Split Foyer vs. Colonial Homes in Maryland: Remodeling and Renovation Guide
Local News — March 2, 2026
Two of Maryland's most beloved home styles — the split foyer and the classic colonial — each come with distinct renovation opportunities. Discover which improvements add the most value and how Kingdom Design and Build can transform either style.
Maryland's Two Favorite Home Styles Drive through virtually any neighborhood in Prince George's County, Charles County, or the greater DC suburbs of Maryland and you'll see two home styles dominating the landscape: the split foyer and the colonial. Built in abundance from the 1960s through the 1990s — and still going up today in updated forms — these homes house hundreds of thousands of Maryland families. At Kingdom Design and Build LLC, we've spent more than 33 years renovating both styles across the region, including Brandywine, Waldorf, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, and surrounding communities. In that time, we've learned what makes each style shine — and where the biggest renovation opportunities lie. Understanding the Split Foyer The split foyer (sometimes called a raised ranch or split entry) is one of the most recognizable home styles in Maryland. When you step inside, you're greeted by a small landing with stairs going up to the main living level and stairs going down to a lower level — often only partially below grade, which means it can be finished as true living space rather than a dark basement. Split foyers were a practical response to the post-war housing boom. Builders could maximize livable square footage on smaller lots while keeping construction costs down. The result was a home that often feels larger inside than its footprint suggests. Common Split Foyer Features Entry landing with staircase going up and down Main living areas (kitchen, dining, living room) on the upper level Bedrooms typically on the upper level Lower level with family room, garage access, and utility space Large windows on both levels due to the raised foundation Open floor plan potential on the upper level Understanding the Colonial The colonial is arguably America's most enduring residential style, and Maryland embraces it wholeheartedly. Classic colonial homes feature a symmetrical facade, evenly spaced windows, a centered front door — often with columns or a portico — and two ful…
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