See How a 1970s Split-Level Gets Revamped Into a Modern Family Home

Half walls, crumbling tilework and an outdated brass-framed fireplace awaited the Save My Reno duo at Erin and Richard’s 1970’s suburban home. After going through the reno wish list, Sebastian and Sabrina were able to rework the split-up space into a modern free-flowing family home.

One of the main remodelling projects began by demolishing the old fireplace (with its dangerously protruding stone mantle) and the half wall it was encased in. Replacing the clunky, one-sided unit with a see-through gas model immediately opens up the main floor and creates a warming focal point.

Since Sebastian and Richard removed a number of walls, they had to get an engineer in to install a number of load-bearing beams to take the structural weight. To make them fit into the modern coastal design aesthetic, Sebastian encased them in beautiful barn-wood planks that Richard had salvaged and saved.

Having durable countertops was a must for homeowner and mom of three, Erin, so Sabrina suggested a durable quartz in a timeless smoky-white and grey-veined style.

A beautiful scallop-tile backsplash with a bump-in shelf not only protects the wall from wayward sauce spills but also brings visual interest to the revamped cooking space with texture, shape and colour.

With three young kids, having enough seating around the dining-room table was a big must for these homeowners. Sabrina was able to find this massive harvest table that not only fit within the budget but also sits up to 12 people, thanks to a set of spare table leaves.

After finding this set of eight rattan chairs at a bargain-basement price, Sabrina set Sebastian and Richard onto transforming them into her vision of a “Chinese Chippendale” dining set. Reconfiguring the back braces and painting them a matte ice blue to match the kitchen island was all that was needed to complete the transformation.

To demarcate the entryway, Sebastian installed large grey porcelain tiles bordered by the same light, engineered maple flooring now found throughout the main level. The new smoky-glass paneled doors on the hall closet keep the area looking clean and modern.

Wide-plank engineered maple flooring flows from the living room to the kitchen and out onto the dining room, replacing the broken tiles and mismatched flooring styles that were there before.

With a budget of $90,000, the Save My Reno team was able to turn this half-renovated property into a proper family home with excellent flow, successful DIY projects and modern design features.