how much money do you or can you afford? Because with a decent amount to change the siding, the flower beds/landscaping, you windows, and possibly the roof, it could look amazing.

look at James Hardie siding. they have great colors, and they have composite wood.

I'd get new siding, and think about doing the composite wood slat siding on the one half

Like this one.

I love the dark windows, the wood, the darker vertical siding and white base (which could be your brick. look into Romabio for that).

These are all split level redos. I'd suggest you google or Pinterest "split level make overs" so you can see everything that can be done.

this isn't really a split level, but if you painted your brick, got the darker windows (these are bronze) and did a thinner vertical siding that what you currently have, maybe some shake as well, you 'd have a similar look.

another poster on here who asked for help. this was her before and after. notice the wood slat around her front door

White brick, black windows and black trim, looks really good.

The shutters are not appropriate for a split level home. Here is one option for your home.

Where is your home located? Location makes a difference into what should be done. I'd lime wash or paint the brick and paint the siding (in addition to getting the new windows.) I don't love what looks to be vinyl under the front eaves (then again, I hate vinyl or really anything plastic).

I think this one from Beth is a great option...

That photo is a raised ranch, not a split level. Might be ok in California or the northwest. In New England or the east coast it wouldn't fly.

DG, why wouldn't that idea fly on the east coast?

I'm just talking about exterior design options. mainly the composite wood siding on the one side, the brick painted white, and a regular siding on the other side.

or something like this

Around the back, the siding (the dark siding in the photo) would continue on the sides and back in whatever color she prefers.

she could even do a vertical siding or a board and batten type of siding

she could do the rear and sides (and the front) with siding like this, paint the brick to match whatever siding color she likes)

https://thehappyhousie.porch.com/25-ideas-tips-for-adding-curb-appeal-to-your-home/

Beth, Hardie siding is no issue here - it's used a lot. Painted brick is as well. I've never seen horizontal cedar siding here and the black windows are only used by millennials wanting the HGTV "modern farmhouse". I'm in suburban NYC and the black windows are fading fast already. I think it's just a regional thing.

I don't think the windows have to be black. I showed a few pics where they were bronze color, but that wood design could also be done w/the white windows.

in fact, this pic I added has white windows w/black window casing along w/the wood. I think it looks great. but it doesn't have to be black.

If the home was built in the 60's, I think going w/a mid century type of look would look better than a colonial look w/the shutters.

at no time did I mention 'modern farmhouse'. lol.

Black windows aren't a must. she could do the white, white brick, composite wood siding, and a soft blue or gray siding. I was just showing her a home w/the Mcm type of redo on those split levels.

Yes, the MCM and Scandinavian styles seem to be good options for split levels. I did a little cut and paste using Beverly's mock-up and added charcoal trim...

It could just be me, but I find your windows to all look undersized. If you're putting in new windows I think longer windows would look more appealing.

no gray w/that brick. if you want a charcoal color siding, that orange/red brick needs to be painted. (Romabio, not regular paint)

Beth, I've not heard of Romabio. Is that the best product for painting brick? So glad this came up, because we are thinking of painting ours this year. Any tips on color or sheen? We don't want it to look like plastic.

Thanks, Beth!

are you going to paint a brick?

Hi thank you all for the wonder replies. I’ll make sure to leave great reviews!
I’m located on the east coast. New Jersey right near Philadelphia. My home was built in the 60s. First time home owner I’m cash flowing everything and finding out cost as I go. So far windows were priority because of drafts and also found out the windowsills have lead paint. But yes loving the look of the Classico lime wash. I decided to keep the capping white since I can only afford fixing windows on the right side of my home at the moment( since that’s where bedrooms are and living area). I know it’s a work in progress and want to strive for a look that is updated and won’t look dated to quickly ❣️

I’m not sure if I would want to paint the expose brick but if it’s a better choice I would definitely go for it. I’ve always liked expose brick but don’t mind giving a beautiful creamy white coat

I love brick. I don't look at yours and think, "oh, she should paint that." Mine, on the other hand, is hideous to me haha. We are painting the non-brick areas this spring, so we'll decide then if the brick will be painted as well.

Some colors that might work with your brick...

window boxes full of flowers and trailing greenery would help those upper windows. Good luck! Please post pics afterwards ☺️