Modern Split-Level Home Exterior Remodel Ideas

Get inspired with split level home exterior remodel ideas, from modern siding and windows to landscaping tips that add style, value, and curb appeal.

Published

Sep 16, 2025

If you live in a split-level home, you appreciate its practical, multi-level layout. But does the outside of your home match the life you've built inside? Often, these homes have exteriors that feel disconnected from a contemporary aesthetic. You don't have to settle for a facade that feels uninspired. A split level home exterior remodel is your opportunity to translate your personal style into a tangible design. It’s about creating a cohesive look that feels intentional and welcoming. From a striking new entryway to modern landscaping that complements the unique architecture, we’ll explore actionable ideas to turn your home’s exterior into a true reflection of you.

Key Takeaways

Focus on a Cohesive Exterior: Modernize your split-level by choosing a clean color palette, mixing materials for texture, and updating windows and doors. Every element, from the siding to the garage door, should work together to create a single, intentional design.
Work With Your Home's Unique Levels: Instead of fighting the staggered layout, use it to your advantage. Design an inviting, well-defined entryway and use tiered landscaping to complement the home's natural lines, turning its quirks into standout features.
Plan for Lasting Impact and Value: A successful remodel starts with a solid plan. Partnering with a design-build firm helps manage the project from permits to completion, while choosing durable, energy-efficient materials ensures your investment adds value for years to come.

What Is a Split-Level Home?

If you live in a home built between the 1950s and 1970s, there’s a good chance it’s a split-level. These homes were designed to fit the rolling landscapes of new suburban developments, offering more interior space than a single-story ranch on a similar-sized lot. Their unique, staggered floor plans can feel a bit dated today, but they also hold incredible potential for a modern transformation. A thoughtful home remodeling project can turn a classic split-level into a contemporary showpiece that perfectly suits your family’s lifestyle.

Defining Features and Architecture

Split-level homes are easy to spot once you know what to look for. They have a unique layout where you walk in and see stairs going both up and down to different levels. Typically, the front door opens onto a main floor containing the living room, dining room, and kitchen. A short flight of stairs leads up to the bedrooms, while another short flight leads down to a den, garage, or basement. This multi-level design creates separation between living and sleeping areas, which was a major draw for families when these homes first became popular. The exterior often features a low-pitched roofline, a mix of siding materials, and an integrated garage.

Common Exterior Design Hurdles

While the staggered layout has its benefits, it also presents some design challenges. Inside, the many half-levels and stairs can be difficult for people who have trouble with mobility. It's also harder to get a completely open floor plan because of the structural walls and staircases that create divisions. On the outside, the facade can sometimes feel unbalanced, with a prominent garage, small windows, and a front entry that gets lost. These features can make the home look dated and less inviting. The key to a successful remodel is to address these hurdles head-on, creating a cohesive and welcoming exterior that feels both modern and functional.

Why Modernize Your Exterior?

Your home's exterior is the first thing people see, so it's important for making a good first impression and can affect how much your home is worth. Just like an interior renovation, changing the outside of your home needs careful planning to get it right. For split-level homes, a modern exterior remodel is a fantastic opportunity to correct the architectural quirks that make them feel dated. Modernizing older split-levels with new siding, updated windows, a stylish garage door, and even a new front porch can dramatically improve curb appeal. It’s your chance to redefine your home’s character and create a space that truly reflects your personal style.

Key Elements of a Contemporary Exterior

Giving your split-level home a modern facelift is all about focusing on a few key areas that work together to create a clean, cohesive look. It’s not about erasing the home’s character but enhancing it with thoughtful updates. Think of it as a strategic refresh that brings your home’s best features forward while introducing new elements that feel current and intentional. From the colors you choose to the way you light your entryway, every detail contributes to the final result.

A successful home remodeling project balances different design components to create a unified aesthetic. By focusing on materials, windows, lighting, and texture, you can transform a dated exterior into a standout property. These elements are the building blocks of modern design, allowing you to craft a look that is both stylish and timeless. The goal is to create a home that not only looks beautiful but also reflects your personal style and enhances your daily life.

Choose Modern Palettes and Materials

The right color and material choices can completely redefine your home's exterior. Start by exploring a modern color palette. Forget the muted, earthy tones of the past and consider crisp whites, deep charcoals, or sophisticated grays. These colors create a clean backdrop that allows your home’s architectural lines to shine. For materials, think about mixing textures. Combining smooth fiber cement siding with warm wood accents or sleek metal details adds depth and character. You can also implement sustainable landscaping by choosing native plants that are beautiful and low-maintenance, adding a touch of green that complements the modern aesthetic.

Update Your Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are more than just functional; they’re major design features. Swapping out old, multi-pane windows for larger, single-pane styles with minimal frames can instantly modernize your home. Black or dark bronze frames are a popular choice that adds a touch of graphic contrast. Your front door is another opportunity to make a statement. A simple, clean-lined door painted in a bold, welcoming color can become a beautiful focal point. Even a fresh paint job on your existing window trim and doors can have a surprisingly dramatic impact, tying the whole look together.

Select Modern Lighting Solutions

Exterior lighting plays a huge role in both curb appeal and safety. Modern lighting is all about clean lines and strategic placement. Look for fixtures like sleek, minimalist sconces to flank your front door or garage, or consider recessed lighting in the soffits to cast a warm, downward glow. The goal is to use modern lighting to highlight your home’s best features—like a stone accent wall or interesting roofline—while illuminating pathways and entry points. Well-chosen lighting not only makes your home look more inviting at night but also adds a layer of security and sophistication.

Add Visual Interest with Texture

Texture is what keeps a modern design from feeling cold or one-dimensional. It’s the secret to creating a rich, layered look that feels both contemporary and inviting. You can achieve this by mixing different siding materials, such as smooth panels next to textured stone or warm wood. Hardscaping is another fantastic way to introduce texture. Think about a sleek concrete pathway leading to the front door, a low stone retaining wall, or tiered planting beds that follow the natural lines of your split-level property. These hardscaping elements add depth and dimension, making your home’s exterior feel thoughtfully designed from the foundation to the front door.

Design Ideas for Maximum Impact

When you’re ready to update your split-level home, a few strategic changes can make a world of difference. You don’t always need a complete overhaul to achieve a modern look. By focusing on high-impact areas, you can transform your home’s curb appeal and create a design that feels fresh, intentional, and uniquely yours. These ideas target the key features of a split-level exterior, turning potential design challenges into stunning focal points that reflect your personal style.

Create an Inviting Entryway

The entrance to your home sets the first impression, and for many split-levels, it’s an area with huge potential. You can create a welcoming atmosphere by focusing on three key elements: the door, the lighting, and the pathway. Start by replacing an outdated front door with a sleek, modern design—perhaps with clean lines, glass inserts, or a bold pop of color. Flank the new door with contemporary light fixtures that illuminate the space and add architectural interest. Finally, consider updating the walkway with modern pavers or concrete slabs to guide guests to your beautiful new entrance. These changes work together to draw the eye and make your home feel instantly more inviting.

Rethink the Garage Door

On most split-level homes, the garage door takes up a lot of visual real estate, making it a critical part of your exterior design. The goal is to have it complement the house, not dominate it. Instead of a door with ornate details that might clash with a modern aesthetic, choose a design that creates a cohesive look. A simple, clean-lined garage door painted in a color that harmonizes with your siding or trim can make the entire facade feel more integrated and sophisticated. Think of it as a background player that supports the main features of your home, rather than the star of the show.

Focus on Architectural Details

Modern design is all about clean lines and intentional details. You can highlight your home’s unique structure by enhancing its architectural features. Pay attention to elements like window trim, eaves, and columns. Painting the trim in a contrasting color can define the home’s geometry and make it pop. Another powerful tool is lighting. You can incorporate modern lighting fixtures that not only brighten your exterior but also accentuate its lines. Consider adding linear wall sconces, uplighting to highlight textures, or recessed lights in the soffits for a subtle, sophisticated glow that adds dimension after dark.

Modernize Your Roofline

The roof is one of the most dominant features of any home, and updating it can completely change your split-level’s character. To give your home a contemporary edge, pay attention to the roofline and consider using a contrasting color. A dark charcoal or black roof, for example, creates a striking visual anchor and pairs beautifully with light or natural wood siding. The material also matters. Swapping traditional shingles for architectural shingles with a clean profile or a standing-seam metal roof can instantly signal a modern update. This single change can redefine your home’s silhouette and provide a strong foundation for the rest of your exterior design.

Modernize Your Outdoor Spaces

A stunning exterior remodel doesn’t stop at the walls of your house. Your yard, entryway, and patio are extensions of your home’s design. For a split-level, thoughtful landscaping and hardscaping can unify the entire property, turning awkward slopes and staggered levels into beautiful, functional features that complete your modern aesthetic.

Landscape for a Multi-Level Layout

The unique architecture of your split-level home is the perfect guide for your landscape design. Instead of fighting the different elevations, lean into them. Tiered planting beds and low retaining walls can mirror the home’s staggered floors, creating a sense of harmony and intention. This approach makes the yard feel connected to the house, rather than just surrounding it. By working with the natural contours of your property, you can create distinct zones for planting, seating, or playing, adding depth and visual interest that enhances your home’s curb appeal.

Incorporate Modern Hardscaping

Modern hardscaping uses clean lines and simple materials to create functional, stylish outdoor areas. Think wide, geometric pavers for a new walkway, a sleek concrete patio for outdoor dining, or a minimalist wooden deck that extends your living space. For a split-level, hardscaping is a great tool for creating a more defined and level entryway, making your front door feel more grounded and welcoming. Integrating subtle, modern lighting into these structures not only improves safety but also highlights the architectural lines of your home after dark, adding a touch of sophisticated drama to your home remodeling project.

Choose and Place Your Plants

The right plants can soften the angles of a modern home and add vibrant color and texture. For homeowners in the Bay Area, selecting California native plants is a smart choice. They are adapted to the local climate, require less water, and support local wildlife. When planning your garden, think about variety. Mix tall, structural grasses with low, flowering groundcovers and sculptural succulents to create layers of interest. Strategic placement can also draw the eye toward your home’s best features or create privacy where you need it most.

Plan for Easy Maintenance

A beautiful landscape should be a joy, not a chore. Planning for easy maintenance from the start will save you time and protect your home. For split-level homes on sloped lots, proper water management is key. A well-designed landscape directs rainwater away from your home’s foundation, preventing potential water damage and soil erosion. Simple solutions like incorporating French drains, creating a rain garden, or using permeable pavers can make a huge difference. This thoughtful planning ensures your outdoor space remains healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Plan Your Exterior Remodel

A successful exterior remodel begins long before the first hammer swings. Thoughtful planning is the key to transforming your split-level home smoothly and achieving a final look you’ll love for years to come. It ensures your vision, budget, and timeline are all aligned from the start. Taking the time to map out your project helps you anticipate challenges, make informed decisions, and coordinate all the moving parts, from design concepts to final construction. This foundational step is what separates a stressful renovation from a rewarding one, turning your ideas into a beautifully executed reality.

Partner with a Design-Build Firm

One of the best ways to streamline your remodel is to partner with a design-build firm. Instead of juggling separate architects, designers, and contractors, you have one cohesive team handling your project from the initial sketch to the final walkthrough. This integrated approach simplifies communication and ensures everyone is working toward the same goal. A design-build partner helps you visualize the transformation with realistic renderings, allowing you to see how new materials, colors, and architectural details will look on your home before making any commitments. This process makes it easier to refine your vision and move forward with a clear, actionable plan for your home remodeling project.

Avoid These Common Remodeling Mistakes

When updating a split-level home, a few common missteps can detract from the final result. A frequent mistake is focusing too much on the garage door, adding excessive detail that makes it the unintended focal point of your home’s facade. Instead, aim for a design that blends the garage seamlessly into the overall aesthetic. Another pitfall is creating an awkward or cramped entry. Since many split-levels have stairs near the front door, it’s important to design an entryway that feels open and welcoming. Paying close attention to these architectural details ensures your remodel enhances both function and curb appeal.

Understand the Project Timeline

Just like an interior renovation, changing your home's exterior requires careful scheduling. It’s helpful to have a realistic project timeline that accounts for every phase of the process. This includes the initial design and planning stage, securing necessary permits, ordering and receiving materials, and the construction itself. Weather can also play a role in exterior work, so building in some flexibility is always a smart move. Understanding the sequence of events helps you prepare for each step and keeps the project on track. A clear timeline provides peace of mind and ensures a more predictable and organized remodeling experience from start to finish.

Know the Local Permit Requirements

Before you begin any structural changes, it’s crucial to understand the local permit requirements in your area. Building codes and regulations can vary significantly between cities in Silicon Valley, and navigating them is a vital step in any major renovation. Failing to secure the right permits can lead to costly delays, fines, or even having to undo completed work. The best way to handle this is to consult with a builder who has extensive experience with split-level home projects in your specific community. They will know exactly what’s required to ensure your remodel is fully compliant, safe, and approved without any unexpected hurdles.

Add Lasting Value to Your Home

A home remodel is more than just a cosmetic update; it’s an investment in your property and your quality of life. When you modernize your split-level’s exterior, you have a unique opportunity to add significant, lasting value that you can enjoy now and benefit from later. The key is to make strategic choices that blend timeless design with practical functionality. By focusing on durability, weather resistance, and energy efficiency, you ensure your home not only looks incredible but is also prepared for the future. This approach moves beyond simple aesthetics to create a home that is more resilient, comfortable, and valuable.

Thoughtful planning is what turns a beautiful renovation into a smart financial decision. Every material you select and every design detail you approve contributes to your home's overall worth. A well-executed exterior remodel can dramatically enhance curb appeal, lower long-term maintenance costs, and create a more comfortable living environment for your family. This approach ensures that your investment pays off, whether you plan to stay in your home forever or sell it down the line. At Barcci Builders, we believe a successful home remodeling project is one that you’ll love today and feel proud of for decades to come.

Select Durable, High-Quality Materials

Choosing the right materials is fundamental to a remodel that stands the test of time. Opting for durable, high-quality products means less maintenance and fewer replacements, saving you time and money in the long run. For your landscaping, consider plants native to the Bay Area. They are naturally resilient to the local climate and require less water and upkeep. For hardscaping elements, investing in quality stone for retaining walls or planters not only complements your home’s modern lines but also ensures these features will endure for years. Every choice, from siding to pavers, contributes to a beautiful and lasting exterior.

Design for Weather Resistance

A smart exterior design works with the elements, not against them. For split-level homes, managing water runoff is especially important to protect your foundation and prevent issues like flooding under a deck. A professional design will incorporate proper grading and drainage solutions seamlessly into your landscape. Beyond water management, consider how your design holds up in all conditions. For example, well-placed, modern lighting fixtures not only enhance your home's architecture at night but also improve safety and visibility on walkways and entrances, ensuring your home is both beautiful and secure, rain or shine.

Make Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Modernizing your home’s exterior is the perfect time to incorporate energy-efficient features that can lower your utility bills. A fresh coat of paint in a modern color can do wonders for curb appeal, but choosing a lighter, reflective color can also help keep your home cooler. The same principle applies to your roof—selecting a material and color with good solar reflectance can significantly reduce heat absorption. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors is another impactful change that improves insulation, reduces drafts, and contributes to a more comfortable indoor environment year-round.

Future-Proof Your Home's Design

To ensure your remodel adds value for years to come, focus on timeless design choices. While it’s fun to follow trends, a classic, clean aesthetic will have broader appeal and won't look dated in a few years. For instance, instead of making the garage door a major focal point with excessive detail, integrate it into the overall design for a more cohesive look. Think about how the exterior flows with the interior. Many homeowners are opening up their split-level floor plans, and an exterior that reflects that modern, open feeling creates a harmonious design that will be desirable for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

My split-level feels so dated. Where's the best place to start with an exterior remodel? The entryway is a fantastic place to begin because it makes an immediate impact on your home's curb appeal. Think of it as your home's first impression. Replacing an old front door with a modern design, updating the light fixtures, and creating a clean, clear path to the entrance can completely change the feel of your home. These focused changes create a welcoming focal point and set a contemporary tone for any other updates you plan to make.

How can I make the staggered levels of my home look more cohesive from the outside? Creating a unified look is all about connection. A consistent, modern color palette is one of the most effective ways to tie the different levels together, making them feel like part of a single, intentional design. You can also use landscaping to your advantage. Tiered garden beds or low retaining walls that follow the home’s natural lines can create a beautiful visual link between the house and the yard, making the entire property feel more harmonious.

My garage door is so prominent. How can I make it look better without it taking over the whole house? This is a very common challenge with split-level homes. The goal is to have the garage door complement the house, not dominate it. I always suggest choosing a simple, clean-lined door and painting it a color that blends with your siding or trim. This strategy helps the garage recede visually, allowing other features, like your entryway or new windows, to become the true stars of the show.

Are there benefits to an exterior remodel beyond just making my house look better? Absolutely. A thoughtful exterior remodel is a smart investment in your home's long-term health and performance. When you choose durable, high-quality materials, you reduce the need for future repairs and maintenance. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors can help lower your utility bills, and strategic landscaping can improve drainage to protect your home's foundation. It’s about creating a home that is not only beautiful but also more resilient and comfortable.

Why is working with a design-build firm a good idea for this kind of project? A design-build firm streamlines the entire remodeling process by putting your designers and builders on the same team from day one. This integrated approach means communication is simpler and everyone is working toward the same vision. Instead of you having to coordinate between different professionals, one team handles everything from the initial concept to the final construction, which helps ensure your project runs smoothly and the final result is exactly what you envisioned.