Do you have any inspiration photos that show the kind of "atomic ranch charm" you are looking for? Budget range?

I’m stuck at finding photos! Eventually need a new door and storm door. Windows and siding are fine as well as structure. Thinking of redoing the landscaping near the path and a flower box under window? But not sure how that would add to the atomic ranch feel?

https://www.houzz.com/photos/vista-contemporary-exterior-vancouver-phvw-vp~154250957

The architecture is decidedly un-Midcentury, if that can even be a word, but I think there are things you can do to jazz up the exterior. Definitely doors, light fixtures, numbers, mailbox, and landscaping. The current color scheme is very 90’s to me. I think you need to collect images and think about how much you are ready to change. Try searching for images of “updated split level exterior” and start an idea book with the ones that appeal to you.

This reminds me a bit of your house. They’ve made extensive changes, I realize, but maybe it can still provide some inspiration:

https://www.startribune.com/smart-split-transforming-a-1990s-tract-home-in-ne-minneapolis/274118131/

Before:

After:

Another (older than yours, but similar style):

https://www.houzz.com/photos/mid-century-split-level-addition-whole-house-remodel-traditional-exterior-austin-phvw-vp~116849156

I really like the fresh greens of both houses.

Not an atomic ranch, but something to consider:

Since your house is not a ranch, take some time to mentally deconstruct the look you want, to figure out just which elements of an "atomic ranch" appeal to you. Then you can figure out how or if to apply to your split level.

Dig Doug's geometric landscaping and stone/wood finishes have some midcentury vibes. However, you can't get an atomic ranch out of a split level. So landscaping, some great house numbers, interesting front door can't hint at the style, which you can develop inside if that's how you roll.

Contemporary Craftsman, Bainbridge Island, WA · More Info

I'm wondering if all the gravel is to direct water. You'll want to check that out. Hardscaping with stone and gravel can absolutely be part of MCM landscaping style.

Green Lines · More Info

Mid-Century Modern home remodel · More Info

Lots of mid century houses were not midmod style. My parents had a colonial ranch. Midmod exteriors tended to be boxy without gabled roofs. Plenty of them, at least in the north, got torn down because they had little insulation (my parents had electric heat, because in the 60s, they thought in the near future, electricity woukd be too cheap to meter) and because the flat roofs leaked.

So, there's nothing un-midmod about an exterior with colonial elements and a midmod interior.

Wow that is so interesting, thank you for sharing that and for the inspiration!

It's going to take some major changes to your home to convert it to mid-century modern but if you have the budget, time and patience it can be done. There should be plenty of inspiration renovations online. Some of the posters here have given you some wonder examples. You might consider hiring an architect to work with. He/she should be able to help you out with your design. Good luck!

I'm looking at your house again, which looks great, honestly, as is, except for walkway and landscaping.

Here's a split with brownish roof like yours. The color block paint job, garage doors, and landscaping definitely have an an MCM vibe. This is surely professionally designed and could've been a remuddled trainwreck but isn't. Proceed with caution.

Olsen Residence · More Info

I think that Jinx' first example, above, is fantastic. Such a difference that adding the portico, changing the window, and removing the gable (along with a couple of less extreme touches) made!

There are a lot of good mid-century landscaping ideas in this project

Mid-Century Front Landscape - Racine · More Info

Do you have a view of the whole front of the house?

Everyone is so kind and helpful, thank you so much for all of your ideas! I think landscaping and a new door and possibly light fixtures might be the only things to change base on budget as more ideas come through here. Here’s a photo of the whole house

What about a garage door change. I dont know anything about this company, but it seems more economical than getting a new garage door. https://www.garageskins.com/projects

and maybe new outdoor lighting and painting the trim black.

https://www.atomic-ranch.com/modernism-week/inside-dani-nagels-home/

Focus on the interior with your atomic ranch style. If Atomic Ranch colors won't be offensive to the neighbors, you can add a touch to the exterior at the front door and on that bump out.

https://www.pinterest.com/simmypappachen/atomic-ranch-colors/

What about an open slat fence/screen at the bump-out, that will soften the look and give it a linear element. Take it as high as the bottom of the window.

@Alicia: love the idea of the "garage skins" if they have a good track record. This is one of those houses where the garage takes up as much visual space as the house proper. A modern cedar garaage door would link to the cedar support on the porch with perhaps a future cedar door. The house really doesn't lean towards MCM at al, though I suppose more modern garage door, house numbers, garage outdoor lights could give an updated look.

Thanks everyone for your kind and helpful ideas!