Cape Cod architecture, originating in the early colonial period, is known for its simplicity, practicality, and charming aesthetics. These homes, originally built by settlers in New England, were designed to withstand harsh weather conditions with their steeply pitched roofs and sturdy, symmetrical layouts.
The classic cape style home is typically one or one-and-a-half stories, with a centered front door flanked by multi-paned windows. This design has remained popular due to its straightforward and timeless appeal.
Remodeling Cape Cod Houses with Modern Design Elements
As time has progressed, the traditional Cape Cod house designs have evolved to incorporate modern amenities and contemporary styles. Remodeling a cape cod style home involves blending the original architectural features with updated materials and innovative design ideas.
This process often includes adding larger windows, creating open floor plans, and using sustainable materials. The result is a modern cape cod house that maintains its historical charm while offering the comfort and functionality desired by today’s homeowners.
The Charm of Blending Traditional and Modern Design in Cape Cod Houses
The allure of a modern cape cod house lies in its ability to harmonize the old with the new. By preserving key elements such as cedar shingle siding, steep gable roofs, and symmetrical facades, these homes retain their historical character.
At the same time, integrating features like expansive glass doors, sleek metal roofing, and contemporary outdoor living spaces transforms a cape style home into a sophisticated, comfortable retreat. This blend of tradition and innovation creates a cape cod house that honors its past while embracing the future, offering a perfect balance of nostalgia and modernity.
Exterior Materials and Finish
Shingle Siding
Description of Traditional Cedar Shingle Siding: Cedar shingle siding is a hallmark of cape cod house designs, known for its durability and natural beauty. These shingles are crafted from cedar wood, providing a rustic, textured appearance that complements the traditional Cape Cod architecture.
The natural variations in wood grain and color add depth and character to the exterior, making each home unique.
Benefits of Using Natural Wood Shingles: Using natural wood shingles offers several advantages. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, ensuring longevity and low maintenance.
Additionally, wood shingles provide excellent insulation, helping to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer. This eco-friendly material also ages gracefully, adding to the charm and appeal of the home over time.
Aesthetic Appeal and Aging Process of Shingles: The aesthetic appeal of cedar shingles lies in their ability to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. Over time, cedar shingles develop a silvery-grey patina, enhancing the home’s character and blending it even more with its surroundings.
This aging process not only adds to the visual appeal but also signifies the enduring quality of the materials used in traditional cape cod style homes.
Stone and Brick Accents
Use of Natural Stone Accents Around the Foundation and Chimney: Incorporating natural stone accents around the foundation and chimney enhances the structural integrity and visual appeal of a modern cape cod style house. Stones such as granite or fieldstone are commonly used for these accents, providing a solid and timeless foundation.
Integration of Brick Elements for Added Texture and Durability: Brick elements are often integrated into the design to add texture and durability. The warm, earthy tones of brick contrast beautifully with the cedar shingles, creating a visually appealing facade.
Bricks are used around entryways, chimneys, and as part of the lower exterior walls, adding a layer of protection and aesthetic richness.
Visual Impact and Structural Benefits of Stone and Brick Combinations: The combination of stone and brick not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers structural benefits. Stone provides a sturdy base, while brick adds durability and weather resistance.
This blend of materials ensures that the house can withstand various weather conditions, maintaining its beauty and structural integrity for years to come.
Roofing Materials
Overview of Steeply Pitched Roofs and Their Practicality: Steeply pitched roofs are a defining feature of cape cod architecture. These roofs are designed to shed snow and rain effectively, preventing water damage and ensuring the longevity of the structure.
The sharp angles also add to the distinctive look of a small cape cod style house, making it stand out with its classic silhouette. Use of Asphalt Shingles for Durability and Weather Resistance: Asphalt shingles are commonly used in modern cape cod style houses due to their durability and cost-effectiveness.
These shingles are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, providing excellent protection against wind, rain, and snow. Their availability in various colors and styles allows homeowners to customize the look of their roofs while maintaining practicality.
Modern Metal Roofing Options and Their Aesthetic Contribution: Metal roofing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for contemporary updates. Metal roofs offer superior durability and a sleek, modern appearance that complements traditional designs.
They are available in various finishes and colors, allowing for customization while providing exceptional weather resistance and energy efficiency.
Metal and Glass Railings
Description of Metal and Glass Railings for Balconies and Patios: Modern updates to cape cod style homes often include the addition of metal and glass railings. These materials provide a contemporary look while ensuring safety and durability.
The combination of metal and glass creates a sleek, open feel that enhances the overall aesthetic of the home. Benefits of Using Glass for Unobstructed Views: Glass railings are particularly valued for their ability to offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
Whether overlooking a garden, a scenic vista, or a backyard, glass railings allow homeowners to enjoy the natural beauty around them without visual barriers. This feature is especially beneficial in enhancing the sense of space and connection with nature.
Combining Modern Elements with Traditional Exteriors: The integration of modern materials like metal and glass with traditional cedar shingles and stone accents exemplifies the successful blend of old and new in cape cod house designs. These elements work together to create a home that honors its historical roots while embracing contemporary design trends, resulting in a residence that is both timeless and forward-looking.
Window Design and Placement
Large, Modern Windows
Importance of Energy-Efficient, Large Windows in Modern Design: Energy-efficient, large windows are a crucial element in modern design, especially for homes with a classic Cape Cod aesthetic. These windows provide significant energy savings by reducing the need for artificial lighting and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures.
They are typically double or triple-glazed, offering excellent insulation to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer. This not only reduces energy bills but also contributes to a more comfortable living environment.
Placement Strategies for Maximizing Natural Light: Strategically placing large windows to maximize natural light is essential in any remodel. For a small Cape Cod style house, positioning windows on the southern and western facades ensures ample sunlight throughout the day.
This placement helps to brighten the interiors and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. In rooms where privacy is a concern, high windows or clerestory windows can be used to allow light in while maintaining privacy.
Visual and Functional Benefits of Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: Floor-to-ceiling windows offer numerous visual and functional benefits. They create an expansive view, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.
In a colonial cottage, these windows can enhance the sense of space, making rooms appear larger and more open. Functionally, they improve ventilation and provide an easy transition to outdoor living areas, making them ideal for patios and gardens.
Symmetrical Window Placement
Maintaining Balance and Proportion in Window Placement: Symmetrical window placement is a hallmark of Cape Cod house designs. This balance and proportion are crucial in maintaining the architectural integrity of the style.
In a new England colonial house, aligning windows symmetrically on either side of the front door creates a pleasing aesthetic. This symmetry extends to the upper floors, where windows are placed directly above those on the ground floor, maintaining a cohesive look.
Enhancing Symmetry in Cape Cod House Designs: Symmetry is not only visually appealing but also enhances the structural harmony of the house. It ensures that each side of the home mirrors the other, creating a balanced appearance.
In classic Cape Cod homes, this symmetry is often highlighted by shutters and trim, which frame the windows and add to the overall charm of the design.
Glass Doors
Role of Large Glass Doors in Indoor-Outdoor Living: Large glass doors play a significant role in promoting indoor-outdoor living. They provide easy access to patios, decks, and gardens, making outdoor spaces feel like a natural extension of the interior.
In a modern remodel, sliding or folding glass doors are popular choices, as they open up wide to create a seamless flow between inside and outside areas. This is particularly beneficial in homes with limited space, as it expands the living area and enhances usability.
Design and Framing Choices for a Cohesive Exterior Look: The design and framing of glass doors are crucial for a cohesive exterior look. Black or dark-colored frames can provide a striking contrast to the light-colored shingles and stone accents typical of Cape Cod architecture.
Alternatively, wood frames can blend seamlessly with traditional elements, maintaining a unified aesthetic. The choice of hardware and finishes also plays a role in tying together the overall design.
Dormer Windows
Adding Light and Space with Dormer Windows: Dormer windows are a classic feature of Cape Cod homes, adding both light and space to the upper floors. These windows project from the sloping roof, creating additional headroom and usable floor space in attic or loft areas.
They are particularly useful in small Cape Cod style houses, where maximizing every inch of space is essential. Design Details and Aesthetic Contributions of Dormers: The design of dormer windows can vary, but they often feature gable or shed roofs to complement the main roofline.
These windows not only provide practical benefits but also contribute to the home’s aesthetic. Dormers break up the roofline, adding visual interest and enhancing the home’s overall appearance.
They often feature the same siding and trim as the rest of the house, ensuring a cohesive look. Additionally, dormer windows can be adorned with shutters and flower boxes, adding charm and character to the home’s exterior.
Architectural Features
Steep Gable Roof
Signature Element of Cape Cod Architecture: The steep gable roof is a defining feature of Cape Cod architecture, characterized by its simple, yet striking silhouette. Originating in the early colonial period, this roof style is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The steep pitch of the roof is designed to shed snow and rain efficiently, preventing the accumulation of moisture that can lead to damage.
Practical Benefits and Aesthetic Appeal of Gable Roofs: The practical benefits of a steep gable roof extend beyond weather resistance. This design allows for better ventilation and more usable attic space, which can be converted into additional living areas.
The sharp angles of the roofline also contribute to the home’s classic and clean aesthetic, creating a visually appealing structure that stands out in any neighborhood. In a cape style house, the gable roof enhances the traditional look while providing modern benefits.
Protection and Durability Offered by Steep Roofs: Steep gable roofs are known for their durability. The angle of the roof helps to prevent water and snow build-up, reducing the risk of leaks and structural damage.
This makes the roof highly durable and long-lasting, ensuring that the home remains protected in various weather conditions. Additionally, the roof’s design allows for easy maintenance and repairs, contributing to the overall longevity of the cape cod style house.
Chimney Design
Functional and Visual Importance of Chimneys: Chimneys play a significant role in both the functionality and visual appeal of Cape Cod homes. Traditionally, chimneys were essential for heating, as they vented smoke from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.
Today, while their practical use may be less critical due to modern heating systems, they continue to serve as a charming architectural feature that adds character to a modern cape cod home.
Construction and Material Choices for Chimneys: The construction of a chimney involves careful selection of materials to ensure both durability and aesthetic harmony with the rest of the home. Brick and stone are commonly used, providing a solid and timeless look.
These materials are chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures and weather conditions. In a cape code beach house, the chimney often becomes a focal point, blending functionality with visual appeal.
Balconies and Porches
Design Considerations for Spacious Balconies and Porches: Balconies and porches are vital elements in enhancing the outdoor living experience of Cape Cod homes. When designing these spaces, it’s important to consider their size and placement to maximize usability and comfort.
Spacious balconies and porches provide areas for relaxation, socializing, and enjoying the outdoors. In a cape code homes, these spaces often overlook beautiful landscapes or gardens, offering a tranquil retreat.
Integration of Modern Railings and Traditional Elements: The integration of modern railings with traditional architectural elements creates a harmonious blend of old and new. Glass and metal railings are popular choices for their sleek appearance and ability to provide unobstructed views.
These contemporary materials contrast beautifully with the classic shingle siding and wooden trim of the house, creating a cohesive and stylish look.
Creating Inviting Outdoor Living Spaces: Creating inviting outdoor living spaces involves more than just adding furniture; it’s about designing areas that feel like extensions of the home. Comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and thoughtful landscaping all contribute to making balconies and porches welcoming and functional.
In a modern cape cod home, these outdoor spaces are designed to be used year-round, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.
Interior Design Highlights
From the exterior of a modern cape style house, certain interior design elements are immediately visible and contribute to the overall appeal. Large windows reveal glimpses of the carefully curated living spaces within.
The transparency provided by these expansive glass panes allows the warmth and sophistication of the interiors to extend outdoors, creating a harmonious connection between the inside and outside of the home.
A Cohesive Design from Exterior to Interior
Maintaining a cohesive design from exterior to interior is crucial in cape cod home design. The aesthetic principles that guide the exterior—such as the use of natural materials, symmetry, and classic lines—should seamlessly transition into the interior spaces.
This continuity ensures that the home feels unified and thoughtfully designed, enhancing both its visual appeal and functional harmony.
Living Room
Visibility Through Large Windows: The living room, often the heart of a traditional cape cod home, benefits greatly from large windows that allow natural light to flood the space. These windows not only brighten the room but also offer views of the surrounding landscape, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.
From the outside, passersby can catch sight of the cozy and welcoming living area, making the home appear even more inviting.
Modern Furnishings and Cozy Decor Elements: Inside, the living room features modern furnishings that blend comfort with style. Soft textiles, plush seating, and carefully selected decor elements create a space that feels both contemporary and warm.
The use of neutral tones, accented by natural materials like wood and stone, ties the interior design back to the exterior, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic throughout the modern cape style house.
Kitchen
Open Concept and Integration with Outdoor Spaces: The kitchen in a new england colonial style home is designed with an open concept, fostering a seamless flow between cooking, dining, and living areas. This layout not only maximizes space but also enhances social interaction and accessibility.
Large sliding glass doors often connect the kitchen to outdoor patios or decks, allowing for easy indoor-outdoor living and entertaining.
Modern Appliances and Minimalist Cabinetry: Equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, the kitchen combines functionality with sleek design. Minimalist cabinetry, often in shades of white or light grey, provides ample storage while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look.
This simplicity in design highlights the modern features of the space while complementing the more traditional elements found throughout the home.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Light and Space Enhancements with Modern Design: Bedrooms in small cape cod house designs are crafted to maximize light and space. Large windows and light-colored walls create an airy and open feel, making even compact rooms feel spacious.
Modern design elements, such as built-in wardrobes and streamlined furniture, help to maintain an uncluttered environment, contributing to a serene and restful atmosphere.
Spa-like Bathroom Features and Cozy Bedroom Decor: Bathrooms in these homes often feature spa-like amenities, such as walk-in showers, free-standing tubs, and luxurious finishes. These elements provide a touch of opulence and relaxation.
In the bedrooms, cozy decor elements like soft bedding, warm lighting, and personal touches ensure that these private spaces are inviting and comfortable. The blend of modern convenience and traditional charm in these areas exemplifies the thoughtful design that characterizes a well-executed cape cod home design.
Conclusion
Remodeled Cape Cod house exteriors embody a unique blend of beauty and functionality, marrying the timeless charm of traditional design with the sleek sophistication of modern updates. These homes retain their historical essence while embracing contemporary advancements, creating living spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly practical.
The appeal of a Cape Cod beach house lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while offering all the conveniences of modern living. The steep gable roofs, cedar shingle siding, and symmetrical facades are hallmark features that harken back to the 1920s Cape Cod style house, yet these elements are enhanced with energy-efficient windows, metal roofing, and modern outdoor living spaces.
This careful preservation of classic architectural details ensures that the remodeled homes remain true to their origins, while thoughtful updates provide improved comfort and efficiency.
Cape Code homes stand as testaments to the seamless integration of old and new. The use of traditional materials like natural stone and brick for foundations and chimneys, combined with contemporary elements such as large glass doors and minimalist railings, creates a harmonious exterior that appeals to both traditionalists and modernists.
These homes are not only visually striking but also structurally sound, capable of withstanding the test of time and weather.
One of the standout features of modern Cape Cod home design is the emphasis on natural light and open spaces. Large, energy-efficient windows and strategically placed glass doors allow sunlight to flood the interiors, creating bright and airy living areas that connect seamlessly with the outdoors.
This design philosophy not only enhances the visual appeal but also promotes a sense of well-being and harmony with nature.
In beautiful Cape Cod homes, the balance between traditional charm and modern sophistication is meticulously maintained. Exterior elements such as steep gable roofs and dormer windows are complemented by modern amenities like spacious patios, integrated outdoor lighting, and thoughtfully landscaped gardens.
These homes are designed to provide a tranquil retreat while accommodating the needs of contemporary lifestyles.
The Cape Cod colonial revival movement has further cemented the timeless appeal of these homes. By reinterpreting classic design elements with a modern twist, architects and designers have created spaces that honor the past while looking forward to the future.
This revival has brought renewed interest in Cape Cod house designs, demonstrating their enduring popularity and versatility.
In conclusion, the remodeled modern Cape Cod home stands as a shining example of how traditional design can be beautifully integrated with contemporary updates. These homes capture the essence of Cape Cod architecture while offering all the benefits of modern living.
They are a testament to the enduring appeal of Cape Cod homes, showcasing their ability to evolve and adapt without losing their inherent charm. By blending old and new, these homes provide a perfect balance of nostalgia and innovation, making them a timeless choice for homeowners seeking both beauty and functionality.
