Soon after the chaos of closing day, homeowners are often eager to learn how to modernize their split-level home exterior so it feels up to date. Contemporary colors, textures, and materials can transform a modest split-level home into something that feels irresistibly fresh and fun. Plus, a head-to-toe siding remodel is much easier on the budget than building a new home from the ground up!
However, there’s a catch – you need to familiarize yourself with exactly how to modernize a split-level home exterior using the right materials. Otherwise, you may end up with a home that still feels stuck in the seventies.
Let’s take a look at some of the best design approaches for split-level home exterior renovations that can make your neighbors wish they had thought of fixing up a split-level home first!
How to Approach a Split-Level Home Renovation
When you start to identify the unique architectural qualities, you’ll have a better idea of how to modernize a split-level level home exterior in a way that will look great for years to come. Split-level homes were popular in the 70s and 80s, which means the existing siding is often outdated, weathered, and simply out of touch with today’s trends. The good news is that exterior siding provides a very easy and accessible way to dramatically modernize split-level homes.
Though they aren’t as common for new development today, there are many features of split-level homes that remain highly desirable. Split-level homes feature an elevated basement, so they often have windows placed in relatively low positions throughout the exterior. This allows natural light to stream into the bottom floor.
The advantage of this design is that the lower level can actually be decorated in a way that makes it look less like a foundation and more like a standalone first floor – especially when the windows feature decorative shutters. This can effectively make the home look larger.
It isn’t the only way to modernize a split-level home. The unique layout of split-level homes can also be emphasized using contrasting colors and textures to draw attention to the multi-level construction – something that brings character to the home and helps it stand apart from other residential styles that are used more frequently today.
Whether you like the two-tone approach or want a modern exterior that feels more streamlined, addressing the siding is one of the best and most practical ways to modernize a split-level home exterior. Take a look at a few ideas below:
Comprehensive Cool Tones
Steely blues and grays are wildly popular because of their fresh and contemporary feel. Sticking within a single color family, like gray-blue, can help homeowners modernize a split-level home exterior, since steel blue is about as modern as you can get! Plus, it opens up the option of introducing a gray stone or brick accent feature, as these materials can bring additional depth and character.
Wood + Stone with High Saturation
Wood-style siding and stone facades create a sophisticated look that can breathe new life into a split-level home. Grey board and batten accent siding on the upper floors and dark shingly have added impact as it contrasts beautifully with the gray stone below. Many homeowners don’t realize that you can get the look of real wood grain colors and textures with more modern materials, like fiber cement siding, that offer better durability and color consistency.
Gorgeous Texture with Modern Color Combo
Adding a highly textured siding sample is a great way to emphasize the segmented architecture of split-level homes. Moss green shake is paired with red and white trimmed windows to give this home an instant upgrade that feels contemporary and fresh. One of the keys to this design approach is to use a modern siding material that is capable of maintaining its original appearance with minimal upkeep and repair.
Classic Color Split
If you’re wondering how to modernize a split-level home exterior so that it maintains its classic charm, sticking with a two-tone scheme with timeless colors is a good idea. Horizontal lap has incredible staying power, and you can never go wrong with the cool gray and white color combo. Crisp white banisters and heavy trim keep the classic tone of this split-level home remodel.
Modern Materials Can Beautify & Protect Your Split-Level Home
Material choice does matter when it comes to modernizing a split-level home. Instead of replacing old siding with the same wood or vinyl, choose a fiber cement product that can help create a fresh aesthetic that’s also built to last. Shake, lap, board and batten – there are plenty of contemporary styles and colors to choose from when exploring fiber cement siding.
Ready to modernize a split-level home exterior with siding that’s beautiful and long lasting? Contact Allura to explore a range of gorgeous siding products that are perfect for remodeling a split-level home.
