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

I think its a bad idea IF the doors in one area are an obvious 'downgrade', like you couldn't afford something nice all through the home. OTOH, if the doors can't be seen at the same time and go well with the style of the home, I see no reason why they have to match.

teacats has lots of good suggestions. As splits go, yours is pretty nice. I dug around a bit and found this link for a small book on ideas for splits. I had thought of some kind of trellis to unify the front. Indeed, that is one of the suggestions in the booklet. So, maybe there isn't money to change rooflines, etc. But of you see something you like, you could start working in that direction with landscaping (hardscapes in particular) or color. Btw, I have always thought that splits are a very practical way to live. Easier for older folks and younger too, where steps can be a barrier. A nice way to "stay connected" to family. You're never too far away. My split plan rancher has a feeling of real disconnectedness. But since DD is almost 14, maybe that's good! ;-) Oh, there is another split transformation on the Cottage Living website, but it involved a huge budget. The house is totally re-made. It is amazing. Here is a link that might be useful: Great ideas for splits.

Great article, JudyG! So many of the points they made are spot on. In fact, we *are* using this split level to form a multigenerational household. My parents own the house. My husband and I (and our two kids) are buying it from them. We are going to live upstairs, and my parents are going to live in the in-law apartment (an addition, which is not pictured in the photo), downstairs. The layout is ideal for us. I really appreciate your ideas about the exterior. I think that I'm going to use your idea of painting the brick and the shingles the same color, to create a cohesive look and not draw attention to the "split" features. The shutters are definitely going to go. As for the color choice of the paint: I have been told that the roof is super old, and in need of replacement. My parents are also strongly advising that we replace all the windows, because they, too, are very old and drafty. So with so many projects/expenses coming up, I want to view this as an opportunity to make some thoughtful design choices and update the look of the house. We haven't met with the window vendor yet, or even decided if we want to go with wood vs. vinyl windows. I just got excited by the idea of being able to use a color other than white, to give the house a cool, well-designed look. But I'm not actually sure if black will look good in this particular house. Thanks again for all your suggestions and comments! I'll keep you updated!