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Remodeling a Split-Level Home

Sammamish Split

Solving a split-level remodel with an entry addition.

This 1980 split-level home had great bones, but the owners wanted to update the finishes and create a more family-friendly layout.

We bumped out the front entrance of the house by a couple of feet to allow more room to welcome guests and to take off shoes and coats. Replacing the banister and partial-height walls at the top of the stairs with steel and wood fixtures presents a more modern aesthetic that also allows more light to stream in.

The formerly closed-off kitchen was opened up and updated to create a "Great Room," with a generous kitchen where the owner can comfortably indulge her passion for baking. The rest of the main floor was reconfigured to add functionality and space to the two kids’ bedrooms, improve the guest bathroom, and create a spacious primary suite with a luxe primary bathroom that features a walk-in shower, soaking tub, and separate toilet room.

In the basement, we updated the finishes and opened up the floor plan to create a roomy space where the parents can relax and watch movies while keeping an eye on the children in their own play space.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Path the the front door.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Bright pink front door.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Glossy finish on painted front door.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Dining room open to kitchen.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Vaulted ceiling in the living room.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Dark wood floors.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Kitchen remodel with a large island with a drinks fridge.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Waterfall edge on a wood countertop.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Two-height kitchen island.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Corner storage in kitchen cabinet.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Custom built-in storage with open niche.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – White bathroom with wood vanity.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Free standing tub in the master bath.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Freestanding vessel tub with a frameless glass shower.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Hall bathroom.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Split Level Remodel – Sammamish Split by Board & Vellum – Glossy white cabinets.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Sammamish Split

Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Client Review
“Jeff and his team helped us transform our 1980 split-level into a home that is uniquely ours whilst being extremely aware and respectful of our budget. Board & Vellum is a group of dedicated architects that are professional, focused, creative yet very approachable. Our project lead, Sara, was also extremely detail-oriented and available in a pinch with any design and or permitting questions we had. B&V has been a joy to work with throughout the whole process. As we are wrapping up our project, Jeff, Sara and the team have our highest recommendation.”
View this review on Houzz.

Notes & Credits
This project was built by Woodmark Homes.
Photos by John G Wilbanks Photography.

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Services at Seattle architecture firm Board & Vellum – Board & Vellum's portfolio includes architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture projects.

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