Split level front porch decor tips and ideas

Split-level homes offer a unique exterior design with multiple floors connected by half flights of stairs. While they rose to popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, some common complaints about split-levels still persist when it comes to curb appeal and exterior styling.

We'll provide specific ideas to address privacy concerns while still improving aesthetic appeal. Let's explore decor concepts to highlight the best of your split-level house!

Assess Your Existing Layout and Measure Porch Dimensions

First, take a careful look at your split-level home's current footprint. Pay attention to the width and depth of any existing front porch space attached to the middle split-level. Identify potential problem areas like tight corners, obstructed views, lack of railings or lighting. Think about which portions could be expanded or rebuilt to increase usable square footage.

Be sure to assess sunlight exposure patterns on the different levels. South-facing areas tend to get more direct light. How could you incorporate natural light into certain spaces through strategic window placements or skylights?

Consider Wider Porch Widths or Wraparound Designs

• Widening porch widths can make them more functional, allowing space for seating areas.
• Wraparound porch designs continue along the front and side of homes for increased relaxation and entertainment zones.
• Pay attention to sight lines from the street to balance aesthetics and privacy.

Rethink Entryways, Front Doors, and Staircases

• Welcome guests with an expanded front entryway and statement door.
• Outdoor staircases to porches can incorporate landing nooks and decorative touches.
• Connect the rear and front yard with well-designed staircases and pathways.

Select a Cohesive Decor Style for Maximum Curb Appeal

When designing your split-level home's exterior, decide on an overarching style for the most visual impact. Then, let that decor style guide your structural changes, material selections, and ornamental additions.

Suit the Home's Era or Try a Contrasting Style

• For mid-century homes, play up retro-modern styles through lighting, siding, and hardware choices.
• Rustic farmhouse or cottage garden elements also pair well with split-level exteriors.
• Or make your home pop on the block with an eye-catching, contrasting look.

Factor in Neighborhood Character and Personal Taste

• Blend your home with others on the street for cohesion.
• Stand out with bold colors, unique porch shapes, creative landscaping.
• Reflect your personality through exterior paint colors and ornamental touches.

Rethink Your Front Porch Flooring

The front porch floor sets the tone for your split-level's exterior. Use it as a chance to add visual interest and match your decor theme. Attractive, low-maintenance flooring also tempts homeowners to utilize porch spaces more.

Warm, Inviting Wood Tones

• Rich wood plank floors complement farmhouse, cottage, or rustic styles.
• Opt for naturally rot-resistant woods like cedar or redwood.
• Incorporate wood porch ceilings to extend the cozy vibe.

Sleek, Modern Tile or Stone

• Concrete tiles, natural stone, or porcelain make contemporary statements.
• Lay tile in geometric patterns for added flair.
• Grout selection impacts the overall hue.

Budget-Friendly Poured Concrete

• Plain concrete gets a bad rap but offers affordable possibilities.
• Opt for decorative touches like embedded tiles, stamped patterns, or stenciling.
• Seal and reseal concrete to prevent cracks and improve longevity.

Include Plenty of Comfortable Seating Areas

One of the best ways to enhance enjoyment of your split-level's front porch? Add seating areas tailored to your needs that entice you outdoors.

Classic Porch Swings or Rocking Chairs

• Welcome relaxation with traditional rockers or hanging swings.
• Coordinate with your color scheme and decor style.
• Site near entryways for resting upon coming and going.

Built-In Bench Seating Saves Space

• Maximize narrow layouts with built-in bench seating, maybe flanking doorways.
• Incorporate storage underneath for clutter control.
• Built-ins work well bordering foundation plantings.

Style with Weatherproof Cushions and Pillows

• Cushion porch seating and floor pillows expand relaxation zones.
• Select fade- and mildew-resistant outdoor fabrics.
• Change them out seasonally to refresh the look.

Add Decorative Touches to Show Off Style

Once you've designed an updated structural footprint and nailed down essential seating areas, it's time for fun decorative additions to punch up porch appeal.

Greenery Choices Enhance Curb Appeal

• Strategically placed planters, window boxes, and potted plants infuse life.
• Consider low-maintenance native plants best suited for light conditions.
• Define porch borders with decorative grasses, small trees, or flowering bushes.

Carefully Chosen Outdoor Lighting Complements Style

• Ambient lighting sets off Architectural features and creates cozy spaces for nighttime gatherings.
• Try sconces flanking entries, overhead fixtures, or LED step lighting.
• Use smart controls like timers, motion detectors, and dimmers to manage costs.

Embrace Texture with Rugs, Wall Art, and Accessories

• Incorporate outdoor area rugs to delineate spaces in style.
• Wall art, house numbers, and unique hardware add flair.
• Display pottery, lanterns or your favorite collectibles.

Give Wood Elements New Life with Fresh Paint and Stain

Providing TLC to existing wood features offers affordable revitalization. Take time to properly prepare and protect wood before applying updated color.

Powerwash and Sand to Start Fresh

• Thoroughly clean wood siding, finishes, railings, beams and accents.
• Lightly sand to degloss and roughen surfaces.
• Replace rotten boards and address any structural issues.

Stain, Paint, or White Wash for Protection and Pizzazz

• Stains allow wood grain to show while protecting integrity.
• Paint in your porch color scheme for cohesion.
• White washing gives a beachy, rustic weathered patina.

Focus on Railings, Columns, Ceilings, and Trims

• Define vertical supports and overhead architecture.
• Contrast ceiling hues from upper and lower floors.
• Refresh trims around windows, corners, and frieze boards.

Consider Layout Changes to Porch Size and Shape

If budget allows, more extensive porch renovations let you remedy problem areas and expand living space. Just secure proper permits first.

Extend Depth for Added Functionality

• Deepening the footprint adds spaciousness for furniture layouts.
• Good sight lines prevent closed-in feelings.
• Factor in stair placements and connections to entries.

Continue Porch Around Home Sides

• Wraparound designs increase overall gathering space.
• They can help define rear entertaining zones.
• Connect side and rear porches via well-placed pathways and landings.

Redesign Entry Stairs and Railings

• Open up welcoming areas and reconsider tread depths.
• Incorporate creative angles or wider staircases.
• Update railings and lighting fixtures as needed.

Maximize Curb Appeal Touches

Finally, pull together all your exterior improvements with coordinating style elements for 360 degrees of eye-catching allure.

Landscape Bed Edging and Stepping Stone Pathways

• Define planting beds and lawn spaces with natural stones or decorative edging.
• Guide visitors with pathways to entryways and backyard access.
• Choose materials complementing the architecture like brick, flagstone, or gravel.

Update House Numbers, Welcome Mats, and Exterior Hardware

• Refresh dated house numbers with more visible options reflecting style motifs.
• Ground the look with outdoor mats in related color families.
• Tie together lighting fixtures, doorknobs, hinges and railings.

Coordinate Landscaping and Architectural Features

• Repeat plants and colors from front to back yard for harmony.
• Transition well from hard to softscape spaces.
• Continue exterior paint hues in accent trim and ornamentation.

Budget DIY Updates Alongside Long-Term Goals

When planning your split-level home's exterior facelift, intermix quick DIY wins alongside future dreams requiring heftier budgets. Rome wasn't built in a day, but steady improvements build equity.

Refresh Looks With Simple Weekend Updates

• Powerwash siding, sidewalks, porch flooring.
• Paint railings, front doors, window sashes.
• Install low-voltage landscape lighting, plant containers.

Research Contractors for Structural Renovations

• Get bids from trusted deck, porch and patio companies.
• Read reviews and ask neighbors for recommendations.
• Compare materials and project scope line-by-line.

Set Aside Funds to Achieve Bigger Goals

• Open dedicated savings accounts each month for patio savings, porch dreams, etc.
• Take advantage of home equity loans, cash-out mortgage refinancing.
• Save up bonuses or tax refunds for house enhancement funds.

Maximizing your split-level home's aesthetic appeal comes with endless possibilities. Start by taking advantage of the transitional spaces connecting the upper and lower levels. Rethink front porch layouts and entry sequences welcoming visitors. Include creative seating zones tailored for relaxation and entertaining. Then decorate to highlight architectural assets with cohesive plants, lighting and accessories reflecting your unique style.

Whether embarking on simple DIY improvements or more complex renovations phased over time, let your creativity run wild to showcase your home's best attributes. Our split-level decor tips aim to inspire as you analyze layouts, build on strengths, and address problem areas one project at a time.