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A split-level renovation blog · Minneapolis
From hate to love,
one split-level at a time.
We bought a 1970s split-level we didn't love. These are the projects, the mistakes and the small wins that are slowly changing our minds, plus the occasional detour for arepas.
Minneapolis EatsHallwayDoor HardwareTravelIKEA CabinetsHola ArepaRestaurant ReviewSpray PaintDIY FailsHardwareNE Minneapolis Bar SceneHammerheart BreweryEl Jefe GuapoBistro Le RouxBoard And BattenWainscotingTrimRyobi Door Hinge TemplateMinneapolis EatsHallwayDoor HardwareTravelIKEA CabinetsHola ArepaRestaurant ReviewSpray PaintDIY FailsHardwareNE Minneapolis Bar SceneHammerheart BreweryEl Jefe GuapoBistro Le RouxBoard And BattenWainscotingTrimRyobi Door Hinge Template
So, what's a split?
Half a flight up, half a flight down, and completely ours.
A split-level is that very 1970s house where you walk in the front door and immediately have to choose: up to the kitchen and bedrooms, or down to the family room. Ours came with popcorn ceilings, three layers of bathroom wallpaper and a mouse problem. We hated it a little.
So we started fixing it, one room at a time, and writing it all down. Honest how-tos, real costs and the things we'd do differently.
- Stories
- 23
- Rooms tackled
- 8
- Trips to IKEA
- 214+
Drag the handle
The whole idea, in one slider
Every room starts on the left. The goal is always the right.
Tour the split
Pick a room, any room
Fresh off the drop cloth
Latest stories
Reader favorites
The projects everyone asks about
- 01Our IKEA Akurum Cabinets: Base, Wall and Everything In BetweenKitchen
- 02Lilac Trimming: Taming Our Overgrown LilacsOutside / Yard / Deck
- 03Carpet, Countertops and Beer: Our Basement Bar KegeratorBasement
- 04Installing Cement PaversOutside / Yard / Deck
- 05DIY Gallery Wall Shelves, Pt. 2Crafty
- 06Ceilings on the BrainLiving Room
Hi, we're the split
Two people, one house, too many paint samples.
This blog is under new ownership. The 2014 to 2016 posts are the original renovation diary, kept online and lightly edited; new posts continue in the same spirit: a house we didn't love, turned into one we can't imagine leaving.
Have a question about a project, or a split-level of your own? We'd love to hear from you.