Ranch-style homes were often considered ‘dated’ until Mad Men and mid-century modern made them hip and on-trend again. In today’s age of new construction and massive renovations, multi-level homes can also get overlooked, and I say that is a mistake. Here’s why.
When home buyers picture their picture-perfect home, it often includes a great room with high ceilings, open to the kitchen, dining room and office space. A multifunctional living space for everyone!
And then the pandemic hit. And everyone had to be together but also needed to be a part - we needed SPACE.
I am a proponent of the multi-level home because I live in one as well. We bought our multi just prior to the pandemic when inventory was slim and we were in a time crunch. We left our lovely center-entrance Colonial with a circular flow and open layout and bought a 50’s-era multi-level. Not our first choice but we embraced it. And then the pandemic hit and we LOVED it.
The kids could Zoom school from their rooms, I had a separate office space on the second level, my husband worked from the finished basement level and no one had to hear anyone else’s conversations. We had the main level to gather – and then we could all retreat to our separate spaces to defend our peace of mind.
I heard many friends complain about their loud and crowded grand rooms - office, TV room and school all in one space? Yikes. Would I want to go back to that center-entrance Colonial with high ceilings and an open layout? No thank you.
Times are changing and we are shifting back to some of our old ways, but I think there were some revelations and realizations about living space that will stick with us in the future.
So just as Mad Men was to the ranch, the pandemic could be to the multi-level. An appreciation for a flexible space that is adaptable and forgiving. Our multi-level home has space, charm and character and that suits me just fine.
Interested in a multi-level home? Check out this lovely layout NOW FOR SALE in Arlington!