There’s something quietly fascinating about a split-level house. Perhaps it’s the way they step with the landscape or how they open into a series of purposeful spaces, each one layered and connected. Born from a desire to maximise compact plots during the post-war housing boom, these homes rose in popularity throughout the 1960s and 70s. Today, we’re seeing a real resurgence - not in nostalgia, but in potential.
At Marraum, we’re always curious about how architecture can adapt. Split-level houses offer a canvas where flow, form and function meet. Their multi-level nature is often misunderstood, yet when approached thoughtfully, these homes can be reimagined to offer contemporary living that’s grounded in movement, light, and atmosphere. Whether you're looking to breathe new life into your home or explore the nuances of this design, we’ll guide you through how to make these classic spaces work beautifully in 2025 and beyond.
At its core, a split-level house is designed around staggered levels. The entrance typically opens to a hallway, with short runs of stairs leading either up or down. It’s a layout that naturally divides space without the rigidity of closed rooms or the openness of single-storey living.
There are usually three distinct levels. The upper floor often holds bedrooms and bathrooms - quiet and tucked away. The main level is home to the kitchen and shared living spaces, while the lower ground becomes a versatile zone for family rooms, utility areas, or creative workspaces. Unlike traditional two-storey homes, split-levels offer a sequence - each space revealed rather than declared all at once.
Variations such as side-split, back-split, and front-split emerged during the housing surge of the 60s and 70s, allowing homes to integrate more naturally into the contours of sloping land. This adaptability, along with their compartmentalised structure, has made them ideal for both privacy and efficient use of space.
The charm of split-level living lies in how it guides movement. These homes create a rhythm - spaces that are connected but distinct. On the upper level, bedrooms and bathrooms offer privacy and stillness. They're elevated, creating a subtle sense of separation from the more sociable areas below.
The central level forms the heart of the home. It’s where the kitchen hums with energy and where meals and conversations take shape. The positioning between the upper and lower zones encourages natural flow, especially when circulation paths are carefully considered.
On the lower level, space opens up again - often becoming a family lounge, creative nook, or even a home office. These levels benefit from thoughtful lighting strategies and acoustic zoning. Natural light can be introduced through floor-level windows or even reconfigured openings. Each level should be seen as an opportunity to support a different mode of living.
One of the first steps in renovating a split-level house is to release it from unnecessary partitions. Opening up the central living space immediately alters the experience, introducing a greater sense of space and connection. Consider removing partial walls or widening thresholds to allow sight lines to travel through the levels.
Kitchens can be reworked with compact storage and integrated appliances, allowing for flow and efficiency. In smaller bathrooms, scale back the fittings without losing functionality - wall-mounted basins and frameless glass add spatial clarity.
Across all levels, continuous flooring choices help unify the design. Choose materials that ground the home while guiding the eye. Where lower levels can feel dim, elevate the lighting design with wall washing, pendants, and directional fittings. Stairwells offer prime space for custom shelving, bespoke joinery, or sculptural design elements that bridge levels with intent.
Outside, first impressions count. The entry point of a split-level house can often feel hidden or secondary. Enhancing this with a bold new porch or a reworked path can change how the home is read from the street.
Rooflines can be updated to add architectural depth. Asymmetry, high level windows, or changes in pitch can provide visual lift and bring more daylight inside. Updating windows with larger frames or corner glazing brings a softness to the facade and allows internal spaces to breathe.
Materiality is key - blend timber, render, or stone to create contrast and warmth. Thoughtful landscaping, with terraced planting or textural ground surfaces, can guide the eye through the levels externally. Don’t overlook the garage either - recladding, new doors, or reimagining this area as a studio or guest space can create even more value.
Interior styling in a split-level house is all about continuity. A restrained palette creates a thread through the spaces, while accents in lighting or furnishings add rhythm. Think of each room as part of a wider conversation, rather than a standalone moment.
Furniture choices should reflect the proportions of each space. Modular seating works well in smaller lounges, while narrower hallways and staircases can be softened with wall lighting or integrated handrails. Ceilings may vary in height - use this as a cue for lighting design or acoustic treatments.
Transitions between rooms should be considered carefully. Material junctions, aligned edges and simple detailing all contribute to a feeling of unity. Echo textures or tones throughout the home, allowing each space to feel intentional yet part of a larger whole.
The kitchen in a split-level house often sits in a confined footprint. Rather than working against this, lean into smart layouts - galley-style kitchens can be elegant and efficient when designed with clarity.
Explore whether a kitchen island or peninsula can be introduced to add workspace and encourage interaction. A strong connection to dining and living areas is key. Where physical openings are limited, use visual cues like material flow or consistent cabinetry lines to link the spaces.
Storage is everything. Make use of vertical space with full-height cupboards or recessed shelving. Appliances should be selected with both function and form in mind, working within the space rather than dominating it. If there’s room, a breakfast nook or bench seating can make even compact kitchens feel sociable.
Every home comes with its character. Split-levels offer clear zoning, privacy and spatial diversity. For families, they allow everyone to have their own corner. For professionals, they separate work from rest with ease. And for renovators, the layered design opens up endless creative possibilities.
However, they do come with their considerations. Multiple staircases can be a barrier for those with accessibility needs. Light distribution needs to be carefully planned. And while the layout may feel unconventional at first, thoughtful design brings clarity and coherence.
For those who are curious about spatial flow, architectural storytelling, and homes that engage with levels of living—split-levels can offer something unique.
Split-level houses aren’t relics - they’re stories waiting to be retold. At Marraum, we see their potential not just in form, but in the way they support modern living. Through layered design, sensitive renovation and a clear sense of purpose, these homes become more than just updated - they become reimagined.
If you’re ready to explore how your split-level house can evolve into a home that flows, inspires, and feels truly yours, we’d love to help shape that journey. Let’s start the conversation here.