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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 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 traditional 1970s split level kitchen with small boxy rooms

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.

temporary support posts installed while installing a load bearing beam in a kitchen

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.

temporary support posts installed while installing a load bearing beam in a kitchen
installing the load bearing beam to support the structure above

Here is another view from the living room looking into the kitchen.

temporary support posts installed while installing a load bearing beam in a kitchen
the support posts (2×4’s) are temporary supports while the beam is being installed

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.

split level kitchen remodel with the wall removed between the kitchen and living room

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 the wall removed between the kitchen and living room

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.

split level kitchen remodel with the wall removed and new white kitchen cabinets

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.

split level kitchen remodel with island the wall removed and new white kitchen cabinets

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!

split level kitchen remodel with island the wall removed and new white kitchen cabinets
I am loving this split level kitchen remodel with an island

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.

split level kitchen remodel with buffet wall and geometric backsplash
split level kitchen buffet wall

Doesn’t the new open concept kitchen look amazing?

The kitchen isn’t finished yet, but I wanted to show you the new countertops. Things are starting to come together.

This family of 5 is pretty excited to have a large open kitchen space with lots of room for storage and entertaining.

Stay tuned, once the floors are refinished and the ceiling is back together, I’ll share the after pictures.

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.

8 Comments

  1. Do you have room for a dining room table? Are you putting a bar countertop on the island?

    1. we did an oversized island and full buffet wall and eliminated the dining room table

  2. Are there pictures of the finished project? You give me hope for my one butt kitchen in my 70’s split level home.

    1. 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 🙂

      1. I would love a look at the finished remodel also! My house is just like this

      2. I look forward to it!

  3. Anonymous says:

    This looks great! May I ask what is the square footage of the new living room/kitchen?

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