Just an article for you... then a cool house to look for ideas:

[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/step-up-your-split-level-spec-house-stsetivw-vs~1495200[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/step-up-your-split-level-spec-house-stsetivw-vs~1495200)

[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/my-houzz-added-space-and-style-for-a-1960s-split-level-stsetivw-vs~4636991[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/my-houzz-added-space-and-style-for-a-1960s-split-level-stsetivw-vs~4636991)

hallway · More Info

For a modern look, you might want to remove the shutters and consider black or charcoal instead of white for the trim and the addition.

You could modernize the whole roof line and have the entry bump-out extend all the way up.

Although this isn't as modern as the first one, it would be a nice update for your home. You could simplify the roof line and have no windows on the sides in order to add closets.

You could add a gable to your roof and a simple shed roof over your new entry.

I'd remove the shrubs which are overgrown. The tree to the right also should be removed because it is too close to the foundation and looks odd. Start there before you make those cosmetic changes. I like the front door, actually.

What you are talking about is adding a room. Unless it is a bathroom or kitchen you cannot expect to recover much of the cost at sale time either. I would only do this if you expect to live here a very long time.

The house is about as streamline as a house can get so I don't understand what you mean by "modern clean" look.

Start collecting ideas so you will have something to show the architect you hire. Figure your budget then give one a call.

Let's say you got professional advice there - would an air-lock entry be good in your climate, if cold and windy? Seems an add-on entry room would keep out some of the cold ...Idk about shutters with that look....

You'd need to re-think landscaping entirely... but that's ok.

You might want to check a split level that I did some mock ups for. The look they were going for might work for you. My web site is, Creative Visual Concepts. I could show you how some changes to your house might look.

Your beautiful brick house needs new unique front door. We are happy to recommend you to some of our front doors, you can choose them depending on your inside interior and taste preferences, also in our online store you can find more beautiful doors.

For light and warm tones of the interior, Magnate Entry Door will be best.

If you want white door take a closer attention to the Salerno Entry Door: