How to Modernize a Split Level Home Exterior: 42 Tips and Ideas

Split level homes are a popular housing style that was first introduced in the 1950s and 1960s. These homes have unique features that set them apart from traditional homes, such as multiple levels that are split by short flights of stairs. However, split level homes can sometimes look dated, especially when it comes to the exterior. If you own a split level home and are looking to give it a modern update, here are some tips and ideas to get you started.

How to Modernize a Split Level Home Exterior: Tips and Ideas

Learn how to transform the outdated exterior of your split level home with simple and cost-effective updates that will add value and curb appeal.

1)  Start with the Roof

The roof is one of the most prominent features of any home, and it can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your split level home. If your roof is old or worn, consider replacing it with a more modern material, such as metal or slate. This can give your home a sleek, contemporary look that will instantly modernize its exterior.

2) Add Some Color

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for any home, and a split level home is no exception. Consider updating the color scheme of your home’s exterior to give it a more modern look. Popular modern color schemes include neutral tones like gray, beige, and white, as well as bold colors like navy blue or black.

3) Update the Siding

If your home’s siding is outdated or in disrepair, replacing it with a more modern material can be a great way to give your split level home a fresh, contemporary look. Some popular siding options for modern homes include fiber cement, stucco, and brick.

4) Install New Windows

Old, drafty windows can make your split level home look and feel outdated. Installing new, energy-efficient windows can not only modernize your home’s exterior, but also save you money on your energy bills. Consider choosing windows with clean lines and minimal frames to give your home a more modern look.

5) Add Some Landscaping

6) Update the Entryway

The entryway is often the first thing people notice about your home, so updating it can have a big impact on the overall look of your split level home’s exterior. Consider replacing your front door with a more modern style, such as a sleek steel or glass door. You could also update your entryway with modern light fixtures or a stylish mailbox.

7) Consider Adding a Porch or Deck

If your split level home doesn’t already have a porch or deck, consider adding one to give your home a modern update. A porch or Composite decking can provide a great outdoor living space for your family, and can also enhance the overall look and feel of your home’s exterior.

8) Embrace Minimalism

 

Modern design is all about simplicity and minimalism, and this can be a great approach to take when modernizing your split level home’s exterior. Consider removing any outdated or cluttered elements from your home’s exterior, and focus on clean lines and simple, modern design elements.

9) Hire a Professional

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to modernizing your split level home’s exterior, consider hiring a professional. An experienced contractor or designer can help you come up with a plan to update your home’s exterior and give it a fresh, contemporary look.

10) Consider Adding Some Texture

Adding texture to your home’s exterior can be a great way to modernize its look. Consider adding some texture with stone accents, or by using a mix of materials for your siding. This can create a visually interesting and contemporary look that will set your split level home apart.

11) Update the Garage Door

Your garage door can take up a large portion of your home’s exterior, so updating it can have a big impact on the overall look of your split level home. Consider replacing your garage door with a more modern style, such as a sleek, glass door, or a door with clean, simple lines. If you’re considering a new Garage Door Installation, it’s a good idea to get help from professionals. They have extensive training and provide expert services at affordable prices in your area.

12) Use Lighting to Highlight Your Home’s Best Features

Well-placed lighting can enhance the look of your split level home’s exterior and highlight its best features. Consider adding some modern outdoor lighting to accentuate your landscaping, highlight your entryway, or draw attention to architectural features such as your home’s roofline.

13) Add Some Unique Architectural Features

One way to give your split level home a modern update is to add some unique architectural features. This could include a statement-making front door, an eye-catching modern window design, or even a rooftop garden. Adding unique architectural features can give your home a one-of-a-kind look and make it stand out in your neighborhood.

14) Use Modern Materials for Your Walkway and Driveway

Your home’s walkway and driveway can also impact the overall look of its exterior. Consider updating your walkway and driveway with modern materials, such as stamped concrete, slab pavers, or natural stone. This can create a contemporary look that complements your home’s updated exterior.

15) Don’t Forget About the Backyard

While it’s important to focus on your home’s front exterior when modernizing your split level home, don’t forget about your backyard. Adding some modern landscaping features, such as a sleek outdoor kitchen or a contemporary fire pit, can create a stylish outdoor living space that complements your home’s updated exterior.

16) Emphasize Horizontal Lines

One hallmark of modern architecture is the use of horizontal lines, so emphasizing these lines in your split level home’s exterior can give it a more contemporary look. This can be achieved through the use of long, horizontal siding panels or by adding horizontal trim details to your home’s exterior.

17) Incorporate Metal Accents

Another way to give your split level home a modern update is by incorporating metal accents into its exterior. This could include metal siding, a metal roof, or even metal railing for your outdoor stairs. These accents can add a sleek, modern touch to your home’s exterior.

18) Use Bold Colors

Bold colors can be a great way to modernize your split level home’s exterior. Consider using a bright, bold color for your front door, or painting your home’s exterior in a bold hue. Just be sure to choose a color that complements your home’s architectural style and the colors of surrounding homes.

19) Create a Focal Point

Creating a focal point can help draw attention to your split level home’s most interesting features. This could be achieved by adding a statement-making front porch, or by using contrasting materials to highlight architectural features such as your home’s roofline.

20) Update Your Landscaping

Updating your landscaping can be a great way to modernize your split level home’s exterior. Consider incorporating modern landscaping features such as native plants, low-maintenance hardscaping, or a vertical garden. These features can help create a contemporary, sustainable look that complements your home’s updated exterior.

21) Opt for a Minimalist Design

Minimalism is a key tenet of modern architecture, so opting for a minimalist design for your split level home’s exterior can give it a more contemporary look. This could include using simple, clean lines for your siding or choosing a streamlined, minimalist front door.

22) Incorporate Energy-Efficient Features

Adding energy-efficient features to your split level home’s exterior can not only give it a modern look but also help you save money on your energy bills. Consider installing solar panels, a green roof, or energy-efficient windows to create a sustainable, contemporary look for your home.

23) Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space

Upgrading your outdoor living space can be a great way to modernize your split level home’s exterior. Consider adding a modern deck, a sleek outdoor kitchen, or a contemporary fire pit to create a stylish, inviting outdoor living space that complements your home’s updated exterior.

24) Add Some Artistic Touches

Adding some artistic touches to your split level home’s exterior can give it a unique, contemporary look. Consider incorporating modern art pieces, such as sculptures or murals, into your landscaping or on your home’s exterior. These touches can help create a personalized, one-of-a-kind look for your split level home.

25) Consider Adding Texture

Adding texture to your split level home’s exterior can give it a more modern, multidimensional look. This could include using materials such as stone, wood, or stucco to create a textured facade, or using a mix of siding materials to create a dynamic, contemporary look.

26) Use Glass to Add Visual Interest

Using glass in your split level home’s exterior can add a modern, eye-catching element to your home’s design. This could include installing large windows, a glass front door, or even a glass garage door to create a sleek, contemporary look.

27) Incorporate Lighting

Incorporating modern lighting features can help accentuate your split level home’s exterior and give it a more contemporary look. This could include using up lighting to highlight architectural features or installing modern light fixtures to create a stylish, well-lit entrance.

28) Update Your Roofline

Updating your split level home’s roofline can give it a more modern, contemporary look. Consider using a flat or low-pitched roof, or incorporating a modern roofline design such as a butterfly roof or a shed roof.

29) Opt for Sustainable Materials

Using sustainable materials in your split level home’s exterior can not only give it a modern look but also help reduce your environmental impact. Consider using materials such as recycled wood, bamboo, or reclaimed materials to create a sustainable, contemporary look.

30) Install a Living Wall

Installing a living wall on your split level home’s exterior can create a unique, modern look that is also environmentally friendly. This could include installing a vertical garden or using a green facade to create a natural, sustainable design.

31) Create a Minimalist Landscape

Creating a minimalist landscape around your split level home can help create a contemporary look that complements your updated exterior. This could include using simple, geometric shapes in your landscaping or using low-maintenance plants to create a clean, streamlined look.

32) Use Bold Patterns

Using bold patterns in your split level home’s exterior can add a modern, playful touch to your home’s design. This could include using a patterned tile or creating a graphic mural to add visual interest to your home’s exterior.

33) Add Outdoor Art

Adding outdoor art to your split level home‘s exterior can create a unique, contemporary look that reflects your personal style. This could include using sculptures, installations, or murals to create a one-of-a-kind look for your home’s exterior.

34) Use Unique Materials for Your Front Door

Using a unique material for your front door, such as reclaimed wood or metal, can add a modern, industrial touch to your split level home’s exterior. You can also consider a pivot door or a custom-made door with geometric shapes for a contemporary look.

35) Consider Adding an Outdoor Room

Adding an outdoor room to your split level home’s exterior can create a modern, functional space that expands your living area. This could include adding a nice pergola from Hanso Home or a covered patio, or even a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and dining area.

36) Incorporate Greenery

Incorporating greenery into your split level home’s exterior can create a natural, modern look that complements your updated design. This could include adding potted plants or creating a green roof to add texture and visual interest.

37) Use Monochromatic Colors

Using monochromatic colors, such as shades of gray or white, can create a modern, streamlined look for your split level home’s exterior. This approach can create a cohesive, minimalist look that enhances your home’s architectural features.

38) Create a Focal Point

Creating a focal point on your split level home’s exterior can draw attention to its modern design and unique features. This could include using a bold color or incorporating a distinctive architectural element, such as a large window or a unique roofline.

39) Use Reflective Materials

Using reflective materials, such as metal or glass, can create a modern, sleek look for your split level home’s exterior. This approach can also help maximize natural light and create a sense of openness and transparency.

40) Add a Water Feature

Adding a water feature, such as a fountain or a reflecting pool, can create a modern, tranquil atmosphere for your split level home’s exterior. This approach can add visual interest and create a calming, peaceful environment.

41) Use Creative Landscaping

Using creative landscaping techniques, such as a zigzagging path or a sculptural plant arrangement, can add a modern, artistic touch to your split level home’s exterior. This approach can create a unique, eye-catching design that enhances your home’s curb appeal.

42) Play with Geometry

Playing with geometry in your split level home’s exterior design can create a modern, playful look that reflects your personal style. This could include using geometric shapes for your landscaping or incorporating a unique geometric element, such as a tilted wall or a triangular window.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different ways to modernize a split level home’s exterior, from updating the roof and siding to adding unique architectural features and modern lighting. By following these tips and ideas, you can create a contemporary look that reflects your personal style and taste, and make your split level home stand out in your neighborhood. Whether you decide to take on the project yourself or hire a professional, modernizing your split level home’s exterior can be a fun and rewarding project that will enhance your home environment for years to come.

Here are some frequently asked questions related to home improvement and design:

1)  What is a split level home?

A split level home is a type of house in which the living area is split between two or more levels. The front entrance usually leads to a small landing, with a half flight of stairs leading up to the living area and a half flight leading down to the basement or garage.

2)  What are some common features of split level home exteriors?

Split level home exteriors often feature a brick or stone facade, with large windows and a distinctive roofline. They may also have a carport or garage built into the lower level of the house.

3)  How can I modernize the exterior of my split level home?

There are many ways to modernize the exterior of a split level home, such as updating the color scheme, adding a new front door, incorporating unique materials, and creating an outdoor room.

4)  How can I improve the curb appeal of my split level home?

Improving the curb appeal of a split level home can involve adding landscaping, creating a focal point, updating the exterior lighting, and painting or refinishing the front door.

5)  Are split level homes still popular?

Split level homes have fallen out of favor in recent years, but they can still be found in many suburban neighborhoods. With the right updates and improvements, split level homes can be transformed into modern, stylish residences.

6)  How much does it budget to renovate a house?

The cost of renovating a home varies widely depending on the scope of the project, the materials used, and the location. It’s important to set a budget before beginning any home renovation project and to work with a contractor or designer to ensure that costs are managed throughout the process.

7)  What are some popular home design styles?

Some popular home design styles include modern, contemporary, farmhouse, traditional, and industrial. Each style has its own unique characteristics and can be tailored to fit the individual tastes and preferences of homeowners.

8)  What should I consider when choosing paint colors for my home?

When choosing paint colors for your home, it’s important to consider the overall aesthetic of your space, the lighting, and the mood you want to create. It can also be helpful to test out samples in different lighting conditions to get a better sense of how the color will look on your walls.

9)  How can I create a cohesive design scheme for my home?

Creating a cohesive design scheme involves choosing a consistent color palette, coordinating furniture and decor, and paying attention to details such as lighting and texture. It can be helpful to work with a designer or use online tools to help visualize your ideas and bring your vision to life.

10)      How can I improve the energy efficiency of my home?

Improving the energy efficiency of your home can involve making upgrades such as installing energy-efficient windows and doors, adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading to a more efficient HVAC system. These improvements can help save money on utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Also, visit Home Design Looks for more quality information.