Split-level homes skyrocketed in the 1950s and 1960s when the post-war economic boom was at its height. The Twin Cities, St. Paul in particular, is full of them. But in recent decades, their boxy, angular design has been seen as outdated.
The good news is you can easily increase your split-level curb appeal for your enjoyment or that of future homeowners.
Need support in sifting through the endless possibilities to update your split-level? Call us. James Barton Design-Build can help you narrow your options and show you styles that fit your budget.
How to Modernize a Split-Level Home Exterior
Follow these design ideas from our JBDB experts to modernize your split-level house and transform it into a stylish, functional space
Choose a New Color Scheme
Use deliberate paint or siding color choices. Freshen the exterior with a neutral shade like white, grey, or beige. You can also use contrasting shades of dark against light colors to create dimension. Different colors, textures, and shapes on your gable ends, such as vertical lines, can instantly make your home look more sleek and modern.
“Choosing exterior colors can feel overwhelming, but we’ll help you narrow in on shades you love,” said Morgan Longhenry, one of JBDB’s designers. “If you don’t want to re-design the entire exterior, we can always reside or paint a specific portion.”
Upgrade Your Siding Materials
Another way to update your split-level home exterior is to replace your dated siding with more contemporary materials, such as metal, James Hardie fiber cement, or LP® SmartSide®, which mimics a wood look. You can also add stone wainscoting to the lower front level for added texture. Incorporating a neutral and natural stone is one of our favorite ways to modernize a home.
If your home has wooden support beams and accents, consider restaining, painting, or refinishing the accents using a color that complements or contrasts your home’s primary color.
Remove or Update Your Shutters
Shutters are a classic component of a split level; removing them gives your home a contemporary feel. If you can’t stomach the idea of getting rid of shutters altogether, the JBDB team can help you choose between different styles, including panel, louver, or board and batten shutters. Custom shutter colors can make your home stand out. Match them to your front or garage door to pull the whole look together.
If you remove your shutters, upgrade to bigger windows to allow more light in and enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Refocus the Eye With the Addition of a Porch
If you don’t already have a front porch, consider adding one. A small porch doesn’t just give you a place to enjoy the warmer months; it pulls the eye’s focus—making your main entrance the focal point of your home instead of the garage. You can opt for an open front porch or a screened-in porch, depending on your preferences.
Install a New Door to Welcome Friends & Family
Update your front door or garage doors. For front doors, consider glass or French styles. For the garage, look through carriage-style or contemporary designs. Many homeowners also use a bright pop of color on their front door to create a warm, inviting, and eye-catching look.
Use modern light fixtures to frame the entryway and garage doors for a more contemporary look.
Update Split-Level Exterior and Reconfigure Floor Plan
The great thing about split-level homes is that they can be reworked into an open-concept floor plan. A strategic home addition not only adds room inside; it also drastically updates the outside. You can reconfigure the upper level to make your space fit your family and your needs. Check out this split-level remodel we recently did in Apple Valley, MN!
“You don’t need to add much square footage to increase the usable space in your split level home,” said Morgan Longhenry, JBDB designer. “A few feet can radically transform your home’s look and feel.”
Revitalize Your Split-Level House
Your split-level home doesn’t have to be stuck in the past. Refresh the exterior and become the talk of the neighborhood! James Barton Design-Build transforms homes all over the Twin Cities with stunning designs you’ll love coming home to every day.
Request a consultation for your next exterior home remodeling project with our award-winning team. For more inspiration, visit our portfolio.
