Three key architectural strategies will transform a dated split level home into a more gracious modernized living space.
1. Connect disconnected spaces. Open up walls that divide rooms to create open concept spaces. Connecting dining, kitchen, and living spaces into one large open space, by removing a bearing wall, can completely change how a house functions.
2. Make tiny rooms bigger. Capture space from other rooms by combining two small rooms or adding space out the back or above. A gracious master bedroom level is proposed to be added above the existing dining, kitchen, and living space in the Vienna home pictured.
3. Update the outdated exterior. The lower sloped roofs of typical split levels are compatible with today’s transitional craftsman styles. Add a new focus to the front façade by adding a front porch. Replace vinyl siding with fiber cement siding painted to look like wood clapboard. Deeper windows let more light in and renew the exterior.
Contact Carolyn Ubben Architect PLLC, www.ubbenarchitect.squarespace.com, for more information on how to transform your home.