There’s something quietly hopeful about a Mid-Century split-level home. Beneath the dated siding and weathered trim lines, there’s often a structure full of character, waiting to be rediscovered. That was the story of the Harrison Residence.

From the street, the home felt reserved. Built in the 1960s, this Denver split-level had good bones but little presence. The homeowners didn’t want a complete reinvention—they wanted to uncover what the home could have always been. They envisioned warmth. Architectural clarity. A backyard where evenings could stretch long past sunset.

With that vision in mind, Design Exteriors partnered with Paul Borman of Bormann Eitemiller Architects to draw out the home’s inherent Mid-Century Modern potential. What followed was a thoughtful transformation, one rooted in restraint, proportion, and purposeful material selection.

A Mid-Century Modern Exterior Reimagined

The transformation began with a new exterior color palette, one designed to emphasize horizontal lines and architectural geometry rather than compete with them. Warm neutrals and rich bronze accents immediately elevated the façade.

To reinforce the aesthetic direction, we installed new bronze Andersen Windows windows, paired with matching bronze gutters and downspouts. The darker metal finish created visual depth and subtle contrast against the updated exterior tones.

The lower-level lap siding was removed and replaced with a three-layer Synergy stucco system, introducing a clean, modern texture. A newly constructed front portico provided dimension and shelter while establishing a welcoming focal point. At the rear, a patio cover extended the home’s architectural language into the backyard.

Details mattered. All soffits were trimmed in beadboard to complement the Cedar Tongue & Groove ceilings of both the portico and patio cover. A fresh coat of trim paint unified the structure and refined its edges.

The result? A home that finally feels aligned with its era, crisp, intentional, and distinctly Mid-Century.

Designing a Backyard That Invites You to Stay

The backyard was envisioned not just as a yard, but as an experience.

At its center, we constructed a sand-finish concrete fire pit patio, detailed with diamond-saw-cut control joints that echo the home’s clean geometry. Surrounding the patio, a stucco-faced seat wall capped with flagstone defines the gathering area and offers generous seating for guests.

The fire feature itself, a Moderno V by Prism Hardscapes, anchors the space with a contemporary silhouette that complements the overall design language.

To enhance the evening ambiance, recessed wall-cap lighting by Unique Lighting Systems was integrated into the seat wall. The glow is subtle, never overpowering, allowing the firelight to remain the star of the show. 

Structure, Texture, and Function in the Landscape

To manage elevation changes and create layered interest, native stone was selected for terraced retaining walls. The organic texture of the stone contrasts beautifully with the refined concrete finishes used for the new set of sand-finished steps.

Function was equally important. A set of 24″ x 72″ stock tanks by Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment was installed as elevated vegetable garden planters. Paired with an automatic watering system, they offer both convenience and a subtle industrial edge.

Concrete mow curbing was used to create crisp bed borders, establishing a bold visual separation between the lawn and planting areas. This often-overlooked detail can significantly enhance long-term maintenance and design clarity.

The Sound of Stillness: A Custom Monolith Fountain

To introduce a meditative quality to the space, we installed a custom monolith water fountain, an understated sculptural element that draws the eye without overwhelming the setting.

Engineered for year-round enjoyment, the feature includes:

• An autofill system
• An overflow drain
• A pond heater

The gentle movement of water provides a soft auditory layer, transforming the backyard into a place of retreat rather than just a place for recreation.

Lighting That Transforms With the Evening

Thoughtful lighting design ensures the backyard feels as inviting at night as it does during the day.

Contemporary wall sconces by Circa Lighting were installed beside both upper and lower-level doors, reinforcing architectural rhythm.

Under the patio cover, hidden low-voltage valance lighting washes the ceiling in a warm glow, while pendant fixtures by Kichler Lighting add decorative presence.

Each lighting zone was equipped with an individual rheostat switch, allowing the homeowners to fine-tune brightness levels to suit the mood, whether hosting a lively gathering or enjoying a quiet evening outdoors.

Plantings That Soften and Elevate

To complement the strong architectural framework, we selected plantings that add softness, seasonal change, and visual depth.

Highlights include:

• ‘Bartzella’ Peony
• ‘Midnight Marvel’ Hibiscus
• ‘Blue Angel’ Hosta
• ‘Nearly Wild’ Rose
• An 8-foot ‘Autumn Brilliance’ Serviceberry

Well-suited to Denver’s seasons, the Serviceberry introduces vertical interest and brilliant fall color, grounding the planting design with year-round structure.

A Home Reclaimed

The Harrison Residence is no longer an overlooked split-level from the 1960s. It’s a confident expression of Mid-Century Modern design—balanced, warm, and purposeful.

From the bronze architectural details to the layered backyard retreat, every element now feels intentional. The transformation wasn’t about adding more—it was about revealing what was already there.

And now, when the sun sets, and the fire pit glows, the home feels exactly as it should: inviting, refined, and truly lived in.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mid-Century Modern Renovation

Is it worth renovating a 1960s split-level instead of starting over? In most cases, yes. These homes already have the horizontal lines and clean geometry that Mid-Century Modern design celebrates. Because the bones are strong, a renovation can deliver a dramatic result without the cost of a teardown.

How long does a project like this take? It depends on scope, permitting, weather, and material lead times. A focused exterior refresh can take a few weeks, while a full exterior and backyard transformation usually spans several months.

Can my split-level get this same Mid-Century Modern look? Most can. The key is to emphasize the home’s existing lines rather than fight them. With the right palette, materials, and lighting, even a plain façade can read as authentically Mid-Century.

Ready to Reimagine Your Denver Home with a Mid-Century Modern Renovation?

If you own a 1960s split-level in Denver, chances are it holds more architectural potential than you realize. With the right design vision, material selection, and construction expertise, it can become a modern showpiece, inside and out.

At Design Exteriors, we specialize in Mid-Century Modern renovations, exterior remodels, and custom backyard living environments throughout Denver and the Front Range. From bronze window installations and stucco façade upgrades to fire pit patios, custom water features, and fully integrated outdoor lighting systems, we manage every phase under one roof.

Your home deserves more than incremental upgrades. It deserves a cohesive transformation.

Schedule a design consultation today and discover what’s possible for your Denver property.