Curb Appeal: Making a split level home look less like a split level...

7 years ago

We live outside of DC and are trying to make our home look less like a split level by painting it all one color. Initially, we wanted to add a portico to chance the look and disguise the split, but there is a stone retaining wall that would need to be moved and replaced - and it was very expensive. So now, we're looking for design ideas that don't require structural changes - so we would love ideas on colors, shutters, window boxes, trim, door, etc. There are 3 materials - siding, brick and hardieplank. Anything in general on adding low cost curb appeal.

We were thinking:
All white including trim, grey shutters and a turquoise door. Not sure what to do with the garage...faux wood? Window boxes? New plants obviously. New fence, match the garage, dark natural wood stain?

Or
Khaki/tan-ish with grey hues with black shutters, black door - bright white trim. Add trim to door and around window, bright white garage with black hinges. White fence, new plants. Planters with red flowers. Flag.

Featured Answer

partim

7 years ago

Your house can be very attractive without expensive alterations.

I agree with those who suggest leaving the brick color as it is. Your current problem is that the brick color is not complemented by the colors of the garage door and siding. The front door clashes terribly with the brick color.

I searched Houzz for "orange brick" and came up with some better colors for you. You haven't given us a close up of your brick so I don't know if it a solid color or if it is somewhat variegated like the second photo. But overall, I think a medium gray would look great with your brick color, and really update the house.

Kitchen & Addition · More Info

I love the front door color below - Behr Script Ink.

Siding Replacement Projects · More Info

This is BM Sparrow, below, on the siding. I think you need a darker shade like this (it has an LRV of 21) to look good with the brick color. Your current pale color is too washed out.

Traditional Exterior · More Info

I'd also remove the shutters. You won't need them to "dress up" the house, once the colors are right. Wider trim around the windows, as in picture #3, would replace the shutters in adding interest to the windows.

Don't underestimate how much of a difference landscaping will make. Look at the 3rd picture I posted, now imagine it with your dated "foundation planting" shrubs. Professionally designed landscaping will bring your house to life.

A word on window boxes. I've had them and never will again. They need constant watering, tend to leak and stain whatever is below them, often look scraggly, and the expense to keep them full of fresh plants can really add up. And I'm an experienced gardener who doesn't mind taking a bit of trouble for good results.

I hope you love your house after you've made it your own. I grew up in a very similar split level that my father built, and I still think it is a handsomely proportioned house.

Sort by:Oldest