How do I add modern design to a split-level exterior?
HU-110511027
4 years ago
I am redesigning my tired, awkward exterior. But I don’t know how to breakup this flat space. I would like to use 3 colors and mix the materials.
any suggestions?
Featured Answer
Comments (9)
houssaon
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoRemove the shutters. Is that a red brick at the bottom? I assumed it was when I picked some colors to consider.
I like the high contrast of the colors and includes a great red for the trim around the windowa and garage door, which is right next to the brick.
Related Discussions
Ready for a challenge? Split-level needs you (so do I)
Comments (22)You guys have been busy, overnight! Thank you for continuing to help me think this through. GauchoGordo - I am not into a full open concept for this house. At night, when you look in from the outside, passersby can see straight into the LR/DR (one reason I would rather move the LR space to the back -- I can move around in my PJ's) To answer your question about keeping a LR, I would like room for a few comfy chairs/love seat + chair and a coffee table -- sort of a "landing" area for when guests first arrive. Laughable -- I like your 2nd plan. And removing or adding windows is acceptable to me. Something I feel I will have to do, anyway. Williamsem and Junco -- this reminds me of Breezy's plan (which I love). No room for an island in the K, right? Bpathome -- Those windows are pretty awesome -- because they are in the LR, and I don't spend much time there, I don't get to enjoy them or the wonderful light that comes from them. The front left corner of the center wall is supporting the roof on that side of the house, but I wouldn't mind burying it in the ceiling.... Sena01 -- I've never thought of adding a wall there! Interesting idea that I need to spend some time digesting. You all are goooood! I'm loving your creativity. Thanks (and I'd love to see more!)...See MoreSplit-Level Exterior Remodel - Opine on our design
Comments (7)The porch area will remain as is and already has the board and batten style, we'll just give it a fresh coat of white paint. I hear you on the columns, I suppose I should have been more clear. We trend towards modern but don't mind the craftsman-type style as well since some homes on our block are craftsman. Thus we thought the columns would be a nice touch regardless. Garage doors - seem to be in good condition so really wasn't looking to replace but I'm open to refinishing them in a gel-stain perhaps. I've seen some folks do a wood colored gel-stain the looks decent so I can try that. Our front door is hidden but we replaced that as well and need to decide on a color to match the exterior....See MoreNeed exterior design help for this 1960s split level ranch
Comments (5)Interesting - I like your theory about someone homesick for New Orleans LOL. As mentioned above, porch cant really be removed without leaving scars - and an overhang much deeper than the rest of the house, which would look funny. Can the balcony be used, does it make sense to open up a room to it? Part of its oddness is that its obvious that there is no door and cant be used. Whats going on under the porch, behind the hedge? Some kind of patio? You could remove the hedge, expand that and make it into useable attractive outdoor living space - framed in a border of flowering fragrant shrubs, 1 or 2 well placed ornamental trees (ie short, placed toward the side of the house), intermixed with perennials/bulbs. You could leave a few of the evergreens - its just the solid wall of them that is so unappealing. What are the rooms on the lower level - would any of those benefit by opening up to a patio? .... or maybe it could be an actual courtyard and by that I mean a professionally designed walled space which fits architecturally with your house.... not an ugly cheap privacy fence from Menards! But then that gets to be expensive too - probably more than just removing the darn thing! Otherwise, maybe just swap out the frilly iron work for something simpler/more linear, with strong horizontal lines as is fitting for this style/era. Also changing all the white to something less high contrast - would help de-emphasize it....See MoreDesign ideas for exterior of brown split level ranch. So brown.
Comments (13)Some suggestions... 1. I would extend the wood siding down to the ground in front and paint it black. This simplifies the facade and helps to make it feel more modern, and contrasts with the brick. It makes it feel crisp. 2. Either flatten the bay window or make it a box bay and extend the black aluminum surround to the bottom windows. This further simplifies the facade and brings in and architectural element. 3. Update the door with a more modern version to match the modern asthetic of the rest of the house. 4. Remove the shutters. They don't match the more MCM style of the house. 5. When it's time to replace the roof, go with black shingles. It will help with more contrast. 6. Landscape, landscape, landscape. Here is what it could look like......See More
PROVirgil Carter Fine Art
4 years ago
emmarene9
4 years ago
White trim, white around the windows. SW Attitude Gray. I think you could do a lot with landscaping. We can't see the entrance and that is usually the focal point to the front of a house.
The right side of the house dominates as it is more forward and two story. For that reason I decided not to paint the gable in another color. It would just draw more attention.
SW Night Owl, if you are willing to paint the brick
HU-110511027
4 years ago
PROBeth H. :
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agohoussaon
4 years ago
tira_misu
4 years agoAre you changing your windows? Is not, I suggest painting the trims white to make it more uniform. What kind of siding did you choose?
I'd paint the door a different color to make is pop more. Landscaping is also a gamechanger.
tartanmeup
4 years ago
Related Stories
APARTMENTSHouzz Tour: Modern Japanese Penthouse Atop a Designer’s Office
Vintage obis, petrified wood, Samurai armbands and antique fans are just a few of the materials that warm this California apartment
Full Story
LANDSCAPE DESIGNModern Garden Designs for Modern Homes
Link your garden to your home’s clean-lined architecture in a most interesting way
Full Story
TILEWorld of Design: How Modern Geometric Designs Are Reinventing Cement
Intricate and eye-catching, the patterns of today’s cement tiles mark a break with their past while preserving an age-old technique
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESThese Split-Level Homes Get the Style Right
A suburban architecture style gets a welcome update with open floor plans and chic design touches
Full Story
HOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: Added Space and Style for a 1960s Split Level
With a new second story and downstairs suite, custom touches and midcentury pieces, this Portland family home suits 3 generations
Full Story
MODERN ARCHITECTUREDesign Workshop: Modern Metal Shingle Style
Steel, copper and zinc shingles take siding to new heights, with less maintenance than their wooden cousins
Full Story
ARCHITECTURE5 Modern Home Exteriors Tell a Texture Story
'Woven' concrete, rammed earth, stones tumbled into baskets ... Materials with texture give these homes freedom of expression
Full Story
ARCHITECTUREInnovative Screens Add Architectural Wonder on 3 Modern Homes
Aiding privacy and filtering sunlight may have been important, but these screens offer dazzling visuals as part of the package
Full Story
HOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: Modern Design With a Nod to the Past
Several exterior strategies help this angular home blend in with its neighbors
Full Story
KITCHEN OF THE WEEKKitchen of the Week: A Better Design for Modern Living in Rhode Island
On the bottom level of a 2-story addition, a warm and open kitchen shares space with a breakfast room, family room and home office
Full Story
Beth H. :