What Makes a Split Level Home Exterior Stand Out?
Okay, let’s talk about what you actually see when you look at a split-level house from the street. Unlike a conventional two-story home where you see a clear separation between floors, or a ranch where everything is on one level, a split-level often shows you glimpses of three or more levels. You might see windows at different heights all on the same side of the house.
This visible internal division is the defining characteristic of the Split Level Home Exterior. It’s not just a flat wall; it’s a facade with varying heights and sometimes different building materials used on different sections, reflecting the home’s unique layout. It’s a style that definitely has its own architectural personality.
Defining Features of a Split-Level Exterior
The unique floor plan of a split-level home directly impacts its appearance from the outside. These homes, popularized in the post-war era, especially the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, incorporated design elements that reflected the lifestyle and technology of the time, all visible in the Split Level Home Exterior.
The Multi-Level Facade
This is the most obvious visual cue. From the front, you’ll often see windows belonging to the main living level (kitchen, dining, living room) on one plane, perhaps slightly elevated. Below that, you might see windows for the lower level, often looking out from a family room or den. Above the main level, you could see bedroom windows.
This stacking and staggering of windows and wall sections is a hallmark of the Split Level Home Exterior. It clearly communicates that something interesting is going on with the levels inside. The challenge, and the opportunity, lies in making these different visible sections look cohesive and appealing.
Entryway Placement
The location of the front door is another key feature, and sometimes a point of discussion, for the Split Level Home Exterior. Often, the main entry is situated between the levels. You step in, go up a short flight of stairs to the main floor, or down a short flight to the lower level.
This ‘in-between’ entry can sometimes look a little small or tucked away compared to the grand entrances of other house styles. Designers working on a Split Level Home Exterior often focus on making this entry point feel more prominent and welcoming, as it’s the first impression visitors get.
Roofline Variations
Because split-levels are essentially different boxes or sections joined together at varying heights, their rooflines can be quite varied. You’ll often see multiple intersecting gable or hip roofs. One section might have a lower-pitched roof over the garage and lower level, while the main living area and upper bedrooms have a higher roofline.
These complex rooflines contribute significantly to the overall look of the Split Level Home Exterior. They can add visual interest and dynamism, but sometimes they can also make the home look a bit disjointed if not designed harmoniously.
Common Challenges with Split-Level Exteriors
While the unique structure of a split-level offers interesting interior possibilities, the exterior can sometimes present design challenges. Understanding these helps in planning updates or appreciating the style for what it is. When thinking about a Split Level Home Exterior, some common issues pop up.
The “Dated” Look
Let’s be honest, many split-levels were built during a specific architectural era. The materials and styles popular then – think narrow aluminum siding, small non-insulated windows, sometimes minimal trim, and colors that might now seem subdued or, well, brown – can make a Split Level Home Exterior look like it’s stuck in a time warp.
Updating these materials is one of the most effective ways to modernize a split-level. Replacing old siding, updating windows, and using contemporary color palettes can drastically change the perceived age and style of the home. A fresh look can transform a drab split-level into a stylish modern residence.
Proportional Quirks
Because the split-level design is dictated by interior function, the exterior proportions can sometimes look a bit off-balance to modern eyes. You might have a large upper section over a recessed lower section, or different window sizes and placements that don’t immediately feel symmetrical or balanced from the street.
Addressing these proportional quirks is a common goal when remodeling a Split Level Home Exterior. It involves using design elements strategically to create a sense of balance and harmony across the different levels and sections of the house.
Balancing Upper and Lower Sections
Sometimes the upper bedroom level of a split-level can look like it’s just sitting on top of the main level without much visual connection. Or the lower level, often partly below grade or with smaller windows, can look heavy or basement-like.
Good design can help balance these sections. For instance, using a consistent siding material or color on both the main and upper levels can tie them together. Adding substantial trim around windows or upgrading the lower level windows can make that section feel more integrated into the overall Split Level Home Exterior.
Integrating Different Materials
Older split-levels sometimes feature different siding materials on different levels or sections without a clear design rationale. Maybe brick on the lower half and siding above, or even different types of siding. This can emphasize the internal divisions in a way that makes the exterior look choppy.
Modern exterior design for a Split Level Home Exterior often aims for more material continuity or uses material changes strategically to enhance, rather than disrupt, the facade’s flow. For example, wrapping a corner with stone veneer or using a different material only on a specific architectural feature like the entryway.
Boosting Your Split-Level Home Exterior’s Curb Appeal
Despite the potential challenges, a Split Level Home Exterior offers tremendous potential for creative updates and significant curb appeal improvements. With some thoughtful design choices, you can transform a dated exterior into a stunning modern home.
Material and Color Updates
This is arguably the biggest bang for your buck when refreshing a Split Level Home Exterior.
- Siding: Replacing old siding with modern materials like fiber cement (Hardie board) or high-quality vinyl can instantly change the look. These come in a vast array of colors, textures, and profiles (lap siding, vertical siding, shakes). Using a mix of siding styles can add visual interest.
- Color Palette: Strategic use of color is key. You can use different colors to highlight or downplay certain sections. A dark, grounding color on the lower level can make it feel more substantial, while a lighter color above can make the upper levels feel less imposing. Don’t forget trim colors to frame windows and doors.
- Stone or Brick Veneer: Adding stone or brick veneer to the lower level, around the entryway, or as an accent on a part of the facade can add texture, depth, and a touch of sophistication to a Split Level Home Exterior.
Choosing the right materials and colors can unify the different levels and give the house a contemporary feel, moving past the dated look of the original construction.
Windows and Doors
Original windows in split-levels were often small, inefficient, and simply styled. Upgrading windows significantly impacts both energy efficiency and the Split Level Home Exterior aesthetic.
- Window Style: Larger windows, or changing the window configuration slightly, can bring more light inside and improve the external proportions. Adding grids or choosing a different frame color can also update the look.
- Front Door: The front door is a focal point, especially since the entryway can sometimes feel hidden. Installing a stylish, modern front door in a bold color can draw attention to the entrance and make it feel more prominent and welcoming. A new storm door or sidelights can also enhance the entryway.
These updates are relatively straightforward but have a major impact on the overall impression of the Split Level Home Exterior.
Landscaping for Layers
Landscaping is absolutely crucial for a Split Level Home Exterior. Because the house itself has multiple levels visible from the outside and often sits differently on the slope of the land, landscaping can be used to connect the house to the ground and soften its lines.
- Varying Heights: Use plants of different heights – low groundcovers, mid-height shrubs, and taller ornamental trees or evergreens. Place taller plants near the corners of the house or between windows to help integrate the upper and lower sections visually.
- Layered Beds: Create garden beds that follow the contours of the land, perhaps using retaining walls to build up levels. This mimics the layered nature of the house itself and makes the transition from the yard to the foundation more gradual and appealing.
- Soften the Base: Foundation plantings are essential to prevent the house from looking like it’s just sitting on the ground. Choose plants that will grow to a size appropriate for the house height, softening the lines where the wall meets the yard.
Thoughtful landscaping can make a Split Level Home Exterior feel grounded, welcoming, and beautifully integrated into its site.
Enhancing the Entryway
As mentioned earlier, the entryway of a split-level can sometimes feel less grand. Making it a more prominent and inviting feature is key to improving the overall Split Level Home Exterior.
- Porch Addition: Adding a small covered porch or even just extending the landing and covering it can significantly improve the entryway’s presence and functionality.
- Lighting: Upgraded exterior lighting – sconces by the door, path lights leading up, accent lights on architectural features – makes the entry more visible and welcoming, especially at night.
- Walkway: A well-defined and attractive walkway leading to the front door guides visitors and adds to the curb appeal. Consider using paver stones, brick, or decorative concrete.
- Accessories: Planters, a new doormat, updated house numbers, and an attractive mailbox can add personal touches and make the entryway feel cared for and inviting.
Focusing attention on the entry area dramatically impacts the overall perception of the Split Level Home Exterior.
Conclusion
The Split Level Home Exterior is a unique architectural statement. Reflecting the innovative multi-level interiors they house, these homes present a facade that is anything but cookie-cutter. While often associated with a specific era and sometimes perceived as dated, the very features that make them unique also offer fertile ground for creative design and renovation.
From updating materials and colors to strategically enhancing the windows, doors, and most importantly, the landscaping, there are countless ways to transform a Split Level Home Exterior. By understanding the challenges of balancing the visible levels and integrating different sections, homeowners and designers can apply modern aesthetics to create a cohesive, stylish, and welcoming home. A carefully updated Split Level Home Exterior can beautifully blend its classic structure with contemporary appeal, proving that this distinctive style has lasting charm and potential.