnish your cabinets and ensure they last longer. If you want, you can use this opportunity to remove some of the cabinets or just move them around in the kitchen so it feels like a proper remodeling project.
Consider New Flooring
Although flooring can be expensive and make your kitchen remodeling project quite a bit bigger and more involved, it can also ensure that your new kitchen looks amazing and your kitchen feels truly new. You can opt to install new flooring that matches your cabinets and walls’ color, or go for something completely different and create an interesting contrast.
Changing from one type of flooring to another, such as going from tiles to wood, can also help you divide the areas in your kitchen. This is a clever way to make it seem as if there is more space than you actually have, and gives a fresh look to your kitchen in general. Consider adding kitchen-friendly carpets as well to add a bit of extra color and interest to your new kitchen.
Add the Finishing Touches
Once you’ve finished designing and creating the open concept split level kitchen of your dreams, you can start thinking about the finishing touches that will bring it all together. This is the part where you can be truly creative and pick pieces that you love and want in your new kitchen.
From floral centerpieces to paintings and hanging plants, the finishing touches will help bring your personality into your kitchen and make it your space to cook and entertain in. Wall art is a really nice way to add interest to your kitchen without making it too cluttered. Unique kitchen items can also be added, such as colorful cutting boards, cute salt and pepper shakers, and new dishcloths.
Although you can be as creative as you want, remember to stick to a uniform theme so your aesthetics don’t clash or look odd together.
Install More Windows
If you find that you aren’t able to do any of the things we discuss here, you can consider rather opting for simply installing new windows. This may not give you the open concept split level kitchen remodel you desire, but it can help make your kitchen feel fresh and more open and spacious. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than nothing.
Here are some of the best window options for a kitchen:
- Double-hung windows—these windows can be double-hung from top to bottom to give you improved control over the air circulating in your kitchen.
- Casement windows—with these windows, you’ll have a lot of fresh air and ventilation. They swing open like doors because of their hinges.
- Garden windows—if you want a more natural design and feel in your kitchen, garden windows are ideal. These windows extend past your home’s facade with glass on the sides to give you a bit of garden in your kitchen, so to speak.
Plan a Creative Menu
When you’re done with all the hard work, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor! What could be better than enjoying a homemade taco pizza to celebrate your new kitchen? Of course, you need to make this pizza with all your favorite ingredients and in your new kitchen to inaugurate the new space properly.
This should just be the start of your cooking adventures, though. You should take this new kitchen as a reason to come up with a new, creative menu that will see you cooking and baking like an old pro to make the most of your kitchen and all the space you now have.
Have Fun with Your Open Concept Split Level Kitchen
There you have it—ideas and considerations that will make your open-concept split level kitchen remodel a success and something you can be proud of. You need a kitchen that’s beautiful and practical. Use everything you’ve learned here to come up with the perfect dream kitchen you deserve!