Split Level Homes Exterior

Table of Contents

The Distinctive Profile: What Defines a Split Level Homes Exterior?

The most immediate identifier of a split-level home from the outside is its multi-level facade. Unlike traditional two-story or ranch homes, a split level visually communicates its internal staggering of floors. This can manifest in several ways on the Split Level Homes Exterior.

Often, you’ll see different rooflines at various levels, reflecting the half-flight separation inside. Windows may be placed at varying heights across the front elevation. The entry door is typically situated between the observable levels, requiring a short set of stairs up or down immediately upon entering. This inherent asymmetry and layering are key features of the Split Level Homes Exterior.

Understanding the Different Types of Split Level Exteriors

While the term “split level” is commonly used, there are a few variations whose structures impact the appearance of the Split Level Homes Exterior. Recognizing which type of split level you have is crucial for effective exterior design and renovation strategies.

Split Entry / Split Foyer Exterior

Perhaps the most common type, the split entry or split foyer home features a main entrance door that opens onto a small landing. From this landing, stairs lead both up to the main living level and down to the lower level (often the family room or garage). The Split Level Homes Exterior of a split entry is characterized by this prominent central door, often topped by a window or series of windows for the upper level, and significant wall space (or garage doors) on the lower level. This layout can sometimes present challenges in making the entry feel grand or clearly defined from the street.

Standard Split Level Exterior

A standard or true split level house usually has three or more levels visible from the exterior, connected by half flights of stairs inside. You might walk directly into a main living area, with stairs going up to bedrooms and down to a family room or utility space. The Split Level Homes Exterior of this type often showcases more complex massing and varied window placement across its face, reflecting the multiple internal levels. The roofline can be more varied, potentially incorporating multiple gable ends or different eave heights.

Bi-Level Exterior

Sometimes confused with split levels, a bi-level (or raised ranch) is essentially a two-story home where the lower level is partially or fully above grade. The entry door is typically at ground level, with stairs immediately leading to the upper main living area. The lower level is often a garage, utility space, or finished living area. While similar to a split entry in needing internal stairs upon entry, the Split Level Homes Exterior of a bi-level often presents a more uniform two-story look, sometimes appearing boxy. It lacks the visible staggering of floors that defines a true split or split entry.

Enhancing Curb Appeal: Transforming Your Split Level Exterior

Regardless of the specific type, every Split Level Homes Exterior holds immense potential for transformation. With thoughtful design choices, you can elevate its curb appeal, combat common aesthetic challenges, and create a home that is both inviting and modern. The key is to work with the unique structure, not against it.

Architectural Elements and Materials

Updating the materials on your Split Level Homes Exterior can dramatically change its look. Many older split levels feature horizontal siding, sometimes paired with brick or stone accents.

Siding: Replacing old vinyl or aluminum siding with newer materials like fiber cement (Hardie board) or modern vinyl profiles can instantly refresh the facade. Vertical siding or shake siding can be used to add texture or highlight specific sections, breaking up monotonous large wall areas.
Stone or Brick: Adding stone veneer accents around the base, the entry, or garage doors can introduce visual weight and a sense of permanence. If existing brick or stone is dated, consider cleaning it, painting it (using appropriate masonry paint), or cladding over it with a different material for a contemporary look.
Windows and Doors: Modernizing windows with new styles and colors can have a huge impact. Pay special attention to the front door – it’s a focal point. A vibrant color, updated style, or adding sidelights can make the entry more prominent and welcoming. Garage doors also occupy significant visual space on many Split Level Homes Exterior designs; replacing basic doors with stylish ones (e.g., carriage-style, modern full-view) can surprisingly boost curb appeal.
Trim and Details: Updated trim around windows and doors, adding shutters (proportionate and properly installed beside windows), or including decorative gable vents can add architectural interest to an otherwise plain Split Level Homes Exterior.

Color Palettes and Finishes

Choosing the right color scheme is paramount for enhancing the Split Level Homes Exterior. The multi-level nature means you have different planes and surfaces to consider.

Base Color: A fresh coat of paint or new siding color sets the main tone. Consider colors that complement the surrounding environment. Neutral colors like greys, whites, or tans provide a classic backdrop, while deeper blues, greens, or even blacks can offer a more contemporary and dramatic look.
Trim Color: The trim color should contrast with the main color to highlight architectural details. White is a classic choice for contrast, but darker colors can also be effective depending on the main facade color. Don’t forget trim around the roofline (soffit and fascia), corners, and garage doors.
Accent Color: Use an accent color for the front door to make it pop. Coordinate this color with other elements like shutters or outdoor furniture. A bold red, a deep teal, or a sunny yellow can draw the eye to the entry, addressing a common challenge for Split Level Homes Exterior designs where the door can feel recessed or understated.
Roof Color: While not always the first thing people think of for the Split Level Homes Exterior, the roof color impacts the overall palette. Choose a shingle color that complements the siding and trim. Darker roofs tend to provide a anchors look, while lighter roofs can make the house appear larger and reflect heat.

Landscaping for Split Levels

Landscaping is arguably the most effective tool for softening the lines and integrating the different levels of a Split Level Homes Exterior with its surroundings. It can guide the eye, create visual interest, and provide privacy.

Front Yard Design Strategies

The front yard of a split level often involves dealing with slopes or different grade changes leading to the entry. Effective landscaping can mitigate these challenges.

Layering: Use plants of varying heights in layers. Taller plants towards the back, medium shrubs, and lower perennials or groundcovers towards the front can create depth and soften the foundation lines, especially where the lower level meets the ground.
Foundation Plantings: Carefully selected foundation plants can help obscure or integrate the height difference between the lower and upper parts of the Split Level Homes Exterior. Avoid plants that grow too large and overwhelm the facade or block windows.
Dealing with Slopes: If your split level is built on a slope, terracing with retaining walls can create flat planting beds and add visual structure. This also helps manage water runoff and makes maintenance easier.
Trees and Shrubs: Strategically placed trees can frame the house and provide shade, while larger shrubs can anchor corners or soften the edges of the structure.

Hardscaping and Pathways

Hardscaping elements are essential for defining the approach to the Split Level Homes Exterior and connecting different areas of the yard.

Walkways: A well-defined walkway leading to the front door is crucial. It should be inviting and safe. Use attractive materials like pavers, natural stone, or decorative concrete. Widening the walkway near the entry can make it feel more grand.
Entryway Landing/Patio: Expanding the landing area at the front door with a small patio or deck can make the entry more prominent and provide space for seating or potted plants, creating a welcoming outdoor “room” that enhances the overall Split Level Homes Exterior presentation.
Steps: If there are steps leading up to the entry, ensure they are well-maintained, wide enough, and potentially adorned with plantings or low walls alongside them.

Common Challenges and How to Address Them

While the unique structure of a split level offers opportunities, it also presents some common design challenges for the exterior that homeowners often wish to address.

One frequent challenge is the visually dominant garage doors on many split-entry styles. They can sometimes overshadow the relatively smaller front door. Solutions include:

Upgrading to garage doors with windows or decorative hardware.
Painting garage doors to blend in with the house color rather than contrasting sharply.
Using landscaping or a pergola above the garage to draw the eye elsewhere.

Another challenge is the perceived lack of architectural detail or a “boxy” look in some older models. This is where adding elements like:

Shutters
Flower boxes below windows
Updated porch railings or columns (if a small porch exists)
A decorative gable vent or corbels
can break up plain wall surfaces and add character to the Split Level Homes Exterior.

Making the front entry more prominent is also key. Besides a striking front door color, consider adding a portico or overhang above the door to provide shelter and architectural presence. Outdoor lighting is vital – well-placed path lights and accent lights focused on the entry area make the home safe and welcoming after dark, enhancing the Split Level Homes Exterior‘s appeal around the clock.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Split Level Homes Exterior

Ultimately, improving the Split Level Homes Exterior is about recognizing its inherent structure and using design principles to highlight its strengths and mitigate its weaknesses. It’s about creating a cohesive look that brings together the multiple levels, materials, and landscaping elements.

Consider the style you want to achieve – modern, traditional, craftsman, etc. While a split level has its origins in a certain era, it can be adapted to many styles with the right updates. A modern look might involve clean lines, large windows, and a monochromatic color scheme with bold accents. A more traditional approach could incorporate stacked stone, shake siding in the gables, and classic trim colors.

Working with a designer or architect experienced with split-level homes can provide valuable insights tailored to your specific property. They can help you envision possibilities you might not have considered, from minor updates to more significant structural changes like adding a front porch or reconfiguring windows.

The investment in enhancing your Split Level Homes Exterior goes beyond aesthetics. Improved curb appeal significantly increases property value and makes a home more attractive to potential buyers should you decide to sell in the future. It also brings immense personal satisfaction, transforming a potentially dated exterior into a source of pride every time you pull into the driveway.

Conclusion

Split-level homes offer a unique canvas for exterior design. Their multi-level structure, while sometimes perceived as challenging, is also their defining characteristic and greatest opportunity. By focusing on the Split Level Homes Exterior and strategically updating materials, colors, architectural details, and landscaping, homeowners can completely transform their property’s curb appeal. From addressing the prominent entry challenge to softening the lines with thoughtful planting, the potential for creating a beautiful, welcoming, and modern Split Level Homes Exterior is vast. Embrace the unique profile of your split level and unlock its full aesthetic potential, creating a home that truly stands out.