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Wicker, rattan, and reclaimed wood are not merely decorative choices but a testament to Cape Cod’s connection to nature. These materials underline the house’s manageable size and homely appeal, creating a living space that reflects the historical context and modern times’ sustainability focus. Floor plans are often designed to maximize living space without excess, focusing on family-oriented common spaces. Patterned brickwork, diamond-paned windows, and a slate roof can give a 20th century Cape Cod the flavor of a Tudor Cottage home. At first glance, you might not think of this house as a Cape Cod—especially because of the brick exterior.
Cape Cod Houses and Details of This All-American Classic Style
Still, these homes are most often found throughout the New England coast including areas like Cape Cod; Martha’s Vineyard; Nantucket; Watch Hill, Rhode Island; or even the Hamptons in New York. White paint and black shutters was a popular pairing during the Cape Cod revival. However, you can always reinvigorate your façade with a different combination. A fresh coat of paint has the power to make or break a space, but don’t worry; when it comes to Cape Cod houses, it’s perfectly fine to keep your color palette simple.
Cape Cod (house)
Cape Cod style houses emphasize simplicity and functionality in interior design. Reflecting the New England Puritan carpenters’ ideals, the Cape Cod house designs offer clean lines and practical layouts. Its unique blend of practical design and aesthetic charm makes it a popular choice for many homeowners.
I won $2.75million Cape Cod-style house from HGTV – it had $1,896 a month hidden fees and I sold it i... - The US Sun
I won $2.75million Cape Cod-style house from HGTV – it had $1,896 a month hidden fees and I sold it i....
Posted: Mon, 24 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
A Living Tradition
And if you can’t decide between the two, a three-quarter Cape is for you, with two windows on one side of the door and one window on the other. A Cape Cod-style house with an open-floor plan eliminates most non-structural walls to create an open and airy flow through the kitchen, dining area, and living room. If the homeowner chooses to add a wing or two and still retain the Cape Cod structure, they can extend a single-story off one or both sides of the home. Occasionally, such extensions may not be possible on a narrow lot, and the home can only be built up to add more living space.
You may find large sliding glass doors leading to outdoor living spaces, like patios or decks, to take advantage of California’s mild climate. Many ranch homes in California also feature mid-century modern design elements, such as floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed beams, and natural details. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history, characteristics, and unique features of Cape Cod houses.
House Features
These Cape Cod-style homes showcase several key elements that distinguish this casual, traditional style. According to McDonald, when in their native setting, there are little disadvantages to living in a Cape Cod house. “These houses would be at home in nearly any seasonal resort type area in Southern New England.” However, the small footprint of this type of house—in its most traditional sense—can be disadvantageous for some. As its name suggests, Cape Cod house style is most common in Massachusetts and the greater New England region.

The original shake shingles are often left to weather gray, while other Cape Cod homes sport painted shingles. Most of the color schemes, like those of Colonial-style homes, are very neutral and austere. Historically, Cape Cod houses were modestly-sized homes with one to one-and-a-half stories.
Windows and Doors in Cape Cod Houses
The windows on a Cape Cod play a critical role in creating the charm and curb appeal of this home style. Originally, Cape Cod homes were often built to maximize available sunlight, with the largest and tallest windows facing south. This positioning helped minimize heating costs while taking advantage of natural light. You’ll typically see double-hung windows with shutters on the main floor, and dormers on the second to increase light and air circulation.
The relatively low ceilings made it easier to heat the buildings during the winter. Today, the house style's sturdy, practical appearance maintains its simple appeal. One of the defining features of these homes is their seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living, making them ideal for California’s mild climate. Whether you’re looking for a seaside villa or a cozy retreat in the hills, you’re sure to find the perfect Mediterranean-style home in California. So, if you’re looking to buy a home in California this year, you might be wondering what kind of classic California style homes you’re likely to find. They haven’t the scaled-down pretensions of two-bedroom mock-Spanish haciendas.
When it comes to architecture, Cape Cod house style is as all-American as a fresh slice of apple pie. It’s only fitting, really, given the subtext of journalists being jailed around the world. Serving homebuyers and sellers in the San Diego area, Sussy Brown is a top real estate agent at Redfin with the latest market insights and local expertise. With years of experience as a real estate agent in the greater San Diego area, Sussy Brown possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the local market. The most stupendously delightful of these is the hundred-year-old Ward Lascelle house in Beverly Hills, named the “Witch’s Cottage” for reasons that are obvious.

Originating in New England in the 17th century, the simple symmetrical design was constructed of local materials to withstand the stormy weather of Cape Cod. The space above the first floor was often left as unfinished attic space, with or without windows on the gable ends. A home style that gained popularity during the 1940s through 1960s, mid-century modern homes are still very loved today, including in California. Mid-century modern homes in California are typically single-story or split-level with floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding doors, and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. Additionally, mid-century modern homes showcase neutral colors and natural wood finishes throughout the home, creating a minimalist and sleek look.
You don’t need a complicated color palette when decorating a Cape Cod – staying simple is the best compliment to this home. Neutrals like white, grey, and black create a blank canvas on the exterior; if you’re looking to stand out, consider a nod to nature with light blues, light yellows, and seafoam greens. The traditional decor and construction materials give tribute to durability and function. If you’re looking to update your home or give it a complete facelift, here are a few fresh design ideas that can breathe new life into a Cape Cod house.
Whether used for entertainment or relaxation, these additions enhance the livable space of the Cape Cod house and emphasize its connection with nature and the regional climate. When dormers are added to an existing house, consider the advice of an architect to help choose an appropriate size and optimal placement. An architect's eye for symmetry and proportion will be a huge help when adding dormers. Julia is a part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about real estate and design trends. Since Cape Cod house style is typically free of any ornamentation, it’s easy to write it off as bland. But, as architect Kevin Lichten argues, its simplicity has made this a lasting home trend.
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