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Split-Level Exterior Renovation Ideas

Connect staggered levels with a clearer entrance, coordinated materials and a quieter garage. Explore split-level exterior remodel ideas that modernize your home while preserving its character.

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Conceptual split-level exterior redesign with dark vertical timber siding, a pale stone lower level and a tall gray entrance surround.
Nordic-inspired exterior design concept.

Split-Level Exterior Before and After

Before-and-after design concepts showing proposed changes, not completed construction.

Beige split-level with brick lower walls and garage above; olive upper exterior, copper-toned entry and timber-lined canopy below

1970s Revival Contemporary

Olive walls complement retained brick, while a copper-toned entrance and timber canopy create a clear focal point.

View TransformationSplit-level with beige siding and red brick above; dark vertical timber, pale stone, grey entrance surround and metal roof below

Nordic Mineral Modern

Dark siding and pale stone define the levels. A tall gray surround connects them at the entrance.

View TransformationYellow-beige split-level with red brick and white lower garage above; taupe stucco, timber entry, limestone fin and terraced planting below

Contemporary Organic Modern

Taupe walls, a limestone entrance fin and terraced planting unify the volumes. Larger proposed windows introduce a wider construction scope.

View Transformation

See What's Possible for Your Split-Level Home

Visualize your home’s colors, materials and architectural updates before renovating.

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About the Split-Level House Style

Split-level homes combine staggered floors, contrasting volumes and an entrance between levels. Balance comes from connecting those elements—not forcing symmetry. A grounded lower level, consistent window detailing and a garage close to the wall color let the entrance lead.

Common Exterior Challenges

  • An entrance lost between the different floor levels
  • A bright lower garage dominating the frontage
  • Stairs and retaining edges that feel disconnected
  • Unrelated finishes on the upper and lower walls
  • Window proportions and planting that obscure the architecture

Design Directions

Charred timber, pale stone and a tall mineral entrance surround give the split-level a quieter, Nordic-inspired character.

Nordic Mineral Modern

Dark vertical timber sits above a pale stone base, while a tall mineral surround identifies the entry. Silvery planting and simple roof detailing keep the composition quiet.

Olive mineral finishes, retained brick and a copper-toned entrance accent bring warmth to the staggered exterior.

1970s Revival Contemporary

Olive finishes, retained brick and copper-toned accents build on the home’s original character. A timber-lined canopy brings warmth to the vertical entrance.

Taupe stucco, timber and a limestone entrance fin connect the different levels to a terraced front garden.

Contemporary Organic Modern

Taupe stucco, timber and a limestone fin link the staggered volumes. Terraced planting makes the slope part of the arrival rather than an obstacle.

Materials & Colors

Let the existing roof, brick and stone guide your palette. Compare siding and trim samples beside the actual masonry, in sun and shade.

Keep siding calm and reserve wood or stone for the entrance. Align material changes with corners or floor levels; sound existing brick can remain a strong feature.

Repeat frame and trim colors across both levels. Use related paving and planting to clarify the approach, with installation, drainage and retaining changes checked locally.

Windows & Entrance Details

Consistent frames and trim bring order to staggered window groups. Remove poorly scaled shutters, then give a recessed door a defined surround, lighting and a visible approach.

Ideas for a recessed entrance

Small Updates or a Larger Transformation?

For a smaller budget, prioritize paint, lighting and planting. For new cladding, wider glazing or roof changes, agree on the overall design first, then obtain local feasibility advice and quotes.

Plan before buying materials

Featured Exterior Transformations

Olive mineral finishes, retained brick and a copper-toned entrance accent bring warmth to the staggered exterior.

1970s Revival Contemporary

View TransformationCharred timber, pale stone and a tall mineral entrance surround give the split-level a quieter, Nordic-inspired character.

Nordic Mineral Modern

View TransformationTaupe stucco, timber and a limestone entrance fin connect the different levels to a terraced front garden.

Contemporary Organic Modern

View Transformation

More Exterior Renovation Advice

Forest Home Exterior Renovation: Dark Siding, Timber and a Clearer Entrance

Explore two wooded-home transformations using dark siding, selective timber, clearer entrances and layered planting that works with sloping ground.

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Alpine Split-Level Exterior Remodel: A Stronger Base and a Warmer Upper Level

See how a mountain split-level can use stone, timber, darker roof finishes and a clearer arrival to work with its levels rather than disguise them.

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How to Modernize a Split-Level House Without Losing Its Character

A split-level design study uses retained brick, olive mineral finishes and a copper-toned entrance to turn staggered levels into an asset.

Read article

How to Make a Recessed Front Entrance Stand Out

Use light, contrast, scale and the path of approach to make a hidden front door easier to find and more welcoming.

Read article

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I modernize a split-level exterior without rebuilding it?

Coordinate siding and trim, simplify the garage finish, improve entry lighting and clear overgrown planting. These changes can refresh the façade without altering rooflines or openings.

Which materials work with existing brick?

Choose siding that complements the brick, mortar and roof. Concentrate wood or stone at the entrance and compare physical samples together.

How can I improve the entrance?

Use a defined surround, well-scaled lighting and a clear approach. Check new canopies, stairs or larger openings with local professionals.

Which changes need a larger renovation scope?

Paint, lighting and planting generally retain the existing form. New cladding, wider windows, extended porches and roof changes need more construction coordination and local quotes.

Can online design help plan my renovation?

Mary Jo designs around your actual home, with photorealistic visuals, material and color guidance, sourcing recommendations and one consolidated revision. Local construction and structural review remain separate.

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Explore a thoughtful exterior transformation for your actual home.

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