1970s Split Level Kitchen Remodel With Island
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For all of you split level homeowners, this kitchen remodel with an island is for you! Last month I shared a new split level kitchen remodel that Jim started and the new layout, now that the load bearing wall is removed, is completely different opening up the entire space into the living room.
Let’s take a look at the kitchen before Jim removed the load bearing wall and after.
A split level kitchen remodel open concept layout is one of the best ways to modernize a traditional small boxy space.
Split Level Kitchen Ideas
The wall above between the kitchen and living room was typical of a split level home. If you missed the first post of this series, visit this post, 1970s split level kitchen before.
Once Jim removed the wall above, he added support posts to keep the ceiling and structure above in place.
You will notice above that the old kitchen floor was removed in preparation for new hardwood floor in the kitchen area.
To create a cohesive look, the floors will be refinished and stained a new color.
Remove Load Bearing Wall
If you are removing a load bearing wall, you will need to install load bearing beam, like the one below.
Visit this post, installing a load bearing beam, to see how Jim installed at another split level remodel.
Here is another view from the living room looking into the kitchen.
Relocate Windows and Exterior Door
This particular split level had a sliding door that led to an enclosed deck which ultimately was relocated to the far side of the new kitchen (the old dining room).
The new window below was added once the old slider was removed.
Relocating the exterior door leading to the porch (see double patio door below) allowed for the new kitchen layout to encompass a longer L shape adding more cabinet space and countertop.
Split Level Kitchen Remodel With Island
The removal of the kitchen and dining room wall allowed for a full 6 person island adding additional drawer and cabinet space.
Once the new hardwood was added in the older section of the kitchen, the island was installed right where the dining room wall was, tying both rooms together.
Once the hardwood floor are all sanded and refinished one color, you will never know that there was once a wall separating the two rooms!
Kitchen Buffet Wall
To add even more cabinet and counter space, the kitchen designer incorporated a buffet wall along the backside of the old dining room, creating a cohesive look between the newly opened kitchen.
Doesn’t the new open concept kitchen look amazing?
The new countertops finished off the kitchen.
This family of 5 is pretty excited to have a large open kitchen space with lots of room for storage and entertaining.
This is where the project stands: the wall’s down, the floors are refinished, and the kitchen and dining room now function as one open 450 square foot space, with the island and buffet wall doing the work a separate dining table used to do.
Split Level Kitchen Remodel FAQ
No, we didn’t keep a separate dining table. We added an oversized six-person island and a full buffet wall along the old dining room wall instead, which gave us the seating and extra storage without needing a separate table.
Roughly 450 square feet, once the wall between the kitchen and dining room came down.
Not every wall between a kitchen and dining room is load-bearing, but you shouldn’t guess. The safest way to know for sure is to have a structural engineer or licensed contractor assess it before any demo starts.
Yes, this is exactly what we did. It requires a properly sized load-bearing beam and temporary support posts while the work is in progress, and it should be done with a licensed contractor rather than as a DIY project
If you are looking for more split level kitchen ideas, be sure to check out this split level home, where we also renovated the kitchen creating an open concept space.
Meet Jessica
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
Do you have room for a dining room table? Are you putting a bar countertop on the island?
we did an oversized island and full buffet wall and eliminated the dining room table
Are there pictures of the finished project? You give me hope for my one butt kitchen in my 70’s split level home.
We have a video but I haven’t had time to edit and share 😭 …let me see if I can put together something quick for you 🙂
I would love a look at the finished remodel also! My house is just like this
I hope to have an after picture soon!
I am very curious how it works without the dining room table. My kitchen and dining room area are exactly like this.
I look forward to it!
This looks great! May I ask what is the square footage of the new living room/kitchen?
Hi Jessica,
I am obsessed with your blog, the split level remodel is my house and it has given me so many ideas. One question, could you share what color/brand you used for that blue island? I am thinking of doing a navy island and lowers in my remodel. Thanks!
This is my house as well!! We would love to remove the wall and open the space. I love the idea of putting cabinets in the old dining area wall for extra storage!! Any pictures of the finished project?
Love this! Our house is practically identical on main floor – so would LOVE to see after-video / fully finished product!
Nice job 👏👏👏
Going through same process, in early stages. For the removal of wall did you need to reinforce the footings with extra concrete to take the load. My span is 22ft, curious how long was yours? Great job looks awesome!
About how much did this project cost? Looking to do something similar with our kitchen!
WOW! It looks gorgeous. I’d love to see the finished product. I’m also interested in the overall room measurements/square footage. I too have a split level home and am contemplating the open concept look for our kitchen/DR.
Thanks!
I love what you did to this house, we have the same layout and I would love to do this. Can you tell me the approximate budget and I would love to see it finished! Will that be up soon?
I love what you did with this house. I would love to do the same exact thing. What is the approximate budget for this project and is there any finished pictures? I would love to see the end product!!
Love this! Our house looks very identical. Would you be able to share an after video of the fully finished product! Thank you!