How to decorate a split level home
Decorating a split level home can be a uniquely challenging endeavor, as the two or three separate levels of your home each offer distinct opportunities for the addition of style, color and personality. From the wall paintings, the furniture, and the fabric choices for your window treatments, you must be mindful of how everything intersects with the other elements in your home.
With the proper care and consideration, you will be able to successfully tackle the unique challenges of decorating a split level home:
- Wall paintings
- Furniture
- Fabric choices for your window treatments
Evaluate the amount of natural light
When decorating a split level home, it’s important to evaluate the amount of natural light and existing color palette available. Floors, ceilings and walls in a split level home are often slanted in different directions making the space feel broken up and disjointed. As a result, furniture placement, lighting and color choices can have an enormous impact on the overall aesthetic of each room.
As you evaluate the level of natural light currently in each room, consider adding shades or curtains to windows to create a warm atmosphere for the space. It might also be beneficial to add additional lighting fixtures such as lamps or wall sconces to brighten up certain areas or for task lighting purposes.
When it comes to color choice for walls, ceilings and floors- aim for neutral tones with accents of bright colors throughout furniture pieces and accessories. This combination will both bring out features like moldings or unique architecture elements- as well as share character throughout each area of your split level home.
Identify the different levels of the home
When decorating a split level home, it is important to first identify the different levels of the home. Split-level homes are complete homes built on one parcel of land usually over two or more stories. The floors and ceilings of the stories may be partially visible but only one space among many is visible from any angle. It is important to recognize that each story has its own unique challenges.
The first and most important step in designing a split level space is to identify and understand how the split level layout works. Split levels are independent within their own stories but can be connected with a staircase, which can influence how you approach design elements in different areas of the home. Once you have identified the different levels, it’s helpful to create a diagram that allows you to easily visualize how furniture and decor fit into each level of your split-level home.
Additionally, as you assess each area, consider height differences between floors as an opportunity to add visual interest that contributes to your overall design. Implementing creative storage options such as built-in shelving or cabinets helps reduce visual clutter while adding valuable storage space throughout your multilevel living space. With all this in mind, understanding furniture dimensions, properly placed windows and thoughtful color schemes will take your design project from adequate to amazing!
Consider the size of the space
One of the main challenges of decorating a split level home is making the most of the available space. Split level homes are typically designed to optimize floor plans for small spaces, and that often means that rooms can have awkward or irregular shapes and sizes. Many split level homes employ creative wall designs, alcoves, or nooks that can be used as an advantage in terms of décor.
The furniture you select should fit these odd smaller spaces without compromising ease and movement within each room. For example, a round dining table or an L-shaped couch with matching chairs could create cohesion while also making the most out of available floor space. Hallways tend to be narrow in split level homes so larger pieces such as armoires and bookshelves should be removed in order to enlarge pathways and keep a sense of flow throughout your home.
One of the best ways to make full use of each room’s size is by introducing multifunctional furniture items such as:
- Ottomans with hidden storage compartments
- Coffee tables with convenient drawers
All of these can provide extra storage while also creating better sightlines and minimizing clutter. Be sure to consider how much natural light your loft receives on different levels, because this can help you decide which paint colors to select and where best to place furniture for optimal lighting conditions.
Creating a Cohesive Look
Decorating a split level home can be challenging but with a few simple tips, you can create a cohesive look throughout the space. It’s important to consider the flow of the space and how to make the different levels feel connected. Proper furniture selection, color choices, and lighting placement can all help to unify the space in a way that accentuates the features of the home.
Let’s explore how to decorate a split level home:
Choose a color palette
Creating a cohesive look for a split level home can be a challenge due to the number of rooms and different levels in the house. One of the best ways to tie it all together is by choosing a color palette that can be used throughout the home.
When selecting your color palette, keep comfort in mind. Soft neutrals like cream, taupe, master, and gray are good choices as they will create a calming atmosphere throughout each level. Stronger colors like teal and forest green can also be used to add some vibrancy and contrast but should still adhere to the same primary tone of your overall color choices.
When applying your chosen colors, aim for consistency across every level. This can involve choosing paint colors that echo each other or taking advantage of accent walls with vibrant wallpapers throughout both stories. Keep in mind that wallcoverings should have an interesting pattern without it being too overpowering or disruptive.
You may also want to consider using flooring materials with similar hues for harmony among levels – wood tones such as blonde oak or birch are commonly used for this purpose as these neutral shades help add balance and visual uniformity to long hallways or kitchens spread across multiple stories. Invest in quality statement pieces like bold throw pillows or abstract artworks that have complementary tones as well when adorning certain spaces in your home; this will also help communicate an elegant cohesion between each area even if you need to tie them together through non-traditional ways such as furniture placement or accessories choice.
Incorporate texture
Creating a cohesive look for a split level home can be a challenge due to the numerous angles and stairs. It is important to understand the layout of your home and how this shape affects the decor you choose. One way to make sure that your entire home has an overall flow is to incorporate texture.
By adding texture, such as fabric and fur, you can bring unity between the upper and lower levels of your home.
- Start by utilizing light fabrics, like cotton and linen, that will add color without feeling heavy or enclosed in one particular room. For instance, draperies are excellent for bringing a soft feel to rooms with angled walls or low ceilings. If your furniture is plain-looking or lacks detail, add accent pillows in fabric prints that represent your style. Sheepskin rugs are also perfect for layering on furniture and floors while adding more visual depth to spaces such as living rooms and loft bedrooms.
- Texture also applies to paint finishes sheen on walls. Flat matte paints give walls a soft finish whereas satin sheen surfaces look shinier. Both paint finishes come in a variety of colors perfect for creating a serene atmosphere throughout each level of the split level home’s interior design scheme.
- Furthermore, wallpapers can be great options depending on the size of each room – small patterns tend to work better in tight spaces!
When balanced wisely between both levels of living space with complementary fabrics and textures, you can create visual harmony when decorating a split level home that will be pleasingly cohesive throughout each floor space despite any height or angle variances!
Invest in statement pieces
When making design choices for a split level home, look for furniture and accessories with clean lines that help to create movement throughout the space. Consider investing in statement pieces such as an oversized piece of art or a vibrant rug to tie in different areas of the home and create cohesiveness. The amount of color you bring into each space can unify the look while textures help draw distinction between floors.
Follow a few simple steps to decorate your multi-level space with ease:
- Create color unity throughout by using one or two dominant colors throughout the entire house. Bring in two or three complementing shades to highlight certain areas.
- Use accessories such as area rugs, curtains and artwork to establish clear boundaries between different spaces while maintaining a flow between levels.
- Place furniture away from walls when possible, making sure they are still accessible from all angles, this will open up the living space which is especially effective on smaller floors.
- Make sure flooring is consistent both vertically and horizontally for a balanced harmony throughout the home. A balance between hardwood floors and carpeting is key; use stair runners for extra appeal and interior decoration impact.
When creating cohesion within your split level home, blend materials that have striking shapes that work together rather than fight against one another. It’s also important to layer light as well as texture with good task lighting directed towards specific areas where more direct light may be needed like reading nooks or hallways with high traffic volume during particular times of day or night. Keep design exciting by mixing patterns artfully; try trying different hues while combining various shapes of classic designs or modern prints – but don’t overdo it! With some creativity, you can achieve the perfect balance; developing a cohesive look across all levels of your split level home!
Maximizing the Space
Decorating a split level home can be tricky, but not impossible. One of the most important things to consider when decorating such a home is maximizing the space. By focusing on open areas and making the most of the limited space, you can create a home that is unique and inviting.
Below, we’ll explore some of the tips and tricks that you can use to make the most of the space in your split-level home:
Utilize vertical space
Using vertical space is an essential part of maximizing the space when decorating a split level home. This can involve taking advantage of ceiling and wall heights to create interesting visual layers in the room that will make it look larger. Adding larger pieces of furniture in vertical shapes will also help to draw eyes up and give the impression of more space. Hanging artwork or a window treatment at different heights on walls can also create an interesting focal point and make the room appear larger than it is.
Another way to take advantage of the vertical space in a split level home is to mount shelves or cabinets along slanted walls or stairwells, which can add extra storage and make any room seem bigger. Utilizing vertical space to your advantage when decorating a split level home can create an inviting environment with both form and function!
Use furniture to define different areas
When decorating a split level home, using furniture to define different areas is one of the best ways to maximize the space. This involves placing furniture pieces such as chairs and couches in distinct parts of the room in order to separate them and create the illusion of two independent rooms. This can also be done by utilizing area rugs and strategically placed paint colors, as well as by hanging curtains or other window coverings which physically divide space. Furthermore, tall bookshelves can be used to break up space while adding additional storage.
If used diligently, furniture can also be manipulated in order to open up certain areas or areas that feel cramped due to their shape. For example, if you want your living room to appear larger than it actually is, you can utilize floating shelves instead of large armchairs or loveseats. Additionally, if you’d like for your dining room area to appear larger than it actually is, you may want to remove certain bulky items from the equation or simply arrange furniture pieces differently so that they don’t monopolize too much space. Finally, wall-mounted fixtures such as lamps and desks will contribute greatly towards creating a sense of openness in both small and large split level homes alike!
Incorporate multi-purpose furniture
When it comes to decorating a split level home, make sure to utilize multi-purpose furniture for each level of your home. For example, rooms in split level homes are rarely completely rectangular and often have alcoves or good-sized wall spaces.
Look for options such as:
- Corner shelf units which can provide much needed storage as well as display space for books, trinkets and other items.
- Ottomans which can double as footstools or additional seating when needed while also providing extra storage.
- High-backed benches with storage under the seat are great options if you need a place to sit that won’t take up too much room.
- Folding furniture pieces or console tables that can easily be moved around one side of a room to the other depending on which area needs more attention.
Utilize every inch of space and make the most out of this unique design feature in your split level home!
Finishing Touches
Once the major elements of a split level home have been decorated, it’s time to think about the finishing touches that can bring the whole look together. Finishing touches can give the home a polished and well thought-out look, and can help to tie everything together.
In this section, we’ll explore some tips for adding those finishing touches to your split level home.
Hang artwork and photos
Hanging art, photos, and other decorations in a split level home can be tricky due to the variety of wall heights present. To make the most of the available wall space, consider creating interesting groupings of artwork that are tailored to fit each level. Incorporating pieces with different frames and textures will help create visual interest and an eye-catching design.
For photos and family portraits, take into account how these items are located in relation to main areas of the home such as living rooms and hallways. These provide guests with glimpses into your family heritage and personality – hang them in locations where they can be easily seen!
For a more cohesive design, try repeating elements throughout each level as well as coloring choices. Matching frame styles or photo sizes can help tie one room together or create a sense of continuity from floor to floor. Other clever tips include:
- Hanging artwork along staircases for dramatic flair
- Making use of walls leading up to higher levels for extra exposure for valuable pieces
With careful consideration for texture, scale, size and color, decorating split level homes with artwork becomes simple yet stunning!
Incorporate plants and greenery
One way to decorate a split level home is to use plants and other pieces of greenery around the house. Indoor plants can be used to bring life into a room, create texture and color for your overall design, improve air quality, and make a space look more inviting.
For outdoors, you can incorporate more elaborate pieces of greenery like potted flowers or shrubs near the entryway to add an inviting aesthetic. Smaller plants like succulents or herbs work great in areas with limited sunlight while larger trees or large shrubs can be the perfect wall decoration in certain spots. Thoughtful placement of these elements can help tie together your whole design and make it look welcoming both inside and out.
Additionally, adding wallpaper prints featuring nature scenes gives every room a unique touch that helps transport friends and family who visit your split level home into nature itself.
Add mirrors to create the illusion of space
When working with a split level home, creating the illusion of space with mirrors and artwork is an excellent idea. Mirrors help to reflect natural and artificial light, add dimension to the room, and trick the eye into believing a space is larger than it actually is. Additionally, adding mirrors can also emphasize architectural elements, such as ceiling height or focal points of the room.
When placed opposite or across from windows or doors, mirrors open up a space by enhancing natural lighting available in a room; when situated in an entryway for instance, it gives guests a sense of welcome as they step inside.
By strategically placing mirrors in various locations throughout your home – especially when dealing with smaller spaces – you’ll be able to make the most of what you have.
