Cape Cod style homes are a classic and timeless architectural design that exudes simplicity and charm. Originating in the 17th century, these homes have become increasingly popular for their coastal, New England appeal.
If you’re looking to decorate a Cape Cod style home, it’s important to embrace its traditional elements while incorporating modern touches. From choosing the right colors to furniture and decor options, this article will guide you through the process of creating a beautiful and inviting space that stays true to the essence of Cape Cod style.
The characteristics of a Cape Cod style home include symmetrical design, steep roofs, dormer windows, and cedar shingles – all reminiscent of its colonial roots. But when it comes to interior decoration, there are key elements such as light, airy colors, natural materials like wood and wicker, coastal-inspired decor elements, and an emphasis on maximizing natural light that truly capture the essence of this architectural style.
In this article, we’ll delve into the different aspects of decorating a Cape Cod style home – from choosing colors that complement the architecture to embracing natural light and creating cozy spaces. Whether you’re renovating an existing home or starting from scratch with a new build, these tips will help you achieve the perfect balance of tradition and contemporary comfort in your Cape Cod style dwelling.
Choosing Colors for a Cape Cod Style Home
When it comes to decorating a Cape Cod style home, choosing the right colors is essential in capturing the essence of this classic architectural style. The interior and exterior color palette should reflect the simplicity and coastal charm that defines Cape Cod homes.
Importance of Light, Airy Colors
One of the key characteristics of Cape Cod style is its light, airy feel. As such, it’s important to choose colors that create a sense of openness and brightness. Opt for soft whites, pale blues, pastel greens, and muted grays for walls and trim. These light colors will help make rooms feel spacious and inviting while also reflecting the natural light that is abundant in coastal areas.
Use of Nautical and Beach-Inspired Color Palettes
To further enhance the Cape Cod aesthetic, consider incorporating nautical and beach-inspired color palettes into your home decor. Coastal blues, sandy beiges, watery greens, and sunny yellows can add warmth and character to the space. These colors evoke the seaside surroundings that are synonymous with Cape Cod living.
Examples of Paint Colors That Complement Cape Cod Style
Some popular paint colors that work well in Cape Cod style homes include Benjamin Moore’s “Simply White”, Sherwin Williams’ “Sea Salt”, Farrow & Ball’s “Light Blue”, and Behr’s “Watery”. These hues not only complement the architectural elements of a Cape Cod home but also create a fresh and relaxing atmosphere throughout the interior spaces. By selecting these shades for both interiors and exteriors, homeowners can achieve a cohesive look that embodies the timeless appeal of Cape Cod style.
Furniture and Decor for Cape Cod Style
When decorating a Cape Cod style home, it’s important to choose furniture and decor that complements the simple and charming aesthetic of this classic architectural style. The emphasis on functionality and comfort allows for a cozy and inviting interior that reflects the coastal vibes of Cape Cod.
Here are some key considerations for choosing furniture and decor for a Cape Cod style home:
- Emphasis on simplicity: Select furniture that is simple in design and functional in purpose. Look for clean lines, understated details, and comfortable seating options that create a relaxed atmosphere in each room.
- Natural materials: Incorporate natural materials like wood and wicker to bring a touch of the outdoors inside. Opt for wooden furniture pieces with a distressed or weathered finish for a rustic coastal look, and add woven wicker accents for texture.
- Coastal-inspired decor elements: Enhance the beachy feel of your Cape Cod style home with coastal-inspired decor elements such as seashells, driftwood, and nautical accents. Display collected beach treasures like shells and sea glass in clear glass jars or bowls as decorative accents throughout your home.
By incorporating these key elements into your furniture and decor choices, you can enhance the authentic Cape Cod style of your home while creating a welcoming and relaxing ambiance for family and guests alike.
Embracing Natural Light
When decorating a Cape Cod style home, maximizing natural light is essential to capturing the classic charm and inviting atmosphere of this architectural style. The emphasis on simplicity and functionality in Cape Cod homes is complemented by the use of ample natural light, creating a bright and airy interior space that reflects the coastal surroundings.
To achieve this, it’s important to choose window treatments that allow light to filter through while still maintaining privacy. Sheer curtains or lightweight fabric blinds are popular choices for Cape Cod style homes, as they soften the natural light without blocking it out completely.
In addition to choosing the right window treatments, incorporating mirrors into your decor can further enhance the light and create a sense of space within your home. Mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light, making rooms appear larger and brighter. Strategically placing mirrors across from windows or other sources of light can help illuminate darker corners and add an extra layer of visual interest to your interior design.
By embracing natural light in your Cape Cod style home, you can showcase the simple elegance and timeless appeal of this classic architectural style. Whether you’re renovating an existing property or building a new home, maximizing natural light through thoughtful design choices can help you create a welcoming and comfortable living space that captures the essence of Cape Cod living.
Flooring and Textures
When decorating a Cape Cod style home, the choice of flooring and textures plays a crucial role in achieving the desired coastal look and feel. Here are some key elements to consider when it comes to flooring and textures for your Cape Cod style home:
- Use of wide-plank hardwood floors: One of the defining features of a Cape Cod style home is the use of wide-plank hardwood floors. This type of flooring adds warmth, character, and a sense of history to the space. Opt for light or medium-toned wood floors to create an airy and relaxed atmosphere.
- Incorporating natural fibers like sisal and jute for rugs and textiles: To enhance the coastal aesthetic of your home, consider incorporating natural fiber rugs made from materials like sisal and jute. These types of rugs add texture, visual interest, and a relaxed vibe to the interior space.
- Textured elements like beadboard paneling and shiplap walls: When it comes to creating authentic Cape Cod style interiors, textured wall treatments such as beadboard paneling and shiplap walls are essential. These architectural details not only add visual appeal but also contribute to the casual and inviting nature of Cape Cod style homes.
In addition to these flooring and texture elements, it’s important to note that embracing a mix of textures throughout the decor can further enhance the overall look and feel of a Cape Cod style home. By integrating various textures such as wood, rattan, linen, and cotton, you can create a harmonious and cohesive design scheme that reflects the timeless charm of this classic architectural style.
Creating Cozy Spaces
When decorating a Cape Cod style home, creating cozy spaces is essential to capturing the classic charm of this architectural style. One key element in achieving a cozy atmosphere is the incorporation of comfortable seating areas with overstuffed sofas and chairs. These pieces should not only be inviting but also blend seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of the home. Opt for furniture with clean lines and simple designs that evoke a sense of comfort and relaxation.
In addition to the right furniture, adding throw blankets, pillows, and area rugs can significantly enhance the warmth and coziness of a space. Consider using textiles with nautical or coastal-inspired patterns or textures to tie in with the overall theme of the home. This approach allows for both comfort and continuity in design throughout the living areas.
Lastly, consider adding a fireplace or wood stove as a focal point in one or more rooms. Not only will this create a cozy ambiance, but it will also provide functional warmth during colder months. A well-placed fireplace can become the heart of a room, bringing family and friends together in a comfortable setting.
| Color Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Sea Salt | A soft green-gray color reminiscent of beach glass |
| Hale Navy | A rich, deep blue that evokes images of the ocean |
| Simply White | A crisp white shade that complements the clean lines of Cape Cod architecture |
Incorporating Nautical and Beach Elements
When decorating a Cape Cod style home, incorporating nautical and beach elements can really enhance the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the space. These elements work to underscore the coastal charm that is characteristic of this architectural style, bringing in a sense of relaxation and tranquility. To achieve this look, consider incorporating anchor, rope, and sailboat motifs into your decor.
These can be featured in artwork, throw pillows, or even as part of decorative accessories throughout the home. By doing so, you can create a cohesive theme that ties the entire space together.
In addition to motifs, consider using coastal artwork, maps, and vintage nautical items to further enhance the beach-inspired elements within your decor. Maps of Cape Cod or other coastal regions can serve as both decorative pieces as well as conversation starters for guests.
Similarly, vintage nautical items such as compasses or ship wheels can add a touch of history and character to your space. Coastal artwork featuring seascapes or beach scenes will also help create a sense of place within your home.
Finally, don’t forget about natural treasures such as seashells, starfish, and driftwood. These beachcombing finds make for excellent decorative accents and can be displayed in glass jars or bowls as part of your overall decor scheme.
Not only do these elements add visual interest to your space but also serve as lovely reminders of time spent at the beach. By incorporating these nautical and beach elements into your Cape Cod style home decor, you can create a welcoming and relaxing environment that truly captures the essence of coastal living.
Tips for Exterior Decor
Creating Curb Appeal
When it comes to Cape Cod style homes, curb appeal plays a crucial role in making a lasting impression. To enhance the exterior of your home, consider incorporating traditional New England elements like window boxes filled with colorful flowers, and a charming picket fence. Make sure to choose landscaping and outdoor decor that complements the home’s coastal vibe, such as beach grasses, hydrangeas, and other native plants.
Embracing Coastal Vibes
In keeping with the Cape Cod style, embracing coastal vibes on the exterior of your home is essential. Consider adding nautical elements such as anchor motifs or vintage maritime items to add character and charm to your outdoor space. Incorporating elements like driftwood accents or using colors inspired by the sea can also contribute to creating a cohesive and inviting exterior aesthetic.
Maintaining Simplicity
One of the key characteristics of Cape Cod style homes is their simplicity. When decorating the exterior of your home, it’s important to maintain this simplicity by avoiding overly ornate or flashy decor. Opt for classic and timeless pieces that enhance the architectural style rather than overshadowing it. Additionally, using a neutral color palette for the exterior of your home will further emphasize its understated elegance while allowing natural elements to take center stage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, decorating a Cape Cod style home involves embracing the simplicity and charm of this classic architectural style. From choosing light, airy colors to incorporating coastal-inspired decor elements, there are several key elements to keep in mind when decorating a home in this style. Embracing natural light, using nautical and beach elements, and creating cozy spaces with comfortable seating are all important aspects of achieving the quintessential Cape Cod style.
When it comes to furniture and decor, simplicity and functionality are key. Incorporating natural materials like wood and wicker, as well as coastal-inspired elements such as seashells and nautical accents, can enhance the overall aesthetic of the home. Maximizing natural light through window treatments and mirrors, along with choosing appropriate flooring and textures, also play a significant role in capturing the essence of Cape Cod style.
Overall, decorating a Cape Cod style home is about creating a warm and inviting space that reflects the coastal vibe of traditional New England architecture. By paying attention to details such as exterior decor, landscaping, and curb appeal, homeowners can fully capture the timeless appeal of this beloved architectural style.
Whether it’s through incorporating nautical motifs or choosing the right paint colors, embracing the character of a Cape Cod style home is sure to result in a charming and welcoming living space for all who enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Decorate a Cape Cod House?
Decorating a Cape Cod house typically involves using a color palette inspired by the coastal surroundings, such as whites, blues, and soft grays. Incorporating natural materials like wood and wicker furniture can also enhance the Cape Cod aesthetic.
Nautical elements like anchors, ropes, and seashells can be used as decorative accents. It’s important to keep the design simple and fresh, with a focus on open spaces and plenty of natural light.
What Is the Best Color for a Cape Cod Style House?
The best color for a Cape Cod style house is often a crisp white or light gray for the exterior to evoke the classic seaside cottage look. This color choice complements the traditional cedar shingle siding commonly found on Cape Cod houses.
Additionally, adding blue accents like shutters or doors can create a striking contrast against the white or gray exterior, further enhancing the home’s coastal charm.
What Makes a House Cape Cod Style?
Several architectural features make a house Cape Cod style, including steep roofs with side gables, dormer windows for added light and ventilation on the upper level, and simple symmetrical designs both inside and outside the home. Typically constructed from natural materials such as wood siding or shingles, Cape Cod homes often feature wide central chimneys and cozy fireplaces.
These homes also tend to have a welcoming front porch that enhances their traditional Americana appeal.
Hello, lovely readers! I’m Sheila Collins, and I’m delighted to be your trusted guide on this exciting journey of home improvement, design, and lifestyle. As the founder and editor-in-chief of Home Guide Blog, I’m passionate about all things related to homes, and I’m here to share my knowledge, experiences, and insights with you.
