Hi from Hickory!
One of our readers Amy wrote us from Hickory, NC which is also Betsy’s hometown. Amy is working on a split-level and she’s made some headway but we want to weigh in and offer some suggestions that can help Amy max curb appeal and update the exterior.
Amy writes,
We recently bought a split level home and are in the process of turning our ugly home into one we can call sweet. I’m interested in your thoughts on shutters; I noticed they were removed for the fresh, modern look in this post. Our home is mostly brick, but there’s some old, painted siding on the front that we’re replacing with board and batten which is more of a traditional look than this modern reno.
Split-levels can present a design challenge. The board and batten plan was a big 10-4. Let’s see what Amy is working with now.
We think it looks really great. Here are a few more ideas that we have to further the great direction they are headed in:
Paint the rest of the brick with the exception of the chimney gray. This will unify that face and give the door color a chance to pop. We love a painted door.
Remove the bushes that are directly blocking the windows on the lower level or trade the woody azaleas for something lower growing, maybe a perennial grass or a slow growing English boxwood if you insist on evergreen. Mulch the beds and small trees in the front yard to create definition.
Add a wider trim around lower level windows to match those above.
You might also consider adding faux stone to the lower level in a shade that compliments the new board and batten, but painted brick is a great start.
That’s it. Thanks for hitting us up Amy!
