Split Level Refresh Ideas for Paint Colors and other updates
Looking for advice on all fronts, to update the look of this split level but especially as it concerns specific paint combinations. STRONG Preference is to NOT PAINT BRICK so:
Option 1 would be to keep siding as is (a Cream color which is similar to existing window trim) and identify some complimentary color choices for the shutters, front door, sidelights, posts, siding on front porch and the garage door. and
Option 2: would be paint the siding and identify color choices for the siding and the same items noted above.
Pictures of the house in question are being included, as well as a closeup of the existing brick and the shingle color which is Summer Harvest. The shingles have been selected but not yet purchased/installed.
Any other update/curb appeal ideas or observations that may avoid a woulda coulda shoulda outcome would also be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Comments (15)
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Paint Color(s) for Split Level
Comments (2)Was you home built in the 70's? I ask because mine was, and I had similar dark trim. It was pine wood stained dark and so I painted it. I would not necessarily paint pretty wood trim, but pine is not a valuable wood. You might find painting the trim white helps the colors work better. Pale oak is light enough that I think it will work with all the rooms. In my own home I have a creamy light beige with just enough color to set off my white trim. I will leave the paint help to those more experienced:) If you plan on changing out the countertop down the road, consider holding off on a backsplash. The backsplash comes last and may be damaged when changing out the counter or there may be a gap between the older backsplash and the new counter. When you change out appliances, consider getting a small microwave for the counter or retrofitting another cabinet with a microwave shelf. A dedicated vent looks better and works better if it is possible. You can get an inexpensive piece of butcher block to use rather than the quartz until you are ready to do all the counters. I had butcher block on my island for several years till I changed out countertops and it worked great. My own oak kitchen is in my "my pics" idea book. There is an older pic with the butcher block and a newer one with quartz on the island. I also have a Whitehaven "short apron" farm sink which can be installed on a standard sink base cabinet. My style is vintage with a touch of French Country, so perhaps not your style, but the counters and backsplash are flexible style wise and might give you some ideas for down the road. It is just one of many ways to go. Do not do a mosaic glass type backsplash. Wood cabinets look best with a simple backsplash. Also, be careful of cool grays and warm wood tones - they don't bring out the best in each other....See MoreUpdate a 1980's Split Level Home on a very limited budget
Comments (6)Its hard to tell by your pictures, which are a bit blurry and a bit small, but, is that exterior stained? If so, I would get it cleaned and a fresh coat of stain, since I do like the colors on there right now. I am the exception here, I guess, because, I do think those reddish shutters add a lot to the house. The landscaping could use a bit of work, but, all in all, it looks to be a very nice house....See MoreDesigners! need help coming up with ideas to update Split level exter
Comments (13)Thank you to everyone's suggestions thus far! I really appreciate it. I agree with everyone that a good deal of landscaping in front is a must and would go a long way towards adding curb appeal to the front of the home. Beverly- what if I have the budget to change the entire level of the roof over the single story part of the home? I was thinking I could do a dramatic higher A-pitch style roof to add visual interest and also enable the addition of a long front porch? We just keep envisioning a french country exterior and we will do what we can (within reason- not going the entire value of the house) to get that look. Changing the roof line (to either an A pitch or a multiple "peak" look) would also give the appearance of a larger home and also allow us to raise the ceiling heights in the main living area of the home - i.e., opening up the entire kitchen and living room to each other as well). I did get an estimate to move the AC unit and it was around $1500 so not cost prohibitive for what we want to do....See MoreHow to update split level exterior?
Comments (15)Lower the dormers to meet the windows and not peak above the roof line - That will be pricey but worth it and a lot less expensive than removing the gambrel roof. Paint the brick with a masonry paint or lime paint. Don't do a wash that exposes the brick. The house and roof together are both busy, you need to tame one of them down and it's cheaper to tame down the brick. I know folks love to recommend a wash that shows some brick, but someone did that in my neighborhood and in person, it looks awful. Can't quite see the lower windows, but they look like they need to be freshened up. Are those storm windows? Storm windows do the job but IMO, cause too much reflection as a single plane if you're going for cottage. You need the mullions to break it up. Get good quality windows in a style you like. Black shutters Make your front door more prominent by removing the storm door. If you need better energy efficient door, get that and don't replace the storm door. If you need the storm door, get a good quality one with low profile styles so the door will show. Paint the siding the same color as the brick New handrail that compliments the overall look. Not sure what that is but once everything else is done, you'll figure it out. Landscaping. If you really want to use or maybe exceed your budget, do cedar shakes on the gambrel and roof. My neighbor has a very similar house and did cedar shake on the front of the gambrel and the front of the roof. They did asphalt shingles on the back to save money. Looks really nice. $50 - 60K seems like a lot but it will go fast once you start making changes that cut into the roof line. Plus good quality windows are crazy expensive now. Make a plan, price it out and you can make your lovely home spectacular on that budget....See More
PROPatricia Colwell Consulting
last yearlast modified: last yearThose shingles are not a good choice a simple one color shingle is always a better choice . As for the rest what sort of style are you leaning towards ,This house cab go in a MCM direction or a more tradional way.The pic above with the sagey green is one of my faves for a brick house but not really MCM . Your fornt door and shutters do not work no matter what style you want. I agree the rees blocking th fornt of the house need to be removed. I always like a walkway from the street to the entry not one from the driveway. I think you do not need a storm door if you get a good stell one and if you want a screen get a phantom . Split levels can take many avenues for style so maybe post some pics of styles you like in a comment. These are 2 very different slpit level before and afters to give you some idea
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last yearmifla
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Lyn Nielson
last year
I think it is BM Rain
I'd forget the shutters for an updated look. a nice compliment to your brick color.
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lisedv
last yearlast modified: last yearIt's hard to tell from the photo what shade of cream your house really is, it looks almost white so depending on the cream, the scheme below might work, on the sketch it's white with black trim, black windows and doors. I find the shingles a bit busy and show below the same style in shades of grey.
You'd have a more modern look without the shutters but I find the shutters enlarge the windows that otherwise would look a bit lost in the space.
I suggest you cut down the shrubs along the porch so that we can see the house and porch. Some flowering perennials along the house on the left would be nice as would a short boxwood hedge in front of the porch.
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emmarene9
last yearI don't object to the current house color. If you feel like a change you could try out colors at either Sherwin Williams visualizer or Benjamin Moore visualizer. If your roofing is Owens Corning they have a visualizer too. Your cream colored trim looks quite yellowish in the photo. Keep that in mind. I made this image at SW, as an example. Colors are not exact, it just gives you some options.
I like the landscaping with the exception of the tree that is covering much of the entrance area. Perhaps it could be thinned out some.
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Melissa R
last year
SW Greenblack
SW Sage Green Light
SW Roycroft Bronze Green
SW Rockwood Sash Green
SW Charcoal Blue
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Denise Marchand
last yearConsider charcoal grey with a robins egg blue front door and mint trim.
or
dark slate blue with natural wood garage doors with an orange front door
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chloebud