Renvations Team
I. Introduction
Are you dreaming of a Cape Cod-style home? We don’t blame you! As one of the go-to classic American house styles, Cape Cod homes offer a timeless charm that has been around for centuries—and fortunately, there are plenty of ways to give your house a classic look with modern style.
The appeal of Cape Cod house living is easy to see: they’re cozy and efficient, showcasing a straightforward style that never goes out of fashion. Their steep roofs, dormers, and symmetrical façades bring together elements of the past with an updated look that allows owners to personalize their home without sacrificing esthetic.
Embracing this style esthetic requires more than just nailing down your façade—it also starts with incorporating design elements like low ceilings, narrow staircases and stairways, symmetrical layouts, neutral colors, and light woods that bring together the feel of your ocean-side retreat or suburban respite.
II. DIY Projects for Cape Cod House Style
DIY projects are the perfect way to decorate your Cape Cod-style home with a personal touch, drawing from the coastal influences of the home style.
For a nautical-inspired look, you might:
- Re-paint an old wooden boat paddle to hang on a wall
- Stack empty glass jars in the kitchen and use them as a decorative centerpiece
- Place tiny seashells in frames for creative wall art
You can also explore and create unique window treatments that fit this style. Consider giving curtains and blinds an original look by adding rope tiebacks and trim, or create woven panels with twine or jute. You can even use salvaged materials like shutter fragments to make custom window treatments!
If you’re feeling crafty, you might also take up cycling projects as an inspiration! Give everyday items a second life, such as transforming fence boards into headboards, staining an old bar into a storage unit with drawers, or hanging Mason jars from pieces of driftwood to make charming pendant lamps.
III. Cape Cod Decor Ideas
These styles are well-known for their coastal and beach-inspired accessories, so the good news is that embracing nautical vibes doesn’t need to break the bank. Whether it’s a gallery wall of driftwood collected on beach trips, woven wicker baskets that act as catchalls, or vintage lanterns to light up a porch—all these items can add a unique authenticity to your home.
You also want to consider color palettes that keep things light and airy. The palette should be neutral, made of whites and greys, and punctuated with a hint of blues and greens. Lighter tones will help reflect light in the space, giving the feeling of openness and airiness—which any Cape Cod fan will recognize.
And, of course, it’s essential to incorporate natural elements into your space. Nothing screams “Cape Cod,” like jute rugs, sea-inspired light fixtures, or driftwood furniture. Natural ingredients add warmth to a room while seamlessly blending into the decor, making them essential for completing the look.
IV. Cape Cod Cleaning Tips and Tricks
Caring for your Cape Cod-style home just got a lot easier: let’s look at some cleaning tips and tricks to help you keep it looking immaculate!
A. Eco-friendly Cleaning Solutions
Keeping the environment in mind, eco-friendly cleaning solutions are the way to go. Natural cleaning options like lemon juice, vinegar, and essential oils can be used for tricky cleaning problems. This is another excellent way to be mindful of your home and the planet.
B. Caring for Wood Surfaces
Wood surfaces are a significant component of the Cape Cod-style home; they cover everything from kitchen countertops to floors, doors, and cabinets. Regular dusting is vital for wood surfaces; occasionally, use polish or wax on wood surfaces to keep them looking pristine.
C. Seasonal Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular seasonal cleaning and maintenance are essential with a Cape Cod house-style home like any other. Keep up with your repairs seasonally; for example, ensure that all gutters are cleared during spring/fall months and inspect chimneys/flues in advance of winter months as well as air conditioners before summer months arrive so you can maintain optimal comfort throughout each season!
V. Furniture Selection for this Style
Staying true to its classic and timeless roots is essential when choosing furniture for your Cape Cod home style. This style’s beauty lies in its enduring appeal, so you’ll want to be careful not to make any choices that will look dated in a few years.
Simultaneously, don’t be afraid to mix cottage and coastal styles for a more modern feel. Play with a patterned rug or some bright textiles that bring an updated touch without overwhelming the cozy atmosphere you’ve created.
As for seating options? Choose something both comfortable and inviting. Depending on the size of your space, a plush sofa or armchairs could instantly warm up the room—and if you need more seating, make sure you go with quality pieces built to last. Wooden arms or tufted fabrics can give off a rustic vibe with a hint of sophistication.
VI. Cape Cod Appliances to Enhance Your Space
Regarding Cape Cod style, you need some essential appliances to update your space. You can choose energy-efficient and compact options, such as a refrigerator or range. These will help save you money and keep your kitchen stylish while providing the necessary functionality.
You’ll also want to consider adding some Cape Cod-style dishwashers, ovens, and microwaves. These will help make your cooking and baking easier and faster without sacrificing any charms of a traditional Cape Cod kitchen.
Finally, don’t forget to integrate modern technology into your space. Consider adding touchless faucets, Bluetooth-enabled appliances, or even voice-activated devices for convenience and ease of use. Your area will be functional and beautiful with the right combination of instruments!
VII. Organizing Your Cape Cod House
Most of us struggle to keep our homes organized and clutter-free. But with the Cape Cod home style, you can do a few things to make it easier. Take advantage of this classic house style’s unique space-saving storage solutions.
For instance, built-in cabinets are great for organizing towels, bedding, and other unused items. They’ll also help prevent your walls from looking cluttered with plastic boxes or hanging baskets—a ubiquitous sight in this style. Want to neaten up your kitchen? Consider swapping out shallow cabinets for deep drawers that can store all sorts of kitchenware.
When maximizing small living areas, try sorting and decluttering regularly. This will instantly give the illusion of more room space—a trick often employed by interior designers. And lastly, take advantage of natural vertical storage solutions like shelves or wall hooks to display art pieces or photos while keeping your possessions out of sight.
Following the tips above, you can easily organize your Cape Cod home and give off an inviting look without compromising its classic style!
VIII. Cape Cod Renovations and Upgrades
Regarding this style, you have plenty of choices regarding renovations and upgrades. From preserving the classic charm of the class to strategic projects that will increase the value of your home, there are plenty of options.
Preserving the Cape Cod Charm
Fortunately, much of what makes a Cape Cod-style home unique is part of its design and can be preserved through intelligent renovation projects. The symmetrical architectural layout and deep rooflines are vital to maintaining the classic charm. Other visually appealing elements like cedar shingles and coastal colors can add character to the look.
Renovation Projects That Increase Value
If you’re looking for a good investment return, look no further than strategic renovations that will increase your home’s value. Many DIY projects can improve your home’s energy efficiency, so consider updates like better insulation or LED light fixtures. Adding unique details like a designer kitchen island or a cozy outdoor patio can also upgrade the overall appeal of your Cape Cod-style house without breaking the bank.
Budget-Friendly Improvements for a Fresh Look
You don’t need to break out the sledgehammer to refresh your home’s look—you have to get creative! As long as you remember that less is more (especially with coastal interiors), there are plenty of budget-friendly improvements you can do yourself. For example, you can paint existing furniture pieces with fresh colors and patterns, switch up cabinet knobs for something unique, or get creative with wallpaper accents in coastal blues and whites.
IX. Cape Cod House Design Ideas
Are you interested in adding some traditional Cape Cod flair to your home? Here are a few fantastic ideas to get you started.
Open-concept living spaces
Open-concept living spaces are perfect for creating light-filled, larger-than-life areas. Incorporating an open kitchen and dining area, plus minimal walls and accents that nod towards traditional Cape Cod style, gives the home a cozy yet airy feel.
Cozy and calming bedrooms
Bedrooms should be tranquil havens that help you relax after a long day’s work. Soft blues and whites will add just the right touch of sophistication to the bedroom. Add rustic accents like wooden bed frames, shiplap walls, and white-washed furniture for a more laid-back look.
Outdoor living areas for relaxation
Cape Cod is known for its breathtaking coastline; take advantage of this unique setting by creating an outdoor living area that focuses on simplicity. Think throw pillows, hammocks, planter boxes filled with flowers and plants, and Adirondack chairs—and don’t forget twinkly lights to create a relaxed atmosphere in the evening.
X. Cost Guide for Cape Cod House Style Living
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this style. In this section, we’ll cover costs associated with renovations and remodeling, Budgeting for furniture and decor, and saving on appliances and energy expenses.
A. Estimating renovation and remodeling costs
Renovating or remodeling a Cape Cod home isn’t cheap, but it is doable if you plan and budget correctly. When estimating costs, it’s best to get professional estimates from contractors to ensure you’re not overspending. In general, here are a few things to factor into your renovation/remodel budget:
- Design – draw up a design plan with a contractor or architect that outlines materials and labor
- Materials – how much wood, paint, and wallcoverings do you need? Compare prices from different stores
- Delivery – how long will it take to complete the job? Get quotes from reputable contractors and check for licenses/certifications
- Finishing touches – don’t forget about landscape work (like drainage or paving), hardware fixtures (like sinks or tubs), or other accessories that you want to add in
B. Budgeting for furniture and decor
Once the renovation/remodel is complete, you’ve got to start thinking about furniture, plus any unique decor pieces you might want to include in your home design. Here are some tips on shopping around with an eye toward Budgeting:
- Look for deals – shop at places like flea markets, antique stores, auctions, or thrift stores for classic pieces at great prices
- DIY whenever possible – instead of buying something
XI. Conclusion
The Cape Cod home style creates a tranquil, inviting, and timeless space. From traditional furnishings and cozy colors to relaxed details and natural elements, embracing the Cape Cod house lifestyle is easy. Plus, you can use this guide as inspiration to create the perfect Cape Cod-style home.
You have everything you need to make your Cape Cod house-style dreams come true! So go out there and start building the perfect Cape Cod lifestyle for you and your family. Have fun, be creative, and enjoy this timeless design that will bring warmth, comfort, and joy.
