Split Level Addition Help!
Jenna DiGirolamo
4 years ago
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beesneeds
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Help for Tired Split Level
Comments (10)I think it's a good-looking house, with good proportions. I wouldn't call it "chopped up" looking at all. The mushroom-colored siding and white trim don't do anything for each other. I'd paint the siding (first and second floors both) something like the brick color you're testing in the photo of the front door, but with a bit more orange, and a few shades lighter than the brickwork. Paint the garage door the same color. That should give the house more unity than it currently has, de-emphasize the garage, and solve the "chopped up" issue. Consider painting the lower part of the downspout the brick color as well. I wouldn't use that color for the front doors, though, since you think the doors aren't noticeable enough. White or black would work, as you're already using them for accent colors (and both colors appear in the used brick). Or keep the doors blue. Wait to decide about shutters for the large window until after you've painted the siding. If it bothers you, install shutters; if not, save your money. [Another factor in this decision is the landscaping on either side of the window; will there be shrubs to cover the shutter area? and do you know what the hollies are? Since you're removed most of the shrubs, an updated photo would help.] While shutters are optional, I think a window box under the large window is a definite 'No.' The window is too low. Plant 2-3 evergreens in front of the window instead, and grow flowers in front of them in the warm season. I don't think changing the columns would draw more attention to the front doors, since the columns are in four different locations across more than half of the building. What will help is keeping shrubbery from concealing the area around the entrance. If whatever climbs the trellis will hide the front doors, then move the trellis elsewhere. I wouldn't put anything taller than a foot or a foot and a half in the area in front of the doors. If you want more color in that area, consider adding a narrow bed on the other side of the walkway for some flowering annuals or perennials. How narrow is the narrow bed? Does the porch run the whole distance to the driveway? Am I seeing a walkway in front of the narrow bed, or is that snow? Can you tell us what zone you're in? It will help with the shrub and tree recommendations. If you don't know your zone, you can use your zip code to find out: http://www.garden.org/zipzone/index.php...See MoreNeed help with Split level
Comments (58)I would definitely consider taking the space from the garage or basement (perhaps where oil tank sits currently) to be able to make the garage connected to the house. Your house is very different if you need 5-6 steps to go from garage to lower level. You might also want to consider a ramp if you have room. Think of what a pain it will be to take the trash to the garage. Or even worse, you arrive home in the car, park it in the garage and then have to go outside again to enter the front door. For me, those tiny little foyers in split entries are completely useless if you have more than 2 people living in the home. Just think of all the sports equipment, knapsacks, boots, coats etc your children will want to bring into and out of the home. Find some way to make the garage door connect to the basement and even try to add a man door so your children can go through the garage without opening one of the big doors. Then plan on a very decent sized mudroom in the basement. My kids no longer are allowed to use the front door. They all come in the garage man door, walk on one side of the garage (there is a pathway away from cars) and enter the home. Upon entering there is a large space used as mudroom (not finished yet, but still functional). I will never go back to having the family arrive into the tiny entry. In the old house, you usually couldn't open the door without pushing back packs out of the way. Carol...See MoreSplit Level With Flat Roof Lines, HELP don't know where to start!
Comments (7)I don't think board and batten is the right style siding for your home. You've got too much going on with all the roof lines and uneven facade. What you've mocked up is appropriate and uniform, making the house look more uniform than it actually is. I love the mock up you did and I think the windows are appropriate for the style home. I wouldn't do a bow window, but a regular one. Bow windows are dated. I like your color scheme, but fear it won't look great with the brown roof. If the roof will need to be replaced anytime soon, then go for it. If not, you may want to look at other color options with a brown roof. A deep blue gray could look nice. This could be helpful in picking a color. https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/how-to-pick-exterior-paint-colours-in-5-easy-steps/...See MoreHelp with my Split Entry Bi-level - Pony Wall or railing?
Comments (12)While I've placed smaller pieces of furniture against our upper level railing, the backs and undersides have to be impeccable and the impact the color and mass have on the lower level carefully considered. The photo in the example below defeats the purpose of the open railing. I agree with your idea because the balusters are, IMO, too large and a bit dated, the living room is larger and used far more than the entry so it's functionality should be prioritized, plus you are planning measures to compensate for the loss of light in the entry. If you have little ones and place a sofa against the pony wall or railing, consider adding another piece of furniture like a sofa table in between so you aren't setting up a springy launching pad for them....See Morecpartist
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