Split levels were the suburban rage in the mid-1950’s and 60’s.  Modernizing them can be a bit tricky.  In this entryway there are several changes – all non-structural that spell modern: 
 - Stainless Steel Cable Railings replace old-fashioned wood newel posts and ballisters. 
 - The blue and white wall-to-wall carpet gave way to a modern rust runner
 - The wall up the stairs was clad in large scale charcoal porcelain tile.
 - The doorway was filled with a modern pocket door that tucks away when not needed.
 - a single ceiling fixture was replaced with monorail lighting with custom diffusers.
 - the front closet doors were also switched out to doors that match the pocket door (without the lattice) — not shown here.

"Before"

All images courtesy of Braitman Design/Build