Are you tired of the outdated and dull appearance of your split level home’s exterior? It’s time to give it a fresh and modern look that will make your neighbors envious. Modernizing a split level home exterior may seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance and inspiration, you can transform your home into a stylish masterpiece. In this article, we will discuss nine expert tips to help you modernize your split level home’s exterior and create a stunning curb appeal.
Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand the essence of modernizing a split level home exterior. The goal is to enhance the visual aesthetics of your home by incorporating contemporary design elements while maintaining the unique charm of the split level architecture. By balancing innovation and tradition, you can create a sleek and sophisticated look that seamlessly blends with the surrounding environment.
Embrace Minimalism
Summary: Get rid of excess clutter and embrace clean lines and simple forms to achieve a minimalist look.
When modernizing a split level home exterior, one of the key principles to keep in mind is minimalism. Embracing minimalism means getting rid of excess clutter and adopting clean lines, simple forms, and a restrained color palette. By removing unnecessary adornments and focusing on the essential elements, you can create a sleek and contemporary look for your home.
Declutter and Simplify
Start by decluttering your split level home’s exterior. Remove any outdated or unnecessary elements such as old decorations, worn-out furniture, or overgrown vegetation. Streamline the design by keeping only the essential features that contribute to the overall aesthetic.
Next, focus on simplifying the forms and lines of your home’s exterior. Look for opportunities to eliminate excessive ornamentation and create clean, uncluttered surfaces. Consider using minimalist materials such as smooth stucco, clean-cut stone, or sleek metal finishes to achieve a refined and contemporary look.
Choose a Neutral Color Palette
When it comes to colors, opt for a neutral palette to create a timeless and sophisticated appearance. Shades of white, gray, beige, or taupe work well for a modern split level home exterior. These hues not only create a sense of calm and serenity but also allow the architectural features of your home to stand out.
For a touch of contrast, you can add a pop of color through carefully selected accents such as a brightly colored front door or vibrant outdoor furniture. However, be mindful not to overdo it and maintain a balance between simplicity and visual interest.
Update the Entryway
Summary: Give your home a warm welcome by revamping the entryway with modern materials and tasteful accents.
The entryway of your split level home is the first impression visitors have of your property. It sets the tone for the entire exterior and can greatly influence its overall modern appeal. By updating the entryway with modern materials and tasteful accents, you can create a welcoming and stylish focal point for your home.
Upgrade the Front Door
One of the most impactful ways to modernize your split level home’s entryway is by upgrading the front door. Consider replacing an old or outdated door with a sleek and contemporary design. Options such as a solid wood door with clean lines, a glass-panelled door for a modern touch, or a bold-colored door to make a statement can instantly transform the look of your home.
Don’t forget to pay attention to the door hardware as well. Choose modern and minimalist handles, locks, and knockers that complement the style of your new front door. These small details can make a big difference in enhancing the overall modern aesthetic of your home’s entryway.
Create a Welcoming Pathway
In addition to the front door, the pathway leading to your split level home should also be given attention. Replace any worn-out or outdated paving materials with modern alternatives such as concrete pavers, natural stone, or sleek tiles. Choose materials that complement the overall design of your home and create a visually pleasing and inviting pathway.
Consider adding lighting along the pathway to enhance its modern appeal. LED strip lights embedded in the ground or sleek outdoor wall sconces can not only provide functional lighting but also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the entrance of your home.
Enhance the Façade
Summary: Transform the façade of your split level home by adding contemporary finishes, textures, and colors.
The façade of your split level home is like a canvas waiting to be transformed into a modern masterpiece. By incorporating contemporary finishes, textures, and colors, you can dramatically enhance the visual appeal and modernize the overall look of your home.
Consider Exterior Cladding
One of the most effective ways to modernize the façade of your split level home is by adding exterior cladding. Cladding not only provides protection but also serves as a design element that can completely transform the appearance of your home. Options such as fiber cement panels, metal siding, or composite wood can create a sleek and contemporary look.
When selecting exterior cladding, consider the architectural style of your split level home and choose materials that complement its unique features. For example, if your home has clean horizontal lines, metal siding can emphasize and enhance its modern appeal. On the other hand, if your home has a more rustic or natural aesthetic, composite wood cladding can add warmth and texture.
Introduce Texture with Accents
In addition to cladding, introducing texture through accents is another way to modernize your split level home’s façade. Consider adding elements like stone or brick veneers, which can create visual interest and break up large expanses of flat surfaces. These textured accents can be strategically placed around windows, on pillars, or as a feature wall to add depth and character to your home.
Remember to choose textures that complement the overall design and style of your home. Aim for a harmonious balance between the smooth surfaces of your cladding and the textured accents, creating a visually appealing contrast that adds depth and dimension to the façade.
Upgrade the Windows
Summary: Replace outdated windows with sleek, energy-efficient options that complement the modern aesthetic of your home.
Windows play a crucial role in both the functionality and aesthetics of your split level home’s exterior. Outdated or inefficient windows can detract from the overall modern appeal of your home. By upgrading to sleek and energy-efficient options, you can enhance both the visual aesthetics and the comfort of your home.
Choose Contemporary Window Styles
When selecting new windows for your split level home, opt for contemporary styles that align with the modern aesthetic you want to achieve. Consider options such as large picture windows, casement windows, or floor-to-ceiling windows that allow ample natural light to enter and create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
Additionally, pay attention to the window frames. Choose materials that not only look modern but also offer durability and energy efficiency. Options such as aluminum or fiberglass frames can provide a sleek and minimalist look while offering excellent insulation and longevity.
Explore Window Treatments
Window treatments can further enhance the modern appeal of your split level home’s exterior. Consider installing sleek and minimalistic blinds, shades, or even motorized window coverings that seamlessly integrate with the overall design. Opt for neutral colors or subtle patterns that complement your home’s color palette and allow for flexibility in controlling privacy and natural light.
Remember that the goal is to create a clean and uncluttered look, so avoid heavy and overly ornate window treatments that may distract from the modern aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
Revitalize the Roof
Summary: Explore modern roofing materials and styles to revitalize the look of your split level home.
The roof of your split level home is a prominent feature that can greatly impact its overall appearance. If your roof is outdated or in need of repair, consider revitalizing it with modern roofing materials and styles to give your home a fresh and contemporary look.
Choose Modern Roofing Materials
When it comes to modernizing your split level home’s roof, explore contemporary roofing materials that offer both style and durability. Options such as metal roofing, flat or low-pitched roofs, or even eco-friendly green roofs can transform the look of your home.
Metal roofing, with its sleek and clean lines, is a popular choice for modern homes. It offers durability, energy efficiency, and a distinctive aesthetic that complements the overall modern appeal. Flat or low-pitched roofs, on the other hand, can create a sleek and minimalistic look, adding a touch of architectural interest to your split level home.
Consider Roof Accents
In addition to the roofing material, consider incorporating roof accents to add visual interest and elevate the modern appeal of your split level home. Features such as dormer windows, skylights, or even rooftop gardens can create a dynamic and contemporary look while enhancing the functionality of your home.
When designing roof accents, ensure they harmonize with the overall architectural style of your home and complement the existing features. The goal is to create a cohesive and visually appealing composition that integrates seamlessly with the modernized exterior of your split level home.
Landscape with Style
Summary: Create a harmonious connection between your home and its surroundings by designing a modern landscape.
Landscaping plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall curb appeal of your split level home. A well-designed and modern landscape can create a harmonious connection between your home and its surroundings, adding to its visual appeal. By incorporating contemporary landscaping elements and thoughtful design, you can transform your outdoor space into a stylish and inviting oasis.
Design a Unified Outdoor Space
When modernizing your split level home’s exterior, it’s important to create a unified outdoor space that seamlessly integrates with the architecture of your home. Start by establishing a clear design concept and choose elements that complement the overall modern aesthetic you’re aiming for.
Paying attention to the layout and organization of your outdoor space is key. Consider creating defined areas for different activities, such as a seating area, dining area, and perhaps even a designated space for outdoor entertainment. Use hardscape features like paths, patios, and decks to connect these areas and create a cohesive flow throughout your landscape.
Embrace Contemporary Landscaping Elements
To achieve a modern look, incorporate contemporary landscaping elements into your outdoor space. Opt for clean lines, geometric shapes, and minimalist plantings. Choose plants with architectural qualities, such as ornamental grasses, succulents, and sculptural trees, to add visual interest and texture to your landscape.
Consider incorporating modern features such as a sleek water feature, a fire pit, or an outdoor kitchen to create focal points and enhance the functionality of your outdoor space. These elements not only add a touch of luxury but also elevate the modern appeal of your split level home’s exterior.
Light Up the Exterior
Summary: Illuminate your split level home’s exterior with modern lighting fixtures to enhance its beauty during the day and night.
Proper lighting is essential in highlighting the architectural features and creating a welcoming ambiance for your split level home’s exterior. By strategically incorporating modern lighting fixtures, you can enhance its beauty and create a stunning visual impact both during the day and night.
Highlight Architectural Features
Use lighting to accentuate the unique architectural features of your split level home. Consider installing uplights or spotlights to showcase the textured façade, pillars, or any other distinctive elements. This technique not only adds depth and dimension to your home but also creates a dramatic effect after sunset.
For a modern touch, choose sleek and minimalist lighting fixtures that blend seamlessly with the overall design. Recessed wall lights, linear LED strip lights, or contemporary outdoor sconces are excellent options that complement the modern aesthetic of your split level home.
Create Ambient and Functional Lighting
In addition to highlighting architectural features, it’s important to create ambient and functional lighting throughout your outdoor space. Incorporate pathway lights to guide visitors and create a safe and inviting atmosphere. Use well-placed bollard lights or string lights to define seating areas or outdoor dining spaces, providing both illumination and a cozy ambiance.
Consider integrating smart lighting systems that allow you to control the intensity, color, and timing of your outdoor lights. This gives you the flexibility to create different moods and adapt the lighting to various occasions, further enhancing the modern appeal of your split level home’s exterior.
Add Architectural Accents
Summary: Incorporate architectural accents like wood paneling, stone cladding, or metal accents to elevate the contemporary appeal of your home.
Architectural accents can significantly contribute to the modern look and feel of your split level home’s exterior. By incorporating materials such as wood, stone, or metal, you can add depth, texture, and visual interest to the overall design.
Wood Paneling and Siding
Wood paneling or siding can add warmth and natural beauty to your split level home’s exterior. Consider using wood accents on specific areas, such as the front façade, entrance, or even as an accent wall. Opt for sleek and clean lines to maintain a modern aesthetic.
Alternatively, explore innovative wood alternatives that offer the look and feel of wood but with enhanced durability and low maintenance requirements. Composite wood or fiber cement panels are excellent options that provide the desired modern appeal without the concerns of warping, rotting, or fading.
Stone Cladding and Accents
Stone cladding is another excellent way to add texture and sophistication to your split level home’s exterior. Consider using stone veneers to highlight specific architectural features, such as pillars, columns, or the front entrance. The natural beauty and timeless elegance of stone can instantly elevate the contemporary appeal of your home.
Incorporate metal accents, such as stainless steel or aluminum, into your split level home’s exterior design. Metal can be used to create striking features like decorative screens, railing systems, or even as a material for the front door or garage door. These accents provide a sleek and modern touch, adding a sense of luxury and sophistication to your home.
Embrace Sustainable Design
Summary: Modernize your split level home exterior by integrating environmentally friendly materials and sustainable design practices.
As we strive for a more sustainable future, incorporating eco-friendly elements into your split level home’s exterior not only benefits the environment but also adds a modern and forward-thinking touch to your home’s design. Embrace sustainable design principles and materials to create a contemporary and environmentally conscious exterior.
Choose Environmentally Friendly Materials
When modernizing your split level home’s exterior, consider using materials with a low environmental impact. For example, opt for recycled or repurposed materials such as reclaimed wood or recycled metal for your cladding or accents. These materials not only reduce waste but also add a unique character and charm to your home’s design.
Additionally, explore the use of sustainable building materials such as bamboo, which is a rapidly renewable resource, for decking or fencing. Incorporate permeable pavers or gravel for your pathways and driveways to promote water infiltration and reduce stormwater runoff.
Integrate Green Building Practices
Go beyond material choices and consider integrating green building practices into your split level home’s exterior design. Install rainwater harvesting systems to collect and reuse water for irrigation purposes. Incorporate native plants in your landscape that require less water and maintenance. Implement efficient irrigation systems that minimize water waste.
Consider installing solar panels on your roof to generate clean and renewable energy for your home. These sustainable features not only reduce your environmental footprint but can also lead to long-term energy savings.
In conclusion, transforming your split level home’s exterior into a modern masterpiece is an exciting journey. By following the expert tips mentioned above, you can achieve a contemporary look while preserving the unique charm of your split level home. Remember, the key is to strike a balance between innovation and tradition. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your inspiration, and embark on the path to a stunning and modern split level home exterior.
