6 Steps to Improve Any Split-Level’s Curb Appeal
A Home Designer’s Guide to Turning Dated Exteriors Into Cohesive Timeless Designs
If you’re a home designer, you’ve probably faced this challenge: taking a split-level home—with all its awkward proportions and dated materials—and giving it a fresh, cohesive look. And if you haven’t yet, trust me, you will at some point. These homes are everywhere, a relic of 1950s and 1960s suburbia, and they’re not going anywhere.
Split-level homes came about as developers were trying to create a new kind of ranch home that could work on hilly lots without feeling overwhelming. They were a practical solution at the time: a few steps up to the main living area, a few steps down to the bedrooms or basement. But while the interiors often made sense, the exteriors... well, let’s just say they left a lot to be desired. Builders reused the same boxy, uninspired designs over and over again, leaving us with entire neighborhoods of split levels that feel more like a stack of mismatched parts than a cohesive home.
But here’s the thing: I don’t think we need to fight the identity of the split level. We just need to lean into its quirks and give it a little personality. Jump in as I share my best tips for turning a split level into a home that feels thoughtful, cohesive, and—most importantly—timeless. If you're looking for a step-by-step walkthrough of these tips in action, check out my detailed YouTube video here.
1. Create Vertical Openings
Have you ever noticed how historical buildings always feature taller windows and doors? There’s a reason for that—those proportions are not only more elegant but also make structural sense. Somewhere along the way, the 1950s decided to abandon that idea, giving us squat, horizontal openings that make homes look clunky and awkward. Split-level homes are often the biggest offenders here.
Here’s the good news: dropping a sill to make a window taller is much easier than making a window wider, and the transformation it brings is incredible. I cover how to create taller, elegant openings in my YouTube video—watch it here.
Replace horizontal windows with taller, vertical ones. This adjustment instantly elevates the home and aligns it with timeless architectural proportions.
Update the front door by centering it and framing it with planters and larger light fixtures. Bonus points if you go bold with a unique feature like an arched doorway—quirkiness can be your best friend with split levels.
2. Address the Overhang
Let’s talk about that weird front-side-only protrusion—you know the one. It’s a defining (and not in a good way) feature of split levels. Overhangs without visible support might work in sleek, modern designs that celebrate new technologies, but in a split level? It just looks like something’s missing.
Add brackets or beams for visual support. Whether you choose detailed brackets for a traditional look or minimalist beams for a modern vibe, make it purposeful.
Consider exposing rafter tails or replacing cheap vinyl soffits with real wood or tongue-and-groove materials. These small updates pack a big punch.
3. Upgrade the Materials
Let’s get real: vinyl siding never looks great. On a split level, it often makes the home look like a stacked trailer. And while painting can seem like a quick fix, it doesn’t solve the underlying issue. For more on how thoughtful materials outperform quick fixes like paint, take a look at my YouTube video here. A painted split-level often still looks cheap and chaotic, just in a different color. The solution? Thoughtful material choices that add texture and warmth
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Use vertically oriented materials like board-and-batten siding or cedar shake. These emphasize height and add visual interest. Stay away from horizontal lap siding—it only highlights the home’s boxiness.
Keep the materials simple and cohesive. Stick to one material for the lower level (brick, stone, or painted masonry) and another for the upper level. Too many materials make the design feel chaotic.
Don’t forget the roof! Synthetic slates or metal shingles can add texture and shadow lines that transform the look of the home.
4. Add Architectural Details
Split levels often feel unfinished because of all the blank wall space and awkward placement of elements. Dial them in to make them feel intentional with architectural elements such as trim, shutters, and other decorative elements.
Install functional-looking shutters sized correctly for the windows. Skip them entirely if they’re not the right fit.
Break up large, blank walls with decorative roof vents, accent windows, or other thoughtful features.
Have a little fun with the overall form. Flare out wall ends (this is an easy addition to a structure) or curve in the entry walls. Split levels are weird, lean into that and make it a good weird.
Upgrade the front door and garage doors. There are so many beautiful options out there—even stock doors can look incredible with the right finish and details.
5. Defining the Entry
A big issue with split levels is that the entry often feels like an afterthought. Usually small and underwhelming when it should be one of the defining features of the front elevation.
Make the steps more prominent and purposeful. Adding pedestals for planters can help frame the entry and make it feel more grand.
Use a unique front door flanked with lighting to draw attention to this focal point. I like to leave space for planters or a bench next to the door as well.
If possible, add street numbers in a way that feels integrated and intentional rather than tacked on.
6. Finish with Landscaping
Landscaping isn’t just an afterthought; it’s the polish that makes the entire design shine. Want to see how landscaping ties a design together? Check out my YouTube video here. And with split levels, you’re often working with a slope, so terracing can be your best friend
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Use terraces to bring the landscape up to meet the entry. This softens the slope and makes the home feel more approachable.
Frame the entry with greenery and planters to create a welcoming vibe.
Hide awkward areas with shrubs or trees, and use flower beds to draw attention to key architectural features.
If the budget allows, upgrade the driveway with pavers or a premium material and frame it with clean, intentional landscaping.
The Final Transformation
By making these targeted updates—reworking openings, addressing overhangs, upgrading materials, adding architectural details, and refining landscaping—you can transform a split-level home into something truly special. The goal isn’t to fight its identity but to embrace and enhance it with a timeless, cohesive design. For a full visual breakdown of these steps, watch my YouTube video here.
What are your thoughts on this approach? Let me know if you’ve tackled a split level before or if there’s another home style you’d like to see redesigned. Your comments might just inspire the next project!