If you own a split-level home, you know the struggle: a practical, multi-level layout inside, but an exterior that feels visually disconnected and often dated. The architectural quirks—like a prominent, dominating garage door, small, misplaced windows, or an awkward, recessed entryway—can make your facade look uninspired and significantly reduce curb appeal.

You don't have to settle for a 1970s aesthetic.

This guide outlines the 10 critical updates that transform a dated split-level into a modern showpiece. We’ll show you how to leverage your home's unique structure using smart choices in mixed siding, intentional lighting, and tiered landscaping to create a cohesive, high-value contemporary design.

Ready to modernize? Explore the actionable ideas below to begin planning your transformation.

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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.

Why Many Split Level Homes Need an Exterior Update

Split level homes built between the 1950s and 1970s often come with exterior features that feel dated in today’s housing market. Their open floor plan was practical for growing suburbs, but materials like aluminum siding, small windows, and low-pitched roofs can make them look tired. An exterior update helps bring these classic homes into the modern era with fresh curb appeal and better livability.

Modernizing older split-level exteriors also struggle with visual balance. The integrated garage often dominates the front facade, while the entryway can appear recessed or hidden. Updating elements such as the front porch, walkway, or siding layout helps shift the attention toward the main entrance and creates a more welcoming look.

Homeowners also pursue exterior home remodeling to improve energy efficiency and performance. Original windows and siding from this era are often drafty and outdated, leading to higher utility costs and reduced comfort. By installing modern windows, quality insulation, and durable siding materials, a split level gains both style and long-term value while becoming far more comfortable to live in.

What Defines a Modern Exterior: Essential Design Elements

A modern exterior is defined by clean lines, simple forms, and thoughtful updates that bring out the strongest features of a split level home. The goal is not to remove the home’s original character but to enhance it with intentional design choices that feel current and cohesive. Color, lighting, and material selection all play a major role in creating a fresh and inviting look.

Successful exterior home remodeling focuses on a balanced combination of materials, windows, texture, and architectural details. These essential design elements work together to transform a dated facade into a modern, polished space that reflects your personal style. When updated with care, a split level home gains stronger curb appeal, better functionality, and a timeless look that supports everyday comfort.

Top 10 Exterior Upgrades for Split-Level Homes

1. Modern siding & updated color palettes

Modern siding and fresh color palettes can completely redefine the look of a split level home. Contemporary colors such as crisp whites, deep charcoals, and soft grays create a clean backdrop that highlights the architectural lines. These updated tones help older exteriors feel brighter and more intentional.

Mixing materials is another essential part of modern design. Pairing smooth fiber cement siding with warm wood accents or sleek metal details adds texture and depth to the facade. Complementing these choices with sustainable landscaping and native plants brings a natural balance that enhances the overall modern aesthetic.

2. New windows and doors

New windows and doors play a major role in modernizing a split level home. Replacing outdated multi-pane windows with larger, single-pane designs creates a cleaner, more contemporary look. Dark frames in black or bronze add striking contrast and help define the home’s updated exterior.

The front door is an ideal place to make a strong visual statement. A clean-lined door in a bold color can instantly elevate curb appeal and set the tone for the rest of the home. Even refreshing existing trim and a fresh paint job can create a cohesive, modern appearance that ties the entire exterior together.

3. Textured materials for added visual interest

Using textured materials is a powerful way to add visual interest to a modern split level exterior. Mixing smooth siding with elements like stone, wood, or paneling creates a layered look that feels warm and contemporary. Hardscaping elements such as concrete pathways, stone walls, or tiered planting beds add even more depth and help highlight the natural shape of the property.

These textured elements allow you to update your home without a full exterior overhaul. By focusing on high impact areas, you can transform curb appeal and create a design that feels intentional and personal. This approach turns common split level challenges into standout features that reflect your style and elevate the entire exterior.

4. Inviting front-entryway and porch design

An inviting front entryway is essential for modernizing a split level home because it sets the tone for the entire exterior. Updating the front door with a clean, contemporary design or a bold color creates a welcoming atmosphere. Adding stylish lighting fixtures enhances visibility and introduces a touch of architectural character.

The pathway leading to your entrance also plays a key role in creating a welcoming feel. Modern pavers or concrete slabs guide guests toward the door and tie together the updated exterior elements. These simple but high impact upgrades transform a dated entryway into a warm, attractive feature that boosts curb appeal.

5. Contemporary garage door options

Contemporary garage doors can make a significant impact on a split level home because the garage often occupies a large portion of the front facade. Choosing a clean, streamlined design helps the door blend with the rest of the exterior instead of overpowering it. A modern color that aligns with your siding or trim creates a cohesive and polished appearance.

Simple details often make the strongest statement. Sleek panels, minimalist hardware, or frosted glass inserts add style without distracting from the overall design. By treating the garage door as a complementary feature, you enhance curb appeal and create a more balanced, modern exterior.

6. Enhanced architectural trim and details

Enhanced architectural trim and details play an important role in creating a modern exterior for a split level home. Clean lines, well-defined shapes, and thoughtful color choices help highlight the home’s unique structure. Updating window trim, eaves, and columns with a contrasting color can add depth and make the design feel intentional and fresh.

Incorporating modern exterior lighting fixtures also enhances these architectural features. Options such as linear wall sconces, subtle uplighting, or recessed soffit lights draw attention to textures and lines while improving nighttime visibility. These upgrades create a polished, dimensional look that elevates the entire exterior.

7. Upgraded exterior lighting for curb appeal

Upgraded exterior lighting is one of the most effective ways to boost curb appeal while improving safety. Modern fixtures with clean lines, such as minimalist sconces or streamlined wall lights, help define the entryway and elevate the overall look. Recessed lighting in the soffits can cast a warm downward glow that highlights your updated exterior.

The use of modern lighting also draws attention to key architectural features. Illuminating areas like stone accent walls, pathways, or unique rooflines adds depth and character during the evening hours. With thoughtful lighting choices, your split level home feels more welcoming, secure, and visually refined.

8. Roofline refresh or modernization

Refreshing the roofline is one of the most powerful ways to modernize a split level home. A new roof with a contrasting color, such as charcoal or black, creates a strong visual anchor that pairs well with light siding or warm wood accents. This simple change updates the home’s overall silhouette and strengthens curb appeal.

Material selection also plays a major role in a modern roofline. Architectural shingles with a clean profile or standing seam metal roofing offer a sleek, contemporary look that lasts. By upgrading the roofline, you establish a modern foundation that supports the rest of your exterior design choices.

9. Outdoor Living and patio space upgrades

Outdoor living and patio upgrades play a major role in completing a modern exterior for a split level home. Thoughtful landscaping and hardscaping help connect the yard, entryway, and patio, creating a unified look across the entire property. These updates extend your living space outdoors and make the home feel larger and more cohesive.

Split level yards often include slopes and staggered levels that can be transformed into attractive, functional features. Tiered patios, retaining walls, and defined seating areas help organize the outdoor space and support a clean, modern aesthetic. With the right design elements, your patio and yard become natural extensions of your remodeled exterior.

10. Landscape and hardscape redesign tailored for split-level layout

Landscape and hardscape redesigns can greatly enhance a split level home by working with the property’s natural elevations instead of hiding them. Tiered planting beds, low retaining walls, and layered greenery can mirror the home’s staggered floors for a cohesive look. This approach helps the yard feel intentionally connected to the architecture rather than simply framing it.

Using the natural contours of the lot also allows you to create distinct outdoor zones. Areas for seating, pathways, or play spaces can be placed at different levels to add depth and visual interest. With thoughtful design, the landscape supports both curb appeal and everyday functionality, making your split level exterior home remodeling feel complete and well balanced.

Planning Your Remodel: Budget, Timeline & Permits

A successful exterior remodel for a split level home begins with careful planning that aligns your vision, budget, and timeline. Mapping out the project early helps you anticipate challenges, understand permit requirements, and make confident design decisions. This thoughtful preparation turns a complex renovation into a smooth, rewarding process that brings your ideas to life.

Partnering with a design-build firm like Barcci Builders is one of the most effective ways to streamline your remodel. Instead of coordinating separate architects, designers, and contractors, you work with a single team that manages every detail from structural planning to material installation. This unified approach keeps your project organized, efficient, and aligned with the modern exterior you want to create.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Exterior Renovations

Avoiding common mistakes is an important part of planning your split level home remodel. Oversized garage doors, cramped entryways, and overlooked architectural details can work against a modern exterior design. Focusing on balanced proportions and an open, welcoming entry helps your updates feel intentional and enhances both function and curb appeal.

A realistic project timeline also plays a major role in a smooth home remodel. Every phase, from initial design to securing permits and completing construction, needs to be scheduled with care. Factoring in weather and material lead times helps keep your split level upgrade on track and minimizes surprises along the way.

Long term value comes from choosing durable materials, energy efficient features, and timeless design. High quality siding, efficient windows, and smart drainage protect your home while improving comfort and curb appeal. By prioritizing resilient choices that work with your split level layout, you create an exterior that looks beautiful today and remains valuable for years to come.

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.

Want to Start Your Split‑Level Home Remodel? Contact Us for a Quote

If you are ready to modernize your split level home, now is the perfect time to take the next step. By using a modern color palette, quality materials, and strategic lighting, you can transform a dated exterior into a cohesive, welcoming design that enhances both curb appeal and long term value. Your split level layout becomes an opportunity to create a home that feels fresh, balanced, and uniquely yours.

Barcci Builders specializes in helping Bay Area homeowners bring these ideas to life through a seamless design build process. Our team manages every detail with precision to ensure your exterior remodel is handled efficiently and built to the highest standards. Contact us today for a personalized quote and start planning a transformation you will love for years to come.

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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.