09/29/2026
An amazing renovated house with lots of curb appeal!
Turn a dated split-level house into a sophisticated modern Craftsman home with deep olive siding, a timber-framed entrance, dark windows, a black garage door, and lush hillside landscaping! 🏡✨
The original exterior has a practical layout and a strong multi-level shape, but its white siding, pale brick, narrow concrete steps, basic entry, and overgrown shrubs make the façade feel disconnected. This makeover works with the existing structure while using stronger materials, warmer details, and a clearer entrance to give the home a completely new identity. Here’s how to recreate the transformation. 👇
1. Modernize the Upper Exterior 🎨
Replace the white horizontal siding on the raised section with deep olive-gray board-and-batten panels. The vertical lines make the upper floor appear taller and create an attractive contrast against the existing warm brick.
Choose an earthy olive tone with subtle gray undertones.
Use charcoal trim along the roofline, gutters, fascia, and window surrounds for consistency.
2. Add a Timber-Framed Entry Gable 🪵
Construct a prominent covered gable above the entrance using natural cedar posts, beams, and exposed trusses. This feature visually connects the different levels and turns the previously recessed doorway into the façade’s main focal point.
Size the canopy carefully so it protects the landing without overwhelming the house.
Support the timber posts on stone bases that coordinate with the new steps.
3. Upgrade the Door and Windows 🚪
Replace the plain white door with a richly stained wood entrance featuring divided glass panes. Dark-framed windows throughout the façade create sharper definition and complement the Craftsman-inspired color palette.
Match the front-door stain to the exposed timber canopy.
Use warm lanterns and black hardware to unify the door, windows, and garage.
4. Improve the Front Staircase 🪨
Replace the narrow concrete steps with a broader natural-stone staircase that begins at the sidewalk and rises gracefully toward the entrance. Integrated step lights improve nighttime visibility while giving the approach a refined appearance.
Include sturdy black handrails on both sides of the upper staircase.
Choose textured, slip-resistant stone suitable for rain, frost, and regular foot traffic.
5. Refresh the Garage and Lower Level 🖤
A dark charcoal garage door with slim upper windows creates a polished contrast against the brick. Matching wall lanterns help the garage feel integrated into the overall design rather than treated as a separate utility feature.
Coordinate the garage-door finish with the window frames and gutters.
Inspect the driveway slope and drainage before installing new thresholds or paving.
6. Landscape the Sloping Front Yard 🌿
Replace the sparse shrubs with layered beds of white hydrangeas, hostas, ornamental grasses, compact evergreens, and low groundcovers. Curved retaining edges help manage the slope while softening the strong architectural lines.
Place larger shrubs near the brick walls and smaller plants beside the steps.
Add low-voltage uplights and path lights to emphasize the garden and entrance after sunset.
This renovation demonstrates how a split-level house can gain warmth and architectural character without changing its basic footprint. The olive siding, cedar entry canopy, dark windows, illuminated stone steps, refreshed garage, and abundant garden work together to create a balanced and memorable exterior. 🌳
Renovation costs will vary depending on materials, structural requirements, drainage conditions, permits, location, and local labor rates.
Save this post for your next exterior home renovation! 📌
Want to see how your home exterior, outdoor space, or backyard could look after a makeover? 🏡 Send us a photo via inbox, and we’ll create a FREE remodeling concept for inspiration! ✨
